Designed by Takayuki Kubota, the Japanese Kubotan became highly popular in the mid-1970s when it was introduced to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The LAPD eventually began teaching female officers its proper use along with lessons in jujitsu and other martial arts.
Soon however, male officers and other security personnel began to utilise its strength in subduing uncooperative suspects.
Having a strong history associated with jujitsu and other forms of martial arts, the Kubotan works with the body’s abilities to bring about maximum efficiency in defense. The Kubotan is a Japanese invention that acts as a self-defense keychain. It can be used as a close-quarter self-defense weapon when such actions are necessary.
Used correctly, it can hold opponents in painful locks and strike at pressure points. The Kubotan has been affectionately called the “Instrument of Attitude Adjustment” by many of its users. Today, security personnel of all professions use Kubotans as a small defense mechanism. Mercenary operations utilize its pocket-size strength along with members of the Secret Service and FBI.
The device, as marketed by Takayuki Kubota, is a high-impact plastic rod measuring approximately 5.5 inches in length and a little over a half an inch in diameter. To the casual observer, a Kubotan appears to be merely a large keychain or a key fob.
Modern Kubotans, however, come in a variety of sizes and designs. Some are made of metal and spiked or pointed. Some include hidden darts or tear gas. Kubotans have a long history with law enforcement and defense personnel as well as those looking for convenient self-defense options.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s used in different ways – I feel comfortable usng mine for striking and as a hard surface for some controlling of the nose and hands. Some ppl use it to add to locks but that’s kinda the least of my concerns in a scrap.
I’ve had one of these with me for years but never knew what it was called. I think you really need to know how to use something though if you rely on it in trouble.
how do you use it?