Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Kubotan: Big Self Defense...Small Size

By R. G. Hinson

Have you ever been in a situation where a small and easy to hide weapon of self-defense could have helped to avoid injury, or do you know someone who has? If that's true, you're not the only one. Pepper spray, of course, can help to discourage an attacker, but attackers have also come to expect pepper spray and can defend themselves against it, thus thwarting its effectiveness.

Here is something that has more of a punch and is legal in most states. It's called a Kubotan. This little weapon of defense is small discreet and it can come as a key-chain. So there isn't any digging into a purse to find it. Giving you the precious time to protect yourself.

The Kubotan was first used by the LAPD after the Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota introduced them to it in the 1970's. It proved to be very useful against uncooperative prisoners. Eventually it spread out to the civilians for self-defense. Why it is so effective is that it looks like an over-sized key chain ornament. When in fact, the end is used on the pressure points on where a finger normal would be used. It is also effective to be used on the bony parts of the body say, a forearm. However where ever you hit, ladies it is going to hurt.

Kubotans are considered to be nonlethal, but check state laws before you use this weapon. Using it may earn your charge of felony assault if you are not careful and use it in a state where it's not legal.

The another great thing about this weapon of self-defense is that you don't need a background in martial arts to use it. But having a background in self-defense is advisable. This self-defense key-chain is used as basically as a tool for inflicting pain. It can be used to dig into sensitive areas, striking or applying crushing pressure on bony areas. It will at least allow you to hold your own against an attacker. Even though this weapon takes little to no training; to be really effective with it, it is advisable to get training in basic self-defense.

The Kubotan is usually five to six inches long and is made of wood, plastic or metal. Shaped like a tube, it has a taped or flat end. It helps to "reinforce" your fist so that you won't break your hand if you have to defend yourself by punching.

Have a look at the following situation to see how useful it can be to you.

You are walking home late one night. Some one approaches you. As you go to pass he makes a grab for you. Using the Kubotan allows you to deliver a painful blow to his hand. Or even if the first attempt doesn't deter him and he kicks at you, his leg meets a side-fisted blow with the Kubotan instead. This could disable his leg.

It's very easy to learn how to use the Kubotan, and you can do so quickly. It's also inexpensive, costing just five to six dollars.

This small weapon of defense gives a small defender an advantage with someone bigger. Remember the old saying of, " the bigger they are, the harder they fall." It gives the element of surprise as well. The attacker will not see it coming.

Remember to check with your state on whether it is on the "prohibited" list. If it is, it is easily substituted with an every day item.

The next time you find yourself in a situation whereby you have to defend yourself against a physical attacker, perhaps the Kubotan can help you do just that.

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