Kubotan – The Self Defense Keyring
The Kubotan is a self-defense tool designed by a Japanese man by the name of Takayuki Kubota. It was developed as a self-defense device (I’m intentionally avoiding the word weapon) for use by police officers in Japan, often for riot control. You can learn the basics of using a Kubotan very quickly, and do not need to be an expert martial artist to use one.
The Kubotan is a short stick of about 6 inches or 15 centimetres in length. It can be made from plastic, metal or wood; with ridges along the middle; and a flat, rounded or pointed tip at one end. It usually has a hole at the other end for a keyring. Kubotans are used to amplify pain on nerve points without causing permanent damage to an assailant. Applying pressure with the Kubotan as a tool on certain points on the body allows you to control an attacked to aid your escape from a dangerous situation.
Kubotans are easy to obtain, and are not illegal to own or carry (as a keyring) in most countries. However, technically it is a weapon, so it is worth checking the laws in your country. There are variations that double as a torch or other useful devices, and therefore less likely to attract the wrong attention from law enforcement agencies.
I strongly suggest completing a training course to use a Kubotan rather than use a book so that you receive proper tuition and don’t damage yourself or someone else. And again, do check the law in your country if you intend to carry one of these. It’s better to not get on the wrong side of the law!
I agree that kubotans should be classified as a weapon. They can also be effective with a built in – replaceable pepper spray cannister. The pepper spray can immobilize your attacker and you can take it from there. But again, as stated in your article, it is truly wise to get training in the proper use of the kubotan.
The kubotan with pepper spray provides low profile, yet devastatingly effective aerosol pepper spray protection against attack.
The Pepper Mace Baton is a highly effective product that can increase your safety wherever you go. However, this kubotan is only a part of a complete plan for protecting yourself against physical attack.
Being aware of your surroundings, using common sense and projecting the right attitude are also important to your well-being. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable, act on it. Become a safety conscious person. Have your pepper baton ready to use wherever you sense the need. There’s no substitute for being prepared.
I completely agree that being aware of your surroundings is one of the best defences from hostile situations. This is something taught to you by any decent martial art class (which depends on the teacher, not the actual martial art).
I would recommend a good self-defence class to anyone. You learn the most effective basics.
The kubotan is only effective if you know how to use it. I would say that a pepper spray can is a little too large to use as a kubotan in most cases, but can come in useful. Using a small maglight torch would be a better bet. But it wouldn’t hurt (you) to have both on you!
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I’ve carried a kubotan for years, I now use a ledlenser pen light, same dimentions as my kubotan, it has a marvellous little bobble on the lanyard end for those nerve points. You can keep it in the hand and not look aggressive, then truly surprise those that try to impose their misguided opinions on the distribution of wealth. I even took mine to the USA on an American Airways jet, it went in the tray, got xrayed, had a security chap take the batteries out to check it, and handed it back. I am doing my 4th dan in ju jitsu this year and I have to demonstrate/teach at the big annual seminar, and it is the use of the kubotan I will be teaching. It is neither made nor adapted as a weapon and therefore perfectly legal. If you live somewhere kubotans are illegal, buy the torch or a marker pen, ther’re just as effective.
[...] avoiding the word weapon for use by police officers in Japan, often for riot control. You can leahttp://www.spyreview.co.uk/2007/03/07/kubotan-the-self-defense-keyring/Kerosene-soaked man dies after lighting up in Japanese police …A Japanese man who had doused [...]
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I now carry a Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen. £27.00 in the UK and it penetrates kevlar vests!!!! I still have the ledlenser torch, and have used it very effectively against some drunken rabble this summer.
[...] will however stand trial over claims that the police who arrested him found him in possession of a Kubotan keyring weapon. Sporting a new grey goatee beard and wearing a grey suit, Day dodged questions as he [...]
Good information. Pepper Batons make great self defense weapons.
Yup, seems like Darren Day just got in a lot of trouble for carrying one.
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I think if you have an inconspicuous looking kubotan the law would have a hard time proving it was carried for attack.
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