It takes years to master cane fighting like Hernandez or Shuey, but they say they can teach a senior several crucial moves in an hour. Perhaps more importantly, though, it gives them confidence that can help them escape a dangerous situation.

I'm tentatively supportive of this (because I do so love it when they fight back), but confidence should always be directly proportional to competence or you're asking for a rather surprised look on your face as you die.