Kubotans: What & How

Have you ever been told to put your keys between your fingers for self-defense? Have you ever experienced how uncomfortable that can actually be? However, violent crimes are going to happen, and it’s necessary to think about and to plan for the unpleasant realities that exist in the world.

Many people suffer from Normalcy Bias, otherwise known as the Ostrich Effect. It’s usually accompanied by a “that’ll never happen to me” attitude, but attacks can happen any place, anytime, and to anyone without warning. Sometimes, the best self-defense tool is the one you have on you when you need it. The benefits of learning to use your keys are:

• They’re common, everyday items that most people carry regularly.
• They don’t attract a lot of attention, and you’re able to hide them in plain sight.
• Keys are legal to carry everywhere you go.
• They’re an ideal improvised tool for self-defense that’s easy to use.

Similarly, self-defense keychains are:

• Simplistic.
• Discreet—usually nothing fancy.
• Legal to carry (in most places).
• Practical self-defense tools, especially for women.
• Easier to use than keys.
• Gentler on your hands.

So, What Is a Kubotan?

Thought of by Soke Takayuki Kubota, it’s basically a mini baton that can be used for stabbing, or for pressure points. A kubotan is usually 4–6 inches long with a 1/2-inch diameter, and they’re generally made of hard materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.

Where to Aim

• Eyes
• Face
• Throat
• Armpits
• Stomach
• Inside of the elbow
• Ribs
• Kidneys
• Groin
• Thigh

How to Use a Kubotan

• Ice Pick Grip – Imagine a serial killer with a knife. This grip can also be used to harden your punch.
• Wolverine / Tiger Claw – Placed between the fingers, this is used to scratch or slice at an attacker.
• Lapel Grabs – Stab, kick, run. You can use various grips for this.
• Bear Hugs – Aim for the inside of the elbow, or for the back of the hands.

All of the techniques for using a kubotan can be applied to:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Knitting needles
• Crochet hooks
• Metal straws
• Lollipop sticks, especially plastic ones
• The right kind of stick

Another thing to consider is accessibility. If you don’t carry your keys or self-defense keychain in your hand, ready to go, how fast can you get to them when you need them?