I'd back away from somebody with that just because it looks like a double ended butt plug and I'm not out there trying to be the victim of some kind of booty juice biological warfare
If you think these are stupid weapons, do a video on "the monkey's fist". It's a little testicle shaped anal bead self defence dorks put on their keychains to fend off Bubba.
So, it isn't the tool that sucks, it is the tool using the tool? I have only recently found your channel, but stayed because we agree on an important point: the critical roll of the self defense flashlight. Of course many of the techniques happen to be the same as with a kubotan. So, different tool but same tools?
So the main point is that if you have a good kubaton it can be a decent if not good weapon. Also it is only useful if you know how to fight and train with it actively.
I was infantry combat Nam, Close Quarter Combat Instructor Iraq War, and MMA Instructor 10 years. I really like your channel and generally agree with what you say. However, I just wanted to let you know that we had several women who were instructors or students in our women's self defense classes knock down and get away from attackers by striking them across the face with their keys dangling from their kubaton key chains.
I used one of these in a fight in high-school. I used it as an equalizer when I threw punches and hit the guy in the side of the neck with it. It worked pretty good to say the least. Better than nothing. I also smashed a full coke can into a guy's face once too. Also worked pretty well. I'm no fighting expert but i would rather have anything in my hands than be empty handed. Sure there are better weapons to have.
Screwdriver would work even better and get away with it if someone ask you why you have it? Just say fixing something and they'll be understandable have a nice day🤣
I like how the bald guy always seems to get a little too close when swinging or demonstrating the weapons and the other guy always looks a little uncomfortable with it.
Imagine if they were at the range and the bald guy was bashing pistols. He would be wildly waving it all over the place that even the unmanned camera would be ducking! He just doesnt know how to use a simple little stick.
I know my comment will go no where, but I thought I would try. Kubotans were developed by a guy named Kubota, a Japanese guy, to help cops leverage people out of cars with pressure point stuff. As is the case a lot of times, what cops use and their force continuum is not 1-for-1 with civilians. The one that you liked best from Cold Steel isn't' based on the kubotan, it's based on the "dulo-dulo" from Filipino Martial arts. The best guy I know that does dulo stuff is Rick Faye in Minnesota. The dulo-dulo (which means "point-point") is meant to be squarely between empty hand and knife skills - which means that you need to know something to make it work. I know only a handful of people in the U.S. that I would trust to teach someone the dulo - which means there's a lot of derp out there about this. If you want to train it, get 1" PVC pipe with rounded ends and glue that up. You only want half-inch to three-quarter inches out either side of your hand (which means you'll need different size dulos for different sized people). But everything you said was right to a point: if you don't have empty-hand skills, the dulo (or the kubotan if you're using it ballisticly) won't work. It's not magic. If you have some knife skills, you can just target different places with it. I'm sure this won't change your mind, but i thought i would comment anyway. It's a force-multiplier. In the Philippines, they give dulos to school kids because men and women carry knives. Love you channel, even when we disagree.. Love how you pressure test and try to keep things real.
Kubotans can be effective against passive non-compliant subjects...i.e. going limp and not complying with the arrest. A kubaton under the jaw, under the ear, in the ear, or between the teeth and nose (and not risking you getting bitten) has a way of getting them moving. But as a go-to fighting tool - nope.
As someone who's done some Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and now Kickboxing (all together about 10 years), I do like Kubotans. We've messed around with them a little bit, and we found two practical usages: 1) If you have a lot of space, as some sort of "extended long guard". Be 100% defensive, target the opponents hands and knuckles (or even shins against certain kicks) and keep your distance. Try "sparring" this way with a blunt wooden stick and you'll see how much it sucks to be the attacker. 2) If the opponent is close enough, hits to the scull. I've allowed my partner to hit me with less then 10% power... You won't believe how painful this is. A Kubotan *should not* be attached to a key. I just carry one loosely in my Jacket (aware that I'm never going to use it). The reason why I chose a Kubotan over other self defense gadgets: - Legal in Germany. - Very small, light and cheap. - I could still Kickbox when I hold a Kubotan. I once even visited a course on how to use Kubotans, which included pressure points, but I think that this would be *completely unreliable* under stress. And as you said correctly: If you can't fight, it is practically useless.
The thing is, most of the people who carry these things don't have the skill, but they do have the advertising that tells them they don't need any skill to use this as an equalizer. Conversely, there are very few people with the skills to use one of these effectively who also find it worth the time and effort to carry one due to the limited application. You can accomplish the same thing with a tactical flashlight or tactical pad and on the upside, you also have a flashlight, or a pen. There are plenty of people who can use one of these, and a very negligible percentage would actually carry one, on the other hand, almost everyone is pretty much useless with one of these, and that includes almost everyone who actually carries them.
Bro, a stick gives you some range and hitting power. You don't need practice to defend yourself against some random guy who don't know how to fight but takes out a knife and asks for your wallet and phone. Neither a pepper spary needs any requirement to to beat a guy from 4 feet away even if that guy has moderate knowledge on fighting. A kubaton gives you absolute no advantage. If you learn to use a kubaton well enough to defend yourself, you know enough about fighting to win that fight without the kubaton. It gives almost no leverage. The presence of a kubaton is almost meaningless. A simple umbrella adds more to every case, experienced vs experienced, Noob vs Noob, or Noob vs experienced. At least gives some range and safety space.
@@talesoffallenangels Are you saying a person with a weapon but no knowledge of how to wielded it is just as effective as one who has the practice and knowledge...?
@@jahgah clearly not. I'm saying that any weapon gives some kind of leverage, of you know to use it it's more, but almost any weapon can turn a 50/50 perfectly balanced into a 100/0 win, and gives you enough leverage to win even when you know less than the opponent, even if you can still lose. A kubaton does none of that. I also said 90% of people that will show you a knife and ask for you wallet doesn't actually know much about foghting and relies on people don't wanting to or being afraid.
When I started out in law enforcement in the early 80's I went to a 3 day training seminar hosted by Master Kubota. When I finished 3 days later, my wrist hurt like it had been broken. A kubotan isn't meant for striking, it was designed for control holds, most of which are on the wrist and hands. For years, I used it quite a bit for car extractions.
Aye - its striking techniques are meant as an accessory to its holding techniques. I was taught how to use it by Tino Ceberano Hanshi, as well as being the practice dummy. If used by someone who knows its applications, its a very effective tool. The brain's 1st instinct is to pull away from pain, allowing for effective holding control, with virtually no risk to the wielder. Its also a very circumstantial weapon - someone goes at you when you're opening your car door, opening your house door with the keys attached. The keys are used more for striking (by slashing at the eyes) than the body is used for striking. None of these were talked about in the video (unfortunately) and only its striking application (as a short 'stick') was considered. Somebody untrained in its uses, or untrained in a style than could utilise it, would most likely end up hurt or worse, but the same could be said of any weapon.
Yeah bucklers are great. I even saw on the tv show knight fight an ex mma fighter chose one for the fight.he got demolished though. Lack of training with it probably :(
“The guy wearing 5.11 pants, who spends too much time in the gun store.” I feel personally attacked! Even though I didn’t know what a kubaton was either.
Man, you really do yourself a disservice by speaking with such great authority and generalizations about something you apparently know little about. ANY defensive tool takes competent training, tactics and common sense. A kubotan is not just an impact tool…
"Like the band Korn, my problem isn't with the kubaton but its fans." "Like anything, you need practice and training with it." He's saying fans of kubatons think they don't have to train or think about how to use their tool and over-appreciate it as a self-defense weapon, and made a video to show that. Try to give more benefit of the doubt and see more nuance in people's arguments.
@@hopelesslydull7588 except for the fact that it was created for laymen. It is as simple as picking up a stone and smashing someone on the head with it. Pretty sure you dont need to attend a class to learn to pick up and smash rocks.
@@neutrino78x A hammer is a tool. A box cutter is a tool. A gun is a tool. It is an inanimate object that was designed for a purpose. And those Japanese PD officers have the skill because they *trained* with them. Pedestrians who have kubatons on their keychains and belts, of which there are many, do not train with them.
I think alot of people carry kubatons and other selfdefencestuff as protective amulets rather than actual weapons "ohh I have my kubaton on my keychain so Im okey", "ohh I have a taser somewhere in my bag so nothing can happen to me"
"Amulet", that's exactly the word for it. And surprisingly often it extends to actual weapons too with all those "no need to train with it" and "applicable in all situations" mindsets.
theres a similar weapon in FMA called a dulo-dulo. Prerequisite is that you already know your footwork, long weapons, knives, and empty hands. Mike makes a great point that in this close a range, knowing grappling is more important. our instructor was very clear that you can really use anything as a weapon ONCE you put the time in actually knowing how to fight.
