How to use the pocket stick/Kubotan

[RapidAssault16]

I recently purchased a 6 inch aluminum kubotan. I have had some exposure to pocket stick (dulo-dulo) techniques before but I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to how to deploy the kubotan, how to strike with it, and any other tips anyone could share with me. Thank you.

[guy incognito]

Some good targets for the kobutan are in between ribs,temple,the point where the 2 colar bones meet and all peasure points.Hold it in a fist a little bit protrudeing each end and the point (If it has one some dont) facing away from the thumb.In this way you will still be able to punch as well.

[RapidAssault16]

Very cool...I got another question: Is it practical to use the kubotan as a flail-type weapon? I've read in some places that advocate it and others that are against it. I'm speaking of grasping the keys and flailing with the kubotan as the striking implement (like nunchakus). Thanks again.

[guy incognito]

I find the weapon is not much good for flailing.The weapons small mass does not lend itself to these type of strikes.I like the nickname "Attitude adjuster" for this weapon because its best used for pain compliance techniques like in between the ribs I mentioned above.As far as impact strikes are concerned I like holding it in a fist and striking targets like the temple,throat and rib cage etc.

[Keeper]

Not a big fan of the Kobutan. Don't know about where you are, but here in merry old England they are illegal.
But what I do carry is a metal bull-point pen (well, actually I try to have at least two in different carry-sites).
With a pen, the 'butt' end can still cause pain due to it's small surface area. Whereas the Kubutan is absolutly blunt at one end.
It's best use like a dullo-dullo. You can stab in all eight directions of attack, with a reverse-grip or sabre-grip... without changing the position of your hand on the weapon (pen!).
My favored grip is like this - I grip the shaft pretty much in the center of the pen. Seeing as I find the reverse-grip type stabbing motions most effective (for the close range) I have the point of the pen prodruding from the bottom of my fist, