Kubaton Anyone?

Status
Not open for further replies.
For anyone who is interested my dojo is hosting a Kubaton Instructors Course for Security/ LE on WED 22OCT03 0800=1600 hrs. Non security/LE/MIL will be accepted on a case by case basis. This is not because it is anything double top secret but because we want to keep a consistant theme in the class. Contact me at [email protected] for more info. Reddragonjujitsu.com. I would be happy to e-mail a flyer. We are two minutes of Rt 95 in Havre De Grace MD.
 
not one of those people can say the name right, much less...
Click to expand...
:p ethymology 101 anyone? This is good fun. ;)

What I practice most in karate these days is trapping, grappling and very close range striking in the framework of kata bunkai - a lot of that stuff works very well with a kubotan in hand. In kobujutsu I do tekko practice, some of that handiwork also translates to this and the distancing/angles/footwork principles certainly do. With a couple of extra key rings, some grippable keys, voilá, instant miniature nunchaku.

Of course I've also gone through Takayuki Kubota's (sp! ;) ) books to understand whence the implement comes. Some of his own pain compliance technique I can adapt very well, a lot of his style otherwise I can't.

I used to carry an aluminum one a lot, lost it :banghead: , now I'm with the Mini Mag-Lite crowd, oftentimes also with a Victorinox Tool for added weight ... it would be a good idea to get a plastic one too, for any metal detector -infested events.

What I never would do is hang any keys that fit anything in my life to a kubotan. It seems that in a lot of cases it's a very viable option to discard the tool in the middle of the technique; something you don't want to do with anything of significant value as such (nor with any actual weapon that your opponent likely could turn against you). Think about the implications.
 
What I never would do is hang any keys that fit anything in my life to a kubotan
Click to expand...
A key should be attached to some kind of ring or holder. A stick works real good as a key ring. So does OC spray.

Considering it's a good habit to have a car key in hand before you get to the car, it's probably better to have a stick or OC in your hand than a furry rabbit's foot.

That's assuming there's no good rabbit's foot self defence technique.
Also due to safety issues, it's not a good idea to hang a gun from your car key. :D

Using a koppo stick improves retention, keeping a spare in your wallet reduces worry. :)

Larry
 
In resurrecting this old thread, I have been a kubotan user for a couple of decades now and used to be an instructor.

Given the new security emphasis in airports and governmental buildings (I am often in government buildings on business), I have discovered my Choate nylon fiber kubotans, Streamlight batonlite and my old Model 2 Persuaders usually don't pass the security screen.

I had tried a mini-maglite (2 AA) but found it a bit heavy. I am currently using one of two flashlights as a kubotan: the Pelican MityLite 3N LED and the Streamlight Pro Polymer 3N. Both of them are roughly the same dimensions as a kubotan, are much lighter than the mini-maglite, are very tough plastic and readily pass the security screen. I deliberately bought each flashlight in a bright neon yellow color which facilitates going through the screen and helps to locate the keys, too. Both of these cost around $ 15-17, depending on where you find them.

The only drawback is that N cells can be somewhat expensive and more difficult to find compared to AAA or AA cells. I located a source of rechargeable N cells and adaptors that allow me to charge the N cells in a AA charger. I swap out the cells every two weeks and find they keep a good charge over that time.

The key of course, is knowing how to use it. I roll my eyes at the people who only use the kubotan as a key flail. Better than nothing perhaps, but nothing beats a good joint lock on the wrist or a come along on the earlobe!

PS: I forgot to mention that one of my favorite kubotans of all time were the old ASP 9" expanding baton in aluminum. Very light weight and you had the option of flipping it out to 9" in length. I think they called it the defender, or something like that. I have often thought that ASP or someone else should resurrect that. This still would not pass contemporary security screens, but I hadn't thought of my old ASP kubotans in some time.
 
Concur. As a key flail it's almost worthless. Sure you can flail away, but does anyone really think it'll keep the bad guy back? It's best used to apply against pressure point.
 
I carried a kubaton for about ten years and then switched to a Streamlight BatonLite.
I worked in I rarely ever had anyone question it on duty

Its just a key ring !!!.lol
 
Almost anything works as a pocket stick!

I carry a Streamlight Batonlite in one pocket and a (sadly discontinued) Cold Steel Twistmaster in the other. I think the Twistmaster would hurt more, as the lock ring edge has a hard, 90-degree corner on it! Opinels are another knife that would work as a pocket stick. I also have a Stylus 3 flashlight in a shirt pocket.

Other objects that can be used include:
hair brushes
tooth brushes (the ergonomic ones)
sturdy pens
short, metal rulers (ouch!)
small metal files
center punches
scratch awls (look like a pen in the pocket)
tire pressure gauges

Home Depot and Office Depot are arsenals. At my desk at work, almost anywhere at home, and in my car, I can lay hand to several innocent objects that would work for self-defense, if need be.

For some basics, take a look at the old Bruce Tegner book on Stick Fighting. You can get it -- used -- via Amazon at a low price, or ask your local librarian to order it for you (usually for free) through interlibrary loan. Simple, but not bad.

Regards,
Bob
 
wondering

well i live in the state of Washington in Spokane county and i recently pruchesed a kubaton. i have wrote to the sheriffs and haven't got a reply. now dose anyone know the legality in Washington about these?
 
I carry a nice, harmless-looking MiniMag (with Nite-Ize LED upgrade) with me pretty well everywhere.

I've read a small manual by Kubota and John Peters ("The official manual of Kubotan techniques," IIRC) on the pain compliance/pressure point techniques, and hope to eventually get some "real" training.

Though I experimented with pressure points on MYSELF and was sore for a few days aterwards, so I guess I have a little "hands-on" experience! ;)

If I ever get a "real" one, I like the idea of adding a keyring and a "DUMMY" key that does not actually open anything! :D

QUESTION - would most ANY Karate/martial arts school be able to teach me how to use one, or would it take a specially-trained instructor?
 
School to school you'll find those that know, those that think they know and those that know they don't.

The ideal would be to be able to carry a kubaton all the time, but an stealth kubaton like the minimag or the inova lights or even the Fisher Space Pen Millenium pen are always good to have at hand.
 
The Inova lights make fantastic kubatons. The are built like tanks. Do not under estamite folding knives as improvised kubatons. A Buck 110 makes a heck of fist load and can pack a wallup.
 
Kubaton questions

I just bought a keyring kubaton
http://www.amazon.com/Century-Kubaton/dp/B0000AXK1Q

Can this be used as defense against a dog attack?

It seems that just by holding my keyes at the end and swinging the kubaton I could likely break a window or dent a car. Is the kubaton used in this way to hit a potential attacker?

I read somewhere about "hammerfist strikes". Could someone explain to someone like me (no martial arts trainging) what that is?

I'd appreciate any advise you all can offer.
 
As a long time practitioner (TKD) I usually advise against any weapons for those without training. The main reasons being, lack of training means ineffective use and easy disarming of said weapon.

For your particular scenario, even a kubuton trained expert would no doubt recommend a good can of mace.

HTH
 
Get Master Kubota's training materials. Since DVD/Vid are available get one of those to start IF you can't find a local school that teaches kubotan. While kubotans are simple tools that are easily learned it is essential to get training in their use. It's not possible to get that training from THR.
 
Sounds like you'd be better served by an ASP Key-Defender or ASP Palm-Defender. Both are kubaton key rings but have an OC cannister inside. They also make inert cannister refills for training.
 
^^^ All good advice, but to answer your question about using the Kubotan as a flail - well, you COULD use it that way. But from what little I know about them, I don't think it would be very effective. I know that experts say that if an instructor tells you to do the opposite - hold the Kubotan and flail with your KEYS - to get a refunt find a QUALIFIED instructor!

BTW, I'd be hesitant to put any "real" keys on a Kubotan, for fear of losing it in a fight or something. Though if you live in a VERY "progressive" locale that BANS carry of sticks (yes there ARE such places), then having it as a "key ring" might be useful! ;)

I can say that based on what I've read, the Kubotan was mainly designed as a pain compliance tool using pressure points, NOT as a club. Though I have heard of it being used to "reinforce" hammer-blow strikes.
 