I've always thought of a Kubotan as a training weapon. Like you'd use it to assist learning a wristlock, for the extra leverage. It helps identify exactly where to apply pressure, so that you can do it better in a real situation unarmed. Your main point, that someone needs to know how to fight, is spot on. It's a lever and striking surface, it's to assist your unarmed techniques. It's not a "weapon" in its own right that just anyone can pick up and use.
Mike your camera work and just all around film making has gotten so entertaining. I love to see you getting better at just making videos and I find myself laughing and being sucked in more often with each new video. Keep it up my man, thank you for the amazing free content
There is an additional problem in Canada, where we don't have the right to self defense: you can be charged just for carrying an object as a weapon. A kubaton is a weapon and only a weapon, but flashlights and tactical pens have plausible deniability.
@@LaMach420 pretty dumb response, of course people should have the right, doesn't mean every government allows it. Saying someone must have no respect for themselves since they don't want to get into legal trouble just by carrying something for self defense is just, as I said, a dumb way to respond
@@thejadedjester4935 I don't mean a firearm or anything (although I love Texas law) but nobody should get locked up for having a baseball bat inside the trunk for example. So what somebody don't got a glove? A buddy could have brought theirs. Until you commit a crime I see no reason why you should be penalized for that. Unless you've got a latex gloves and a balaclava lmao That's just my opinion though
Seems like it's the same BS for every western country that's not the US nowadays. France is the same, maybe worst since even using your hands to restrain a criminal can get you more charges and punishment than the criminal attacking you or trying to rob you.
The weapon is called a yawara . The weapon is for soft tissue areas. And to push your knuckles forward to make your punch strong in close combat conditions. The information can be used for many over forms of weapons.
The dumbest self defense weapon is the one that you do not have, when you need it the most. And I carry weapons, because I know I am not the best fighter, boxer or wrestler in the world and if I ever do come across the best fighter, boxer or wrestler in the world, I want a weapon that can beat him. A kubaton is better than nothing, so long as you know how to use it. I really do not think that this guy researches or trains with any of the weapons that he bashes. So typical of MMA guys.
I have one on my keyring; I tuck it in my waist band after training as I have no pockets on my shorts. Also use to misplace my keys a lot. 10/10 would recommend for a keyring and nothing else.
Honestly the only reason I have a kubaton (I guess, technically, a wooden yawara) at all is because I can't carry a knife or firearm at my workplace, but otherwise it stays at home because of the usefulness of other implements. It's not the best self defense tool, but it is one. Still needs to be practiced with, of course!
This isn't a striking or piercing weapon, its used to magnify leverage in holds. Like the nunchaku, this requires way more skill than a standard weapon to use effectively. This weapon is great for breaking joints, if you know how to use it!
Huge drawback of weapons like these ( also techniques self defence courses teach) is how people underestimate the amount of psychological power and will you need to have in order to pick someone eye or crush persons face with an item
i think if someone is in a moment of panic or stress from being attacked then their instincts will kick in and it won’t be such a daunting task to actually do.
Dude, I like your videos. I really like the way you test things out, and break down how things will work in different situations. It definitely comes down to your training. If you put a kubotan in the hands of someone that has good fundamentals in Striking, and Grappling, like Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, they would probably be pretty effective with it. If you suck at fighting, you’re going to suck with a kubotan. I think some people think it’s going to give them some sort of magical powers or something. I carry a tactical pen, and a knife on a fairly regular basis and still wonder if it’s worth carrying. I think it is because easy to carry, convenient, it has some practical use, and I’ve been training for about 15 years, and have a solid understanding of basic striking and grappling skills under my belt.
I can’t believe this man, with all of his knowledge, doesn’t seem to understand this in the video. It’s not like he, himself, would be completely powerless if he had the kubaton because he knows a lot of shit. He sounds sooooo ignorant in this video it’s painful and disappointing
If you're a trained fighter you don't need a kubotan because you don't need an equalizer. If you're a trained fighter and need an equalizer it's because the opponent is way larger than you or has an real weapon in which case you should deescalate or flee, not pull out a little stick that'll just make them feel justified in hurting you worse.
I think one of the other pros to kubotan type weapons is the fact that they’re better to use indoors, won’t hit the walls as often as longer weapons and are easier for retention and harder to disarm. To disarm it they’d either have to grapple you, isolate your whole arm or take you to the ground perhaps, similar to dealing with a knuckleduster.
The Chad Flashlight: +Blinds people +Can be used as a blunt weapon +Can help find your stuff +Lets you be on guard even in the dark +Easy to carry around while looking normal The Virgin Kubaton: -Looks like a toy -Looks weird no matter what you do -It's literally just a blunt pen -Doesn't do anything really useful except ok self defense but seriously just punch or kick you have to get really close to use this thing it's a detriment if you're an actual competent fighter
I wanted to hear your take on the Kubaton. My take is that the Kubaton was originally intended to get around weapon bans, and it's obsolete for that now. I trained with the original (no key ring, just a small plastic dowel) so that I could improvise a Kubaton from whatever was at hand if necessary. Thirty years ago while working as an unarmed security guard in a large city, a group of six teens were giving me a hard time; I used my Mini Maglite to reinforce a pressure point hold and escorted the leader out of the mall. It was a one-hand technique that was subtle, with the Mini Maglite pressing against that nerve bundle on the side of the elbow joint--I needed my other hand free in case the technique failed, in case the situation continued to escalate. With that flashlight reinforced hold, using minimum pressure, I was able to remove a troublemaker without injuring him. He was larger than I, he had five friends, but that show-off trick short-circuited the situation. Compared to a yawara, the Kubaton had control hold options. Yawara were classified as concealed weapons in California and Hawaii and many places ban the Kubaton, but I found Kubaton training useful for limited situations. As for the spikey novelty items, the keys on the Kubaton, and that Cold Steel revised yawara, they no longer have the original advantage of a Kubaton--it's no longer legal to carry in places banning "all weapons or other dangerous objects." Training is still useful. Can I fight? I'm 65 and out of shape. In a boxing ring, just run around in circles until I get dizzy and fall down. Wrestling--I might have the advantage for 30 seconds--if there are only one or two, if they're not human tanks, if they don't really know what they're doing.
I mean, I carry this on duty and it works great. I get someone who’s giving me troubles while I’m trying to get them into my car, I stick this in between their wrist and the cuff and boom, they stop resisting😂I would never use this thing to fight, but it has good uses for some people
I actually read yours and years ago that this was developed basically specifically for that for the LAPD in particular. I know that the yawara stick likely predates the LAPD, but the kubaton as we know it today, at least according to the article I was reading was refined and brought into popularity specifically for use by smaller LAPD conjunction with handcuffs to provide additional arrest control options.
To be honest... i have one, attached to my hey ring. Does a lot of noise when it hits the ground. Useful by that. In self-defense situation... pressure points - atemi - are like kung-fu... nice in films, good on paper... worthless in day to day situation. Got to use kubotan once, hit the guy to the head and to some other places - fast semi-blind strikes - he did let go after few hits, but to be honest it would be useless against someone with a knife or a batton. Well... in the age of global disease you can use it to push buttons in elevator. Good for that.
@pel thoron i just love this argumemt "i was in half a dozen fights" or "my dojo was in other martial arts school/kraw maga schools and they throw us aou because we were to brutal for them" or any of that shit. What you say is anegdotal. But good for you. Im in martial arts about 20 years now. Never got to fight outside the competition. Maybe is time to change fhe place where you live in?
Nobody buys a tact pen to "write" with it. "If youre defending kubotan in the comments.. you probably cant fight". Wow. Hard2Hurt feels like a 20cent version of Fit2Fight
My father was a police officer who was extensively trained with a baton, he carries a kubaton, amongst other tools. He basically uses it as a fist pack and, once in a dominant position, as a small joint manipulator.
I used to have one that looked like the double ended one and it got confiscated by airport security. Obviously you need to learn how to fight first to use a weapon that small weapon effectively, that can really be said about any self-defense weapon.
I don't usually comment on these videos... but in this case I will. I've supplemented my training with the yawara stick, which the kubotan is a variant of. No hate as there is a lot in the video I agree with, just a different point of view. The yawara stick was originally developed by an aging martial artist. I believe he was in his 70's at the time (could be wrong on that) but he no longer had the strength or toughness to defend himself. He developed the yawara stick as something he could always carry with him, got attacked in a parking garage by several younger men and successfully defended himself with it. It was then marketed to the public, but specifically to police officers to assist with takedowns. The kobutan is a variant that was developed in the 1970's when the L.A. police began accepting female recruits. Again, used as a force multiplier when you expect that the people you will be facing are bigger/stronger than you. The tactical pens and flashlights are also variants of the yawara stick. I agree 100% with two points in this video. First, a lot of those variants are ridiculous. Second, if you are going to use a yawara stick, you should already know how to fight. It will do little to help an untrained person and should not be marketed to the average person as a self defense option. Ideally the user will fight with a takedown-based style as there are better options if you want to strike. I practice Japanese Ju Jitsu myself to aid with my police training, with previous experience in kickboxing and similar styles. And while (in all honesty) I don't carry one with me, it does make takedowns against much larger people considerably easier, and I can transfer the techniques when someone starts something while I'm holding my pen or using my (unextended) baton.
