kubotan keyring

[MenteReligieuse]

Anyone have links or knows how to use a kubotan keyring? Just heard about this LEGAL self defense tool and I wanna know how it works before I get myself one.

[White Warlock]

just grab a sturdy pen and keep it in your pocket. The kubotan is a gimmick.

[MenteReligieuse]

It is pretty self evident how to strike with a kobutan (or pen), but I heard it could help for joint locks and stuff...how?

[tommarker]

Ooh! You've touched on one of my favorite topics!

 

The Kubaton is the name of a copyrighted device and system for using that device developed by Tak Kubota in the 70s. His system focuses quite a bit on restraints, come-alongs and pain compliance for law enforcement officers.

 

You will also see the device called more generically "yawara" or the related "chizukenbo" or "koppo" stick. I personally prefer the chizukenbo/koppo stick, as there is a very handy loop for keeping the stick in your hand.

 

In locking, one can use the end to jam into the wrist or elbow to add "pain compliance" to your technique. It also will ramp up the force behind a finger lock, especially if you carry a stick that has been flattened on one end.

 

You can pinch skin between the stick and your thumb. If you think this is ineffective, grab yourself by the lip or ear and try it!

 

Personally, I prefer the striking applications, as they are more reliable. However, those who are already good at locking will find that this device will significantly increase the power you can leverage on an opponent. Some people just don't respond to this stuff though, which is why it is always good to have a strike-intensive backup plan

 

As for improvised weapons, you cannot beat a good pen. Very popular for such purposes are Fisher space pens, and my personal favorite is one of the extra fat Sharpie pens. These can go where a "ninja keychain" may normally be confiscated.

 

Even better is a small flashlight, such as a streamlight, surefire or even a mini maglite. Now you can see in the dark, and whack baddies, too

 

I highly suggest checking out this man's entire site, but these articles in particular.

 

http://www.donrearic.com/yawara.html

 

http://www.donrearic.com/koppostick.html

 

http://www.donrearic.com/koppostick2.html

[tommarker]

An old manual that has been scanned in:

 

http://www.yawara.com/Yawast1.html

[Shorinryu Sensei]

I've been carrying a kubotan keyring for over 20 years and have used it a few times for self-defense or restraint while working security or as a bouncer. As tommarker said, I also prefer the striking over the leverage techniques, although I have used those also..but they are harder to apply. Striking specific pouibnts, such as under the jawbone or in the lower throat are quite effective. A pen or similar object works just as well for that application also, but a pen doesn't have the body strength to do many joint locks.

 

I haven't flown since 9/11, and the kubotan keyring that I use mostly (I have 3 of them) is made of wood. I don't know if they'd let me on a plane with it or not.

[tommarker]

Yes, it would have to be a STURDY pen, especially for locks. If you're just looking to spear someone in the throat, I'm sure a bic pen will get you through the moment

 

I saw a good picture in my Kubaton book this morning that I wanted to share. When restraining from behind, come in like you're going to do a rear headlock choke, but instead, come in underneath their arm instead of over the shoulder. plant the kubaton tip first into the pectoral muscle on the opposite side. use your opposite hand to reinforce and press down and in. I believe the word is "OW!"

 

I think the kubaton is on the list of banned items, but one of those 2AA Maglites isn't. Just about the perfect size and is perfectly utilitarian.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Actually, I'm waiting now for my security cleance to go through (2 more weeks or so), and hopefully get a job at the local airport working for the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration)...a part of Homeland Security. One of the parts of the job is to look for weapons...so I'm sure I"ll be taught what is legal to carry, and what isn't.

[tommarker]

Good luck with that... Competent people at the airport is always a bonus. Not that we have too many terrorists in Missoula...

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Good luck with that... Competent people at the airport is always a bonus. Not that we have too many terrorists in Missoula...

 

Kalispell actually. And that's because we changed the normal Cowboy and Indian to Cowboy and Terrorist over this way.