Hmmm...."el cheapo but one-of-a-kind Christmas present" anyone? This weekend, it dawned on me that I happen to have most of a 5/8" diameter dowel (the diameter of the "official" Kubotan circa early 1980s) left over from a little Ghostbusters prop project I worked on last year:

(note those two red rods on the side)

So, proving right all those that say I "have too much free time" right, I set about "building" some Kubotans! :D

First sawed off an eyeballed 5 1/2" of dowel, then used a cheap Dremel tool knockoff to put in some "ridges" to improve grip. Sanded rough edges.

Then I deviated from the norm by drilling a hole for a keyring on one end. :banghead: (had I bothered to consult my "Official Kubotan Handbook" I could have seen that I could have had a MUCH easier time by drilling a hole for a small eye-screw).

Because, I've already ruined one keyring trying to thread it through the hole - the curve just won't let it get all the way through! :eek:

Well, here you actually CAN carry one without having to USE it as a keyring...so, forget that for now.

I guess the Kubotan itself won't be worth much more THAN a keyring though, without at least giving them an idea of HOW to use it. Hey, the holidays are all about spending time with loved ones anyway! :D

Or failing that, at LEAST buy them an illustrated handbook, or point them to a competent instructor.

All in all, they didn't turn out too bad. Painted my "prototype" black, and gave the other one a nice shiny clear-coat. The latter I may give to a cousin, who's in college right now. :)
 
A "pseudo-Kubaton" was my constant companion throughout highschool. I carried a large steel pen clipped to my right front pocket. What was the worst the school could do to me if I ever had to defend myself with it: expell me for carrying a writing utensil:neener: .


I still carry that same pen when I have to enter places where I cannot carry any "real weapons" (Chiciago, courthouses, NYC, Europe, etc.) It is as innocent a weapon as I can think of and yet pretty effective for something of that size.
 
I carry a Kubaton on my key chain, I have remedial training about its use.

I also give them to the girls I know as birthday presents and stocking stuffers as the occasion arises.

-DR
 
Some saavy cops/security types will recognize the kubotan, they may or may not hassle you about it. I would figure the TSA people probably know about it, I just carry my minimag flashlight and some pens. My car keys each have a monodnock dejammer, which is basically a cleaning rod/kubotan. Does not work very well as a fistpacker, but it does okay for a jab or for a conversation piece (when you do a thumb push on someone it is pretty funny). My old instructor used his to stir coffee. The dejammer impressed some leo friends when I had a stuck magazine and unstuck it with the dejammer and still qualified in time.

k
 
First post here, hello everyone.
I have made a few of these, and carried them as well. I like to carry them loose in my rear right pocket, held upright by my wallet (a Fenix L2T has taken it's place though).
This one has a 5/8" x 5" aluminum handle with a carbide tip:
DSC01099.gif

This one has a 5/8" x 6" aluminum handle with a 1018 carbon steel tip (black oxide coating):
DSC01120.gif
 
michaelmcgo,

Great looking work! Try leaving one end flat without radiusing the edge and then mill a slot across that end. The slot should be 1/8 in wide. This leaves a hard edges face that the slot acts to pinch and tear when twisted into bare skin.
 
Bumpity bump

Waiting on the next generation
of kubotans and koppos
from this crew.

In communication with them,
I'm told that the next generation is due out
some time in the next month or two.

Worth the wait ... .. .
 
Everyday, I have mine

I have a Monodock (or however that is spelled) Kubaton that has the attached key ring. I broke my first and Monodock replaced it. :)

I've never lost my keys since getting it. :D

The Doc is out now. :cool:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
Kubaton Okay In Florida ???
Replies
4
Views
3K
jercamp45
J
M
  • Locked
Flashlight as kubaton
Replies
12
Views
2K
Matt_W
M
S
  • Locked
Kubatons/Koppo Sticks/Pocket Sticks
Replies
13
Views
2K
ray_ray
R
F
  • Locked
Small, reasonably priced self-defence torch - not E2D
Replies
17
Views
1K
Boom-stick
B
C
  • Locked
Guidelines on Non-Lethal Weapons
Replies
5
Views
437
TexasRifleman
T
Back
Top