I have the tacti-cool pen. Yes the thought of it being a weapon is there, but it's WAAAYY down the list of why I carry it. 1. Pen 2. Windlass for improvised tourniquet 3. Glass breaker 4. Any number or random things And as a weapon it's way down my list of weapons. I'd likely find something in the room to use before using the pen if time permits it.
I train with Knives and Kubatons since years. It's a good tool to defend yourself and I used it already on duty, you will hurt your opponent really bad. Your thinking is really black and white, don't you think?
LOVE this video! And as I usually try to explain my students, the kubotan was "invented" (by Soke Kubota Takayuki) to be a TRAINING TOOL, to simulate similar (and more useful) items everyone has at hand, like pens, flashlights, keys, and pieces of wood or metal found on the ground... But of course, as almost always happens, martial artists misunderstand the meaning of everything, and voilà! We have the kubotan keychain as a self defense tool! -___-
I think the only problem was that it had the key chain part. Either that or they were holding it wrong, because the way where you hold it with a capped thumb on one end, I can “stab” as hard as I want and it would not hurt. I don’t really understand how they held it wrong.
@@mkay7330 because they aren't trained in its applications. Simple as that. The key chain part is also an effective striking weapon, probably more than the actual body, as well as allowing extra length for loop holds
Same concept as guns, it's never the tool, but always the person using it. Practice, discipline, and actually respecting the tools one swears by is more important.
@@Ashtor1337 doesn't really compute, but okay? Apples to Oranges? I've been raised by a Vietnam vet, before I could have ever shoot a gun; it was always sling shots and bows first. Sure you can pull a trigger, but can you actually hit the target exactly where you want it? Probably not. If you use that mindset, your grouping would be terrible, which means your accuracy would drastically suffer. As I said, discipline, practice and respect is key. This same concept can be applied to martial arts and bladed weaponry too. I'm not sure if you understood the first statement posted, but to each their own I guess. 🤷
I'm 52 years old I've tried to figure those things out since I was 19. Nobody's ever given me a straight answer except pressure points. Thank you for explaining
Cops: "why are you carrying around a deadly weapon?". Simple dowel, palm-sized, or a roll of coins. Much better less involving you as a possible aggressor.
As long as you don't live in England or something you are allowed to defend yourself with deadly weapons. They can still sue you if you thrash them with some coins. Ain't no way to avoid potential legal liability.
@Hunter Hall swords are legal but I don't think you can walk around with them. Yeah Texas is way better. NYC is the worst, outside of there, there are actually decent self defense weapons laws
@Hunter Hall Man, for real? That's good to know. I remember being so dumbfounded traveling from Mexico up to Texas and finding out brass knuckles of all things weren't legal in one of the most pro-gun states in America. It's a small reassurance, but it's good to know.
@@andrzejsobanski6752 this guy just makes videos saying things are garbage just because people that buy them are dumb and untrained or think to use it differently than intended. I hate this guy.
@@hugofontes5708 I recommend someone who doesn't say "this is trash because lack of training" Then have an affiliate link to sell it to people... Like seriously? He says it's intentional. Just to make a quick buck off YT. What little he can.
When I was in the Military, I had one of these on my Keychain that I bought at a Swap Meet and a Gate Guard tried to confiscated it because it was a "Deadly Weapon". I pulled out my all metal Cross Pen and said "I guess this is a Deadly Weapon too?" There was complete silence and they let me go. After that I stopped carrying it because I realized my pen was actually just as effective and it did not attract negative attention.
uknown user Only with the right wielder. A pen will have no chance against a kubaton if the better fighter has it. They’re basically there same shape, but a little more pointy for the pen. Come on you can’t be this dense😂
First: When someone says "If you use this, then you don't know how to fight" that means they are either stuck up about your methods, or they don't know what it is meant for at all. Second: The purpose of a Kubaton is as a defensive tool, when you have nothing else, and are in a hold. Third: They have no training with any of them, and are just trying to figure out how to use them. Yet they have the audacity to try and claim how they are bad. You need to have some training to make use of it. This is the first thing I have seen of the channel, and I already don't want to ever listen to anything they have to say again.
NOW I know why I never felt like spending $20 on a 6" x 1/2" piece of aluminum. Been happily carrying pocketknives since the early 70's. Never had to use one on people, but I've murdered a hella lot of cheese and apples.
I have the thick Cold Steel ones you're showing. I've trained with them. They are a force multiplier, but like you said you need to know how to fight. You can use a can of corn as a weapon, but you have to know how to fight with it and when u lose it.
The one I was looking to buy isn't shaped like any of the ones shown in this video but you confirmed my original thoughts surrounding why I was hesitant to buy one. Thank you
I just spent nearly 15 minutes watching this... Know what I learned? You fundamentally do not understand the intended purpose of that tool. Sure, they can be used to target pressure points(specifically ones deeper than easily hit with fingers) and yes, they CAN be utilized for striking. Those are not the intended purpose though. Kubatons are designed for manipulating small joints. And they are NOT stabbing weapons. That one is an interesting design and for someone like you, who isn't going to use the tool the way it was designed to be used, it may be a better option. But kubatons are supposed to be for dealing with someone WITHOUT cutting, stabbing or doing otherwise serious injury(beyond some busted fingers or a bruised nerve cluster) I'm sure you're a very tough guy with lots of experience in your own right. And for someone who isn't going to learn how to use it, I agree with you that its not the best tool(I would argue that there are MUCH worse options though) But as someone who has both real life experience, practice and training, these can be a very valuable tool that is both non-threatening and takes up very little room. A note on the pens and flashlights. I like those options. For years before kubatons gained in popularity here in the states, I carried a little minimag Maglite with that same exact purpose. The advantage is that the kubaton is the same shape on either side, specifically designed for doing its job. The flashlights and pens are by design one ended tools. If you're in a position where you may be struggling for control of someone, not having to figure out and potentially flip your tool in your hand is important. I'm not trying to prove you wrong or anything like that. I try to look at knowledge as a building process that we never finish. When a house gets built, you don't have just one guy do it. You have specialists come in for the different parts. So hopefully I'm just adding some perspective that you're not already familiar with. Have a great day 👋😊
I really appreciate this comment. I remember falling in love with the Kubaton because it was a non lethal weapon. The day my teacher brought it out I was surprised, but then we starting learning the fundamentals and I fell in love with it so quickly. It also translated will into my day job where I have to consistently be careful with escalation of force. At the end of the day, any good weapons teacher will tell you that weapons are extensions of the body, and its nice to have one that isn't made to destroy unless I decide to, and it can be hidden away on my body with ease.
People who say “never go to the ground in a street fight” have never been in a street fight because 90 percent of the time it starts with the dude charging you trying to take you to the ground 😂😂😂
I agree, any weapon in untrained hands is nearly useless, or at best inaccurate. That being said, I would rather have one of these than nothing at all. Even a small advantage during an altercation can make a big difference. Hell, John Wick only needed a pencil!
The kubaton is for wrist locking, elbow locking, and shoulder locking to get leverage and control your attacker. It can also be used for wrist and elbow breaks. It’s not meant for Jab Jab. It’s meant to control the body of your attacker and to break joints if needed. You can use to to jab pressure points, sure. However, it’s a much more dynamic tool.
As a 18 yr golden gloves boxer with 2 yrs on the us navy boxing team i was trained in the use of my kubotan. Now I've haven't practiced with it in years but what I've done is added a couple of key circle links to my key chain and my very heavy metal Kubotan makes a nice small nunchaku. So the Kubotan i use in my fist is also use as a striking weapon for tearing on the side of the face or neck. Outside of the boxing ring with its referee and rules i was taught to win. My father was a us deputy marshal from 1920-60. It was a rougher and more deadlier world back then. Knives weren't the only sharp things being used to cut you. Straight razors, Gillette shaving razors taped to a person's fingers to slap with. So distance can be vital in a fight. I was born in 1960 myself. Fighting bullies was something I had to do because I was small. However, I enjoyed beating them up. The Wolverine is my totem animal.
Fucking ride away. That or kick it in front of you and your attacker as a short term barrier. The objective should not be to fight but to get out of the situation first and foremost. Only fight if you have no other option of escape.
Carry mace. You can immobilize multiple attackers in one sweep and you don't have to explain to the police why you left someone bleeding out in the gutter. If you're concerned with the efficacy of it, have a friend mace you. I've carried OC/CS spray ever since my buddy hit me with it for a laugh.
It’ll slightly bruise the day after, but none of these pen sized sticks of metal have enough mass for that to make meaningful damage. When striking with it, it reduces the surface area, increasing pressure, yada yada science: it damages a lot more the a punch. Flails rely on weight and rotational force, and the swing length of a key chain and an end weight of a yo-yo equals almost nothing in force, and nothing in damage
@@necromancer0616 i don’t think so I think it would be the same situation with that Kubaton you’re supposed to put between your fingers. Would hurt the person attacking you, but it would also very much damage your hand. And since the keys are pretty much separated, I don’t think work well enough. I’d say if you were to use a key as a weapon, using a singular key and holding it somewhat like a small knife would work better to assist you in an encounter.
Unfortunately you also have to remember we live in a litigious society. So when you think about carrying that spiked tacticool kubaton, also factor in standing in front of a judge. It’s a whole lot easier to legitimately say you were not ever planning to get into a fight but were forced to defend yourself with your pen or flashlight (might even consider limiting the tacticool ness of them as well). Might save you a whole lot of money in civil court or worse case keep you from getting non-consensual conjugal visits in the prison showers.
I want to pick up the though that bluedogguy already pointed out. Tak Kobota worked this out his kubotan as a come along tool for officers. I've carried one for decades both in uniform and in plain clothes. I've moved folks who didn't want to move, and removed folks while they hung onto objects that I needed to get them to let go of. It worked as advertised. It worked as we were trained to apply it. And I never had a excessive force complaint. All that is one officers experience. Yours, Michael de Bethencourt
I got my mother one with a ridged grip and one point years ago. Very narrow tip. Just better than nothing for a small woman who won't use a gun or anything bladed or more weapon-like.
I heard someone say that using a kubaton could also hurt you legally. If you use it for self defense, in court, the other person could say that you were carrying it around with the purpose of hurting someone because that’s really the only purpose of a kubaton. Like a flashlight, that’s used for illumination, and in court you could say that that is what you were using it for, and you ended up using it for self defense. Just a thought.
Love this video! Hilarious, perfect level of sh!t talk and you and Jay goofing around. Appreciate your technical videos but damn these tool application videos are my fav.
Dude, I just discovered your channel, and its hilarious. I laugh every time you call out the Mall Ninjas in the comments and you predict exactly what their responses will be... and then they do exactly that. haha Brilliant, honest, down to earth and funny stuff man, subscribed.
Bruh, I know this is old but you are clueless. Even using a small solid piece of wood (piece of broom handle) would be a highly effective force multiplier. Against a single attacker, using the top and bottom ends to forcefully punch-poke will back someone up VERY quickly and can do some serious damage if you are quick, have practiced, and are deliberate and aggressive. It can be a life saver vs 2 attackers. The average person can't generate that kind of force to a small area with their knuckles. This is particularly true in close quarters. Versus someone who may want to take you to the ground, your punch or attempted kick probably won't stop them (particularly if they are trained) BUT several sharp jabs with a kuboton can make them think or even let go for fear of injury that they weren't expecting or don't want to suffer. Btw, what was that about with the shield? Who is attacking a shield? If the guy has a shield, he doesn't want to fight so you walk away. If you were trying to demonstrate the destructive power of a kuboton, it isn't designed to be used against anything but soft targets. Stabbing and trapping and stabbing again is highly effecting and intimidating vs even large assailants. The kuboton can be used to end a fight by making an attacker think twice. You need to see someone with skill use one. You WILL think twice before engaging them. Of course it doesn't make you invincible but it can even the playing field a bit. Pretty thoughtless video.
After testing five of these things the only one so far that is halfway decent is the Cold Steel Mini Koga SD2 (affiliate link): amzn.to/2PzV9G9
I'd back away from somebody with that just because it looks like a double ended butt plug and I'm not out there trying to be the victim of some kind of booty juice biological warfare
I’ve had the Koga for a few years now. I like it. Just wish there was a better way to carry it.
If you think these are stupid weapons, do a video on "the monkey's fist". It's a little testicle shaped anal bead self defence dorks put on their keychains to fend off Bubba.
So, it isn't the tool that sucks, it is the tool using the tool?
I have only recently found your channel, but stayed because we agree on an important point: the critical roll of the self defense flashlight.
Of course many of the techniques happen to be the same as with a kubotan. So, different tool but same tools?
So the main point is that if you have a good kubaton it can be a decent if not good weapon. Also it is only useful if you know how to fight and train with it actively.
My mom has one of those too but her's had a cool vibrating feature...
i'm sure that if she whips that out, it'll send attackers running 🤣🤣🤣
I have the same model.
I was trying to work out how to use the "smuggling it in my front pocket" comment in a reply but Irish Ninja's comment works so much better...
@@edsson2648 dont be jealous
@@irishninja9857 XD... I can't breath...
Since I take down my opponents with a trident and net I have much lesser interactions with muggers but more with police and mental hospital personel.
I would totally carry a net and trident
I bet the crowd loves you, though
Search Will Ferrell SNL - Evil Boss
Those were the most unusual gladiators wielding a net and trident but damn if you net someone it's over
Yea and some nets had tiny hooks so your ass squirmed and got hooked while trying to move.
I was infantry combat Nam, Close Quarter Combat Instructor Iraq War, and MMA Instructor 10 years. I really like your channel and generally agree with what you say. However, I just wanted to let you know that we had several women who were instructors or students in our women's self defense classes knock down and get away from attackers by striking them across the face with their keys dangling from their kubaton key chains.
Glad to hear the flail is still going strong.
Thus the keys being an effective weapon, less so the baton.
so you're saying that it's the keychain that works, not the kubaton...
@@warrengroth5842 mayyyyybe....
seems like the comments didn't catch the joke, good one
I used one of these in a fight in high-school. I used it as an equalizer when I threw punches and hit the guy in the side of the neck with it. It worked pretty good to say the least. Better than nothing. I also smashed a full coke can into a guy's face once too. Also worked pretty well. I'm no fighting expert but i would rather have anything in my hands than be empty handed. Sure there are better weapons to have.
This one❤️❤️❤️ Yep 👍 becuz he won't save you 😆😭😜
I never have a fight in high school except in the elementary, It was all brawl club for me.
Screwdriver would work even better and get away with it if someone ask you why you have it? Just say fixing something and they'll be understandable have a nice day🤣
@@techfrank2431 if you're gonna carry a screwdriver, might as well carry a knife or gun. The courts will see it all as the same lethal means.
If it was a 1 on 1 fight without risk of being assaulted with a weapon you’re a coward
I like how the bald guy always seems to get a little too close when swinging or demonstrating the weapons and the other guy always looks a little uncomfortable with it.
Imagine if they were at the range and the bald guy was bashing pistols. He would be wildly waving it all over the place that even the unmanned camera would be ducking! He just doesnt know how to use a simple little stick.
@@UpcomingJedi- You've never seen his other videos, have you?
@Creatotron your the one that seems salty lol
I know my comment will go no where, but I thought I would try. Kubotans were developed by a guy named Kubota, a Japanese guy, to help cops leverage people out of cars with pressure point stuff. As is the case a lot of times, what cops use and their force continuum is not 1-for-1 with civilians.
The one that you liked best from Cold Steel isn't' based on the kubotan, it's based on the "dulo-dulo" from Filipino Martial arts. The best guy I know that does dulo stuff is Rick Faye in Minnesota. The dulo-dulo (which means "point-point") is meant to be squarely between empty hand and knife skills - which means that you need to know something to make it work.
I know only a handful of people in the U.S. that I would trust to teach someone the dulo - which means there's a lot of derp out there about this. If you want to train it, get 1" PVC pipe with rounded ends and glue that up. You only want half-inch to three-quarter inches out either side of your hand (which means you'll need different size dulos for different sized people). But everything you said was right to a point: if you don't have empty-hand skills, the dulo (or the kubotan if you're using it ballisticly) won't work. It's not magic. If you have some knife skills, you can just target different places with it.
I'm sure this won't change your mind, but i thought i would comment anyway. It's a force-multiplier. In the Philippines, they give dulos to school kids because men and women carry knives. Love you channel, even when we disagree.. Love how you pressure test and try to keep things real.
Your comment didn't go nowhere, at least one person read it and found it interesting and educative ;)
Agreed
I concur
Kubotans can be effective against passive non-compliant subjects...i.e. going limp and not complying with the arrest. A kubaton under the jaw, under the ear, in the ear, or between the teeth and nose (and not risking you getting bitten) has a way of getting them moving. But as a go-to fighting tool - nope.
Dont mess with Filipinas
As someone who's done some Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and now Kickboxing (all together about 10 years), I do like Kubotans. We've messed around with them a little bit, and we found two practical usages:
1) If you have a lot of space, as some sort of "extended long guard". Be 100% defensive, target the opponents hands and knuckles (or even shins against certain kicks) and keep your distance. Try "sparring" this way with a blunt wooden stick and you'll see how much it sucks to be the attacker.
2) If the opponent is close enough, hits to the scull. I've allowed my partner to hit me with less then 10% power... You won't believe how painful this is.
A Kubotan *should not* be attached to a key. I just carry one loosely in my Jacket (aware that I'm never going to use it). The reason why I chose a Kubotan over other self defense gadgets:
- Legal in Germany.
- Very small, light and cheap.
- I could still Kickbox when I hold a Kubotan.
I once even visited a course on how to use Kubotans, which included pressure points, but I think that this would be *completely unreliable* under stress. And as you said correctly: If you can't fight, it is practically useless.
you'd be surprised how good you can get with pressure point stuff under stress
No weapon works well for a person who doesn't know how to fight or use weapons. That's what knowledge and practice is for.
The thing is, most of the people who carry these things don't have the skill, but they do have the advertising that tells them they don't need any skill to use this as an equalizer. Conversely, there are very few people with the skills to use one of these effectively who also find it worth the time and effort to carry one due to the limited application. You can accomplish the same thing with a tactical flashlight or tactical pad and on the upside, you also have a flashlight, or a pen. There are plenty of people who can use one of these, and a very negligible percentage would actually carry one, on the other hand, almost everyone is pretty much useless with one of these, and that includes almost everyone who actually carries them.
Bro, a stick gives you some range and hitting power. You don't need practice to defend yourself against some random guy who don't know how to fight but takes out a knife and asks for your wallet and phone. Neither a pepper spary needs any requirement to to beat a guy from 4 feet away even if that guy has moderate knowledge on fighting. A kubaton gives you absolute no advantage. If you learn to use a kubaton well enough to defend yourself, you know enough about fighting to win that fight without the kubaton. It gives almost no leverage. The presence of a kubaton is almost meaningless. A simple umbrella adds more to every case, experienced vs experienced, Noob vs Noob, or Noob vs experienced. At least gives some range and safety space.
@@talesoffallenangels Are you saying a person with a weapon but no knowledge of how to wielded it is just as effective as one who has the practice and knowledge...?
@@jahgah clearly not. I'm saying that any weapon gives some kind of leverage, of you know to use it it's more, but almost any weapon can turn a 50/50 perfectly balanced into a 100/0 win, and gives you enough leverage to win even when you know less than the opponent, even if you can still lose. A kubaton does none of that.
I also said 90% of people that will show you a knife and ask for you wallet doesn't actually know much about foghting and relies on people don't wanting to or being afraid.
Except pepper spray and suicide vests.
"With this flashlight, I can find my kubotan when I drop it." Pepsi thru nose laughing!!! :D
What If he drops the flashlight?
@@neonkscksc thats why you should have two flashlights instead of one kubaton and one flashlight.
It made me laugh and got a like just for that comment
When I started out in law enforcement in the early 80's I went to a 3 day training seminar hosted by Master Kubota. When I finished 3 days later, my wrist hurt like it had been broken. A kubotan isn't meant for striking, it was designed for control holds, most of which are on the wrist and hands. For years, I used it quite a bit for car extractions.
Aye - its striking techniques are meant as an accessory to its holding techniques. I was taught how to use it by Tino Ceberano Hanshi, as well as being the practice dummy. If used by someone who knows its applications, its a very effective tool. The brain's 1st instinct is to pull away from pain, allowing for effective holding control, with virtually no risk to the wielder. Its also a very circumstantial weapon - someone goes at you when you're opening your car door, opening your house door with the keys attached. The keys are used more for striking (by slashing at the eyes) than the body is used for striking. None of these were talked about in the video (unfortunately) and only its striking application (as a short 'stick') was considered. Somebody untrained in its uses, or untrained in a style than could utilise it, would most likely end up hurt or worse, but the same could be said of any weapon.
“...something with a little more girth on it, that I can hold onto.”
You sound like my ex girlfriend.
@Top Lobster 🤨
@Top Lobster wtf
@Top Lobster bro!?
Bruh 😂
@Top Lobster SWEET HOME ALABAMA
I'm honestly just waiting for the next buckler shield video.
Yeah bucklers are great. I even saw on the tv show knight fight an ex mma fighter chose one for the fight.he got demolished though. Lack of training with it probably :(
Same.
Historically, they were used differently than shown on this channel. But still a useful weapon.
Me 2
I even turned on notifications for this. :(
“The guy wearing 5.11 pants, who spends too much time in the gun store.” I feel personally attacked! Even though I didn’t know what a kubaton was either.
I spend too much time buying guns I cant afford...🤨
Get some Duluth trading fire hose pants and ball room jeans, hippie.
@@Sue_Me_Too 5.11 =cargo pants
I'm glad you touched on the fundamental flaw with any weapon application and that is user error or neglect of open hands skills. Love your content .
except he blamed that on kubatons .. not so great content when millitary people in the comments are dissagreeing
Man, you really do yourself a disservice by speaking with such great authority and generalizations about something you apparently know little about. ANY defensive tool takes competent training, tactics and common sense. A kubotan is not just an impact tool…
Yeah, you’re definitely right
"Like the band Korn, my problem isn't with the kubaton but its fans."
"Like anything, you need practice and training with it."
He's saying fans of kubatons think they don't have to train or think about how to use their tool and over-appreciate it as a self-defense weapon, and made a video to show that. Try to give more benefit of the doubt and see more nuance in people's arguments.
@@hopelesslydull7588 except for the fact that it was created for laymen. It is as simple as picking up a stone and smashing someone on the head with it. Pretty sure you dont need to attend a class to learn to pick up and smash rocks.
@@neutrino78x A hammer is a tool. A box cutter is a tool. A gun is a tool. It is an inanimate object that was designed for a purpose.
And those Japanese PD officers have the skill because they *trained* with them. Pedestrians who have kubatons on their keychains and belts, of which there are many, do not train with them.
He's a douchebag.
0:37 that's a great korn impression honestly...
I thought the same thing, lol
That means he used to listen to a lot of Korn back in the day.
I bout spit out my coffee when he did it.
ha
It was so perfect lol
I think alot of people carry kubatons and other selfdefencestuff as protective amulets rather than actual weapons "ohh I have my kubaton on my keychain so Im okey", "ohh I have a taser somewhere in my bag so nothing can happen to me"
"Amulet", that's exactly the word for it. And surprisingly often it extends to actual weapons too with all those "no need to train with it" and "applicable in all situations" mindsets.
Wait mr. magor please, I need 20 min. to find my taser in the botom of my big bag full of staff.... 🥶
"Amulet" That's a brilliant way to put ut.it
'Apotropaic weapon'
@@atomic_wait "apotropaic" well thats a fancy word... I like fancy words! :) would you mind explaining to me what it means?
theres a similar weapon in FMA called a dulo-dulo. Prerequisite is that you already know your footwork, long weapons, knives, and empty hands. Mike makes a great point that in this close a range, knowing grappling is more important. our instructor was very clear that you can really use anything as a weapon ONCE you put the time in actually knowing how to fight.
was going to write a similar comment as currently a student of FMA and learning these things. well said.
"My problem isn't the band Korn it's the people who like them"
Me: I like Korn....
Yeah, your the problem
@@Ashtor1337 *you're
Korn rocks what is that guy's problem? He probably likes the Jonas brothers.
@@mmace3 ikr! To each their own I guess.
@@twigsagan3857 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 sure, if you say so.
I've always thought of a Kubotan as a training weapon. Like you'd use it to assist learning a wristlock, for the extra leverage. It helps identify exactly where to apply pressure, so that you can do it better in a real situation unarmed.
Your main point, that someone needs to know how to fight, is spot on. It's a lever and striking surface, it's to assist your unarmed techniques. It's not a "weapon" in its own right that just anyone can pick up and use.
Mike your camera work and just all around film making has gotten so entertaining. I love to see you getting better at just making videos and I find myself laughing and being sucked in more often with each new video. Keep it up my man, thank you for the amazing free content
the subtle music queue at the 2 min mark, juuuust before the fuckery, was GENIUS! completly on point
I appreciate it guys. I've been trying to make them as watchable and entertaining as they can be... its cool of you to notice the small things.
There is an additional problem in Canada, where we don't have the right to self defense: you can be charged just for carrying an object as a weapon. A kubaton is a weapon and only a weapon, but flashlights and tactical pens have plausible deniability.
everybody has a right to self defense, no shitty gvmint can tell you otherwise. unless you got no respect for yourself
@@LaMach420 pretty dumb response, of course people should have the right, doesn't mean every government allows it. Saying someone must have no respect for themselves since they don't want to get into legal trouble just by carrying something for self defense is just, as I said, a dumb way to respond
@@LaMach420 L
@@thejadedjester4935 I don't mean a firearm or anything (although I love Texas law) but nobody should get locked up for having a baseball bat inside the trunk for example. So what somebody don't got a glove? A buddy could have brought theirs. Until you commit a crime I see no reason why you should be penalized for that. Unless you've got a latex gloves and a balaclava lmao
That's just my opinion though
Seems like it's the same BS for every western country that's not the US nowadays. France is the same, maybe worst since even using your hands to restrain a criminal can get you more charges and punishment than the criminal attacking you or trying to rob you.
bottom line: if you do not know how to use weapons, you can't do shit with them.
That's why I always carry a chair with me. More practical, too.😋
Im reminded of the movie The Jerk... lol. Also, we did a video on that!
@@hard2hurt i watched that video, that's why I carry the chair 😋... gonna watch that movie now.
are you...a professional wrestler?
@@ar_master no, just somebody who likes convinience^^.
Yiu are funny
The weapon is called a yawara . The weapon is for soft tissue areas. And to push your knuckles forward to make your punch strong in close combat conditions. The information can be used for many over forms of weapons.
The dumbest self defense weapon is the one that you do not have, when you need it the most.
And I carry weapons, because I know I am not the best fighter, boxer or wrestler in the world and if I ever do come across the best fighter, boxer or wrestler in the world, I want a weapon that can beat him. A kubaton is better than nothing, so long as you know how to use it.
I really do not think that this guy researches or trains with any of the weapons that he bashes. So typical of MMA guys.
I have one on my keyring; I tuck it in my waist band after training as I have no pockets on my shorts.
Also use to misplace my keys a lot.
10/10 would recommend for a keyring and nothing else.
Fuckin this.
Never lose your keys again
Like the piece of broomstick they put on the gas station crapper key. Perfect use.
Let me see if I got this right
I give the kubaton to the attacker they hurt themselves using it
I win the fight
Ok got it thanks lol
love this reply lol
Honestly the only reason I have a kubaton (I guess, technically, a wooden yawara) at all is because I can't carry a knife or firearm at my workplace, but otherwise it stays at home because of the usefulness of other implements. It's not the best self defense tool, but it is one. Still needs to be practiced with, of course!
What a horrible country you live in if you need it any time
This isn't a striking or piercing weapon, its used to magnify leverage in holds. Like the nunchaku, this requires way more skill than a standard weapon to use effectively. This weapon is great for breaking joints, if you know how to use it!
Huge drawback of weapons like these ( also techniques self defence courses teach) is how people underestimate the amount of psychological power and will you need to have in order to pick someone eye or crush persons face with an item
i think if someone is in a moment of panic or stress from being attacked then their instincts will kick in and it won’t be such a daunting task to actually do.
Every weapon has a specific application, some the application window can be very small. And all weapons require training/practice to use competently.
Most weapons are just sticks, too.
True, but there's 44 better options.
@@Mwright4444 I didn't mention any particular weapon. But I'm interested. Go ahead and list your options.
@@Mwright4444 Yeah 44 Magnum Hollow point
@@tecsto7069 he gets the joke
Dude, I like your videos. I really like the way you test things out, and break down how things will work in different situations. It definitely comes down to your training. If you put a kubotan in the hands of someone that has good fundamentals in Striking, and Grappling, like Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, they would probably be pretty effective with it. If you suck at fighting, you’re going to suck with a kubotan. I think some people think it’s going to give them some sort of magical powers or something. I carry a tactical pen, and a knife on a fairly regular basis and still wonder if it’s worth carrying. I think it is because easy to carry, convenient, it has some practical use, and I’ve been training for about 15 years, and have a solid understanding of basic striking and grappling skills under my belt.
I can’t believe this man, with all of his knowledge, doesn’t seem to understand this in the video. It’s not like he, himself, would be completely powerless if he had the kubaton because he knows a lot of shit. He sounds sooooo ignorant in this video it’s painful and disappointing
I mean... it'll give you an advantage regardless won't it?
If you're a trained fighter you don't need a kubotan because you don't need an equalizer. If you're a trained fighter and need an equalizer it's because the opponent is way larger than you or has an real weapon in which case you should deescalate or flee, not pull out a little stick that'll just make them feel justified in hurting you worse.
I think one of the other pros to kubotan type weapons is the fact that they’re better to use indoors, won’t hit the walls as often as longer weapons and are easier for retention and harder to disarm. To disarm it they’d either have to grapple you, isolate your whole arm or take you to the ground perhaps, similar to dealing with a knuckleduster.
@@mkay7330 Clearly you've never been in a street fight if you believe the BS you're typing, kiddo.
If you were fighting a gerbil, that thing would be like smacking them with a telephone pole though.
Bro this comment gots me dead 💀
The Chad Flashlight:
+Blinds people
+Can be used as a blunt weapon
+Can help find your stuff
+Lets you be on guard even in the dark
+Easy to carry around while looking normal
The Virgin Kubaton:
-Looks like a toy
-Looks weird no matter what you do
-It's literally just a blunt pen
-Doesn't do anything really useful except ok self defense but seriously just punch or kick you have to get really close to use this thing it's a detriment if you're an actual competent fighter
I wanted to hear your take on the Kubaton.
My take is that the Kubaton was originally intended to get around weapon bans, and it's obsolete for that now. I trained with the original (no key ring, just a small plastic dowel) so that I could improvise a Kubaton from whatever was at hand if necessary. Thirty years ago while working as an unarmed security guard in a large city, a group of six teens were giving me a hard time; I used my Mini Maglite to reinforce a pressure point hold and escorted the leader out of the mall. It was a one-hand technique that was subtle, with the Mini Maglite pressing against that nerve bundle on the side of the elbow joint--I needed my other hand free in case the technique failed, in case the situation continued to escalate. With that flashlight reinforced hold, using minimum pressure, I was able to remove a troublemaker without injuring him. He was larger than I, he had five friends, but that show-off trick short-circuited the situation.
Compared to a yawara, the Kubaton had control hold options. Yawara were classified as concealed weapons in California and Hawaii and many places ban the Kubaton, but I found Kubaton training useful for limited situations. As for the spikey novelty items, the keys on the Kubaton, and that Cold Steel revised yawara, they no longer have the original advantage of a Kubaton--it's no longer legal to carry in places banning "all weapons or other dangerous objects." Training is still useful.
Can I fight? I'm 65 and out of shape. In a boxing ring, just run around in circles until I get dizzy and fall down. Wrestling--I might have the advantage for 30 seconds--if there are only one or two, if they're not human tanks, if they don't really know what they're doing.
I mean, I carry this on duty and it works great. I get someone who’s giving me troubles while I’m trying to get them into my car, I stick this in between their wrist and the cuff and boom, they stop resisting😂I would never use this thing to fight, but it has good uses for some people
Thank you👍🏼
I actually read yours and years ago that this was developed basically specifically for that for the LAPD in particular. I know that the yawara stick likely predates the LAPD, but the kubaton as we know it today, at least according to the article I was reading was refined and brought into popularity specifically for use by smaller LAPD conjunction with handcuffs to provide additional arrest control options.
@@zube410 I did not know that, that’s a neat little fact!
Good thing you don't have to play with the big boys, huh?
Its almost like it was designed for something like that, and not self defense lol.
To be honest... i have one, attached to my hey ring. Does a lot of noise when it hits the ground. Useful by that. In self-defense situation... pressure points - atemi - are like kung-fu... nice in films, good on paper... worthless in day to day situation. Got to use kubotan once, hit the guy to the head and to some other places - fast semi-blind strikes - he did let go after few hits, but to be honest it would be useless against someone with a knife or a batton. Well... in the age of global disease you can use it to push buttons in elevator. Good for that.
Using the kubaton to push elevator buttons is the most useful thing I've heard with it
*Global Misinformation
@pel thoron i just love this argumemt "i was in half a dozen fights" or "my dojo was in other martial arts school/kraw maga schools and they throw us aou because we were to brutal for them" or any of that shit. What you say is anegdotal. But good for you. Im in martial arts about 20 years now. Never got to fight outside the competition. Maybe is time to change fhe place where you live in?
@@EliotOnline shut up
@@pacogutierrez2484 grow up
Trying to prove it doesn't work while showing that it works.
Nobody buys a tact pen to "write" with it.
"If youre defending kubotan in the comments.. you probably cant fight".
Wow.
Hard2Hurt feels like a 20cent version of Fit2Fight
My father was a police officer who was extensively trained with a baton, he carries a kubaton, amongst other tools.
He basically uses it as a fist pack and, once in a dominant position, as a small joint manipulator.
I used to have one that looked like the double ended one and it got confiscated by airport security. Obviously you need to learn how to fight first to use a weapon that small weapon effectively, that can really be said about any self-defense weapon.
0:39 Confirmed, Mike listened to nu metal while playing Marvel vs Capcom in the 90's
I had a rip of MvC2 with music replaced that was mostly LINKIN PARK
I don't usually comment on these videos... but in this case I will. I've supplemented my training with the yawara stick, which the kubotan is a variant of. No hate as there is a lot in the video I agree with, just a different point of view.
The yawara stick was originally developed by an aging martial artist. I believe he was in his 70's at the time (could be wrong on that) but he no longer had the strength or toughness to defend himself. He developed the yawara stick as something he could always carry with him, got attacked in a parking garage by several younger men and successfully defended himself with it. It was then marketed to the public, but specifically to police officers to assist with takedowns.
The kobutan is a variant that was developed in the 1970's when the L.A. police began accepting female recruits. Again, used as a force multiplier when you expect that the people you will be facing are bigger/stronger than you. The tactical pens and flashlights are also variants of the yawara stick.
I agree 100% with two points in this video. First, a lot of those variants are ridiculous. Second, if you are going to use a yawara stick, you should already know how to fight. It will do little to help an untrained person and should not be marketed to the average person as a self defense option.
Ideally the user will fight with a takedown-based style as there are better options if you want to strike. I practice Japanese Ju Jitsu myself to aid with my police training, with previous experience in kickboxing and similar styles. And while (in all honesty) I don't carry one with me, it does make takedowns against much larger people considerably easier, and I can transfer the techniques when someone starts something while I'm holding my pen or using my (unextended) baton.
"The pen is mightier than the sword." - Jerry Kubaton, the inventor of the flashlightbulbplug, on Cuba, 1963³
I have the tacti-cool pen. Yes the thought of it being a weapon is there, but it's WAAAYY down the list of why I carry it.
1. Pen
2. Windlass for improvised tourniquet
3. Glass breaker
4. Any number or random things
And as a weapon it's way down my list of weapons. I'd likely find something in the room to use before using the pen if time permits it.
I train with Knives and Kubatons since years. It's a good tool to defend yourself and I used it already on duty, you will hurt your opponent really bad. Your thinking is really black and white, don't you think?
He didn't say it was bad, he was complaining about all the people who buy them and never practice it
The larger one (koga) is probably classified as a Yawara, the implement that the kubotan was based on... . ;)
LOVE this video! And as I usually try to explain my students, the kubotan was "invented" (by Soke Kubota Takayuki) to be a TRAINING TOOL, to simulate similar (and more useful) items everyone has at hand, like pens, flashlights, keys, and pieces of wood or metal found on the ground...
But of course, as almost always happens, martial artists misunderstand the meaning of everything, and voilà! We have the kubotan keychain as a self defense tool! -___-
I think the only problem was that it had the key chain part. Either that or they were holding it wrong, because the way where you hold it with a capped thumb on one end, I can “stab” as hard as I want and it would not hurt. I don’t really understand how they held it wrong.
@@mkay7330 because they aren't trained in its applications. Simple as that. The key chain part is also an effective striking weapon, probably more than the actual body, as well as allowing extra length for loop holds
Same concept as guns, it's never the tool, but always the person using it. Practice, discipline, and actually respecting the tools one swears by is more important.
No, at the end of day you just point the gun and pull the trigger. It's super simple. You have to have another skill set to use this thing.
@@Ashtor1337 doesn't really compute, but okay? Apples to Oranges? I've been raised by a Vietnam vet, before I could have ever shoot a gun; it was always sling shots and bows first. Sure you can pull a trigger, but can you actually hit the target exactly where you want it? Probably not. If you use that mindset, your grouping would be terrible, which means your accuracy would drastically suffer. As I said, discipline, practice and respect is key. This same concept can be applied to martial arts and bladed weaponry too. I'm not sure if you understood the first statement posted, but to each their own I guess. 🤷
I'm 52 years old I've tried to figure those things out since I was 19. Nobody's ever given me a straight answer except pressure points. Thank you for explaining
Cops: "why are you carrying around a deadly weapon?". Simple dowel, palm-sized, or a roll of coins. Much better less involving you as a possible aggressor.
As long as you don't live in England or something you are allowed to defend yourself with deadly weapons. They can still sue you if you thrash them with some coins. Ain't no way to avoid potential legal liability.
@Hunter Hall swords are legal but I don't think you can walk around with them. Yeah Texas is way better. NYC is the worst, outside of there, there are actually decent self defense weapons laws
@Hunter Hall Man, for real? That's good to know. I remember being so dumbfounded traveling from Mexico up to Texas and finding out brass knuckles of all things weren't legal in one of the most pro-gun states in America. It's a small reassurance, but it's good to know.
Carry a metal pen, honestly
Smal flat iron in your handbag - hit the bad guy with that.
I have the new S&W pen version I honestly only use it for a pen because I like the weight of it that's about it.
A lot of things are "the worst" when people don't know how to use them. Funny how that works...
From the other hand, a lot (if not most) of the people buying those, don't know how to use them.
@@andrzejsobanski6752 this guy just makes videos saying things are garbage just because people that buy them are dumb and untrained or think to use it differently than intended. I hate this guy.
@@TheTrueDoomSlayer would you recommend anyone else commenting on these?
@@hugofontes5708 I recommend someone who doesn't say "this is trash because lack of training"
Then have an affiliate link to sell it to people... Like seriously? He says it's intentional. Just to make a quick buck off YT. What little he can.
@Serpentine Fire not the boxer.
When I was in the Military, I had one of these on my Keychain that I bought at a Swap Meet and a Gate Guard tried to confiscated it because it was a "Deadly Weapon". I pulled out my all metal Cross Pen and said "I guess this is a Deadly Weapon too?" There was complete silence and they let me go. After that I stopped carrying it because I realized my pen was actually just as effective and it did not attract negative attention.
I saw this thing for sale i though it was a fancy glass breaker 😆
It’s like “get away from me I have a small stick! You don’t even know man”
As a general rule a combatant is at advantage when armed vs unarmed. Period.
A pen can litteraly out perform a kubaton
uknown user Only with the right wielder. A pen will have no chance against a kubaton if the better fighter has it. They’re basically there same shape, but a little more pointy for the pen. Come on you can’t be this dense😂
Can you and Jason do a video addressing the various methods by which one may smuggle a kubaton? ;)
ever since I was denied carrying one thru the airport. Each time I travel, I carry a sharpie, and a mini maglight, and a length of thin wire
First: When someone says "If you use this, then you don't know how to fight" that means they are either stuck up about your methods, or they don't know what it is meant for at all.
Second: The purpose of a Kubaton is as a defensive tool, when you have nothing else, and are in a hold.
Third: They have no training with any of them, and are just trying to figure out how to use them. Yet they have the audacity to try and claim how they are bad.
You need to have some training to make use of it.
This is the first thing I have seen of the channel, and I already don't want to ever listen to anything they have to say again.
NOW I know why I never felt like spending $20 on a 6" x 1/2" piece of aluminum.
Been happily carrying pocketknives since the early 70's. Never had to use one on people, but I've murdered a hella lot of cheese and apples.
Thats almost like if one took the grip of a knife and thought "ehhhhh, I'm good".
Mike we all know that a trident is the best self defense weapon
Definitely would make the bad guy question his choices.
I've never seen a modern martial arts gym where some guy pulls out a training Buckler shield used in HEMA. Why does he have that?
Jay Ess As if you would always be striking a steel shield rather than meat. Very practical!
Because, as pointed out in many of his other videos, if you break all your training partners, no-one learns anything.
I have the thick Cold Steel ones you're showing. I've trained with them. They are a force multiplier, but like you said you need to know how to fight. You can use a can of corn as a weapon, but you have to know how to fight with it and when u lose it.
The one I was looking to buy isn't shaped like any of the ones shown in this video but you confirmed my original thoughts surrounding why I was hesitant to buy one. Thank you
I carry a dildo, and when I pull it out they all run away.
I just spent nearly 15 minutes watching this... Know what I learned? You fundamentally do not understand the intended purpose of that tool. Sure, they can be used to target pressure points(specifically ones deeper than easily hit with fingers) and yes, they CAN be utilized for striking. Those are not the intended purpose though. Kubatons are designed for manipulating small joints. And they are NOT stabbing weapons. That one is an interesting design and for someone like you, who isn't going to use the tool the way it was designed to be used, it may be a better option. But kubatons are supposed to be for dealing with someone WITHOUT cutting, stabbing or doing otherwise serious injury(beyond some busted fingers or a bruised nerve cluster)
I'm sure you're a very tough guy with lots of experience in your own right. And for someone who isn't going to learn how to use it, I agree with you that its not the best tool(I would argue that there are MUCH worse options though) But as someone who has both real life experience, practice and training, these can be a very valuable tool that is both non-threatening and takes up very little room.
A note on the pens and flashlights. I like those options. For years before kubatons gained in popularity here in the states, I carried a little minimag Maglite with that same exact purpose. The advantage is that the kubaton is the same shape on either side, specifically designed for doing its job. The flashlights and pens are by design one ended tools. If you're in a position where you may be struggling for control of someone, not having to figure out and potentially flip your tool in your hand is important.
I'm not trying to prove you wrong or anything like that. I try to look at knowledge as a building process that we never finish. When a house gets built, you don't have just one guy do it. You have specialists come in for the different parts. So hopefully I'm just adding some perspective that you're not already familiar with. Have a great day 👋😊
I really appreciate this comment. I remember falling in love with the Kubaton because it was a non lethal weapon. The day my teacher brought it out I was surprised, but then we starting learning the fundamentals and I fell in love with it so quickly. It also translated will into my day job where I have to consistently be careful with escalation of force. At the end of the day, any good weapons teacher will tell you that weapons are extensions of the body, and its nice to have one that isn't made to destroy unless I decide to, and it can be hidden away on my body with ease.
2:45 All I could think about is if you're trying to smuggle that is
Officer: Sir is this a weapon
Me: No that's my bug pug
ummmmm... i think youre missing something
i actually tell people its a massage tool. i am an lmt and work at a chiro office
People who say “never go to the ground in a street fight” have never been in a street fight because 90 percent of the time it starts with the dude charging you trying to take you to the ground 😂😂😂
Those statistics come from police officers trying to cuff people.
I agree, any weapon in untrained hands is nearly useless, or at best inaccurate. That being said, I would rather have one of these than nothing at all. Even a small advantage during an altercation can make a big difference. Hell, John Wick only needed a pencil!
Correct 💙💚❤️
What are you supposed to carry around? Even a sharp stick is good. A pen or pencil. People can’t be carrying around big weapons all day
Kubatons have saved my life more than once.
They probably have, but another tool could have likely done the job more efficiently.
Let me guess you forgot to bring a coffee stirrer?
You don't have to lie to kick it.
@@itsm3agen I'm thinking he used it to prop a door open to escape from a fire.. 🤣
@@joostdriesens3984 that too ye
I'll take this pepsi challenge. Bouncing for 10 years this my favorite tool. I'll show u
The kubaton is for wrist locking, elbow locking, and shoulder locking to get leverage and control your attacker. It can also be used for wrist and elbow breaks. It’s not meant for Jab Jab. It’s meant to control the body of your attacker and to break joints if needed. You can use to to jab pressure points, sure. However, it’s a much more dynamic tool.
Yeah that’ll work under pressure😂 get real
@@anon2427seems better than just your fingers or hands get real
The dwarves are highly regarded for their strength and tenacity I'd say that was quite a compliment. Great video Mike, loved it.
As a 18 yr golden gloves boxer with 2 yrs on the us navy boxing team i was trained in the use of my kubotan. Now I've haven't practiced with it in years but what I've done is added a couple of key circle links to my key chain and my very heavy metal Kubotan makes a nice small nunchaku. So the Kubotan i use in my fist is also use as a striking weapon for tearing on the side of the face or neck. Outside of the boxing ring with its referee and rules i was taught to win. My father was a us deputy marshal from 1920-60. It was a rougher and more deadlier world back then. Knives weren't the only sharp things being used to cut you. Straight razors, Gillette shaving razors taped to a person's fingers to slap with. So distance can be vital in a fight. I was born in 1960 myself. Fighting bullies was something I had to do because I was small. However, I enjoyed beating them up. The Wolverine is my totem animal.
Hey mike i cycle to work and almost everywhere i go , maybe you could make a video on self defence whilst riding a bike.
Look into old bartitsu. 😊
pedal faster?
The war with motorist is relentless ,here in the UK they are nuts lol
Fucking ride away. That or kick it in front of you and your attacker as a short term barrier. The objective should not be to fight but to get out of the situation first and foremost. Only fight if you have no other option of escape.
Carry mace. You can immobilize multiple attackers in one sweep and you don't have to explain to the police why you left someone bleeding out in the gutter. If you're concerned with the efficacy of it, have a friend mace you. I've carried OC/CS spray ever since my buddy hit me with it for a laugh.
Question: What if you just held your keys and swung the weapon like a flail?
It’ll slightly bruise the day after, but none of these pen sized sticks of metal have enough mass for that to make meaningful damage.
When striking with it, it reduces the surface area, increasing pressure, yada yada science: it damages a lot more the a punch.
Flails rely on weight and rotational force, and the swing length of a key chain and an end weight of a yo-yo equals almost nothing in force, and nothing in damage
@@juliansanderson839 I know the obvious to put your keys between your fingers like brass-knuckles. I guess that would be more effective.
@@necromancer0616 i don’t think so
I think it would be the same situation with that Kubaton you’re supposed to put between your fingers.
Would hurt the person attacking you, but it would also very much damage your hand.
And since the keys are pretty much separated, I don’t think work well enough.
I’d say if you were to use a key as a weapon, using a singular key and holding it somewhat like a small knife would work better to assist you in an encounter.
@@necromancer0616 That's nonsense. No one actually does that. Its just talked about by clueless people.
@@brokenwave6125 let me hit YOU that way and we'll find out who's clueless!
The more simple of defense tool the more training you need to be effective with it
And the more similar it is to simple empty hand.
I love how people trash something they don't know how to use.
That _Freak On A Leash_ impression tho. 💁 PURE GOLD
"If you plan to carry this...never practice with it" the life philosophy of all who carry a kubaton...
I can’t wait for the video proving knights armor isn’t effective in a fight
It depends. Even back in the day they weren’t magical force field shields.
Are bulletproof vests effective? For some calibers. Will they prevent you from being stabbed in the neck?
Hahaha omg. At 2:35. The other guy trying not to laugh at "thicker, fatter with more girth"
Unfortunately you also have to remember we live in a litigious society. So when you think about carrying that spiked tacticool kubaton, also factor in standing in front of a judge. It’s a whole lot easier to legitimately say you were not ever planning to get into a fight but were forced to defend yourself with your pen or flashlight (might even consider limiting the tacticool ness of them as well). Might save you a whole lot of money in civil court or worse case keep you from getting non-consensual conjugal visits in the prison showers.
Source?
I found this channel after I got a cold steel buckler. It's dope to see he still has them around and still has uses for it. Pretty cool.
"nEveR gO to THE GrOounD in a Street fight". 🤣
Where most fights end up at tho. Hahaha
Hey baldy I like Corn...and you like holding onto girth....love your vids...all the way from South Africa, we fight for our lives all day man...
Those things are for places where you can't have any other weapon or options
Keep telling yourself that ma'am.
I want to pick up the though that bluedogguy already pointed out. Tak Kobota worked this out his kubotan as a come along tool for officers. I've carried one for decades both in uniform and in plain clothes. I've moved folks who didn't want to move, and removed folks while they hung onto objects that I needed to get them to let go of. It worked as advertised. It worked as we were trained to apply it. And I never had a excessive force complaint. All that is one officers experience. Yours, Michael de Bethencourt
I got my mother one with a ridged grip and one point years ago. Very narrow tip. Just better than nothing for a small woman who won't use a gun or anything bladed or more weapon-like.
2:45 it is a butt plug mike, you just changed the shoppings and tried to do a excuse
"hard to hurt" and the guy gets hurt hundred times with the dumbest self defense weapon hahaha
Kubaton: when you try to make your knife into a club
The kubotan is the modern version of the yawara, which was used by various martial arts throughout history, particularly the feudal era.
I heard someone say that using a kubaton could also hurt you legally. If you use it for self defense, in court, the other person could say that you were carrying it around with the purpose of hurting someone because that’s really the only purpose of a kubaton. Like a flashlight, that’s used for illumination, and in court you could say that that is what you were using it for, and you ended up using it for self defense. Just a thought.
Love this video! Hilarious, perfect level of sh!t talk and you and Jay goofing around. Appreciate your technical videos but damn these tool application videos are my fav.
Dude, I just discovered your channel, and its hilarious. I laugh every time you call out the Mall Ninjas in the comments and you predict exactly what their responses will be... and then they do exactly that. haha
Brilliant, honest, down to earth and funny stuff man, subscribed.
Every time I watch one of “Icy Mike’s” videos, I feel as though I’m dumber and less capable of defending myself. Room temp IQ
Bruh, I know this is old but you are clueless. Even using a small solid piece of wood (piece of broom handle) would be a highly effective force multiplier. Against a single attacker, using the top and bottom ends to forcefully punch-poke will back someone up VERY quickly and can do some serious damage if you are quick, have practiced, and are deliberate and aggressive. It can be a life saver vs 2 attackers. The average person can't generate that kind of force to a small area with their knuckles. This is particularly true in close quarters. Versus someone who may want to take you to the ground, your punch or attempted kick probably won't stop them (particularly if they are trained) BUT several sharp jabs with a kuboton can make them think or even let go for fear of injury that they weren't expecting or don't want to suffer.
Btw, what was that about with the shield? Who is attacking a shield? If the guy has a shield, he doesn't want to fight so you walk away. If you were trying to demonstrate the destructive power of a kuboton, it isn't designed to be used against anything but soft targets. Stabbing and trapping and stabbing again is highly effecting and intimidating vs even large assailants.
The kuboton can be used to end a fight by making an attacker think twice. You need to see someone with skill use one. You WILL think twice before engaging them. Of course it doesn't make you invincible but it can even the playing field a bit.
Pretty thoughtless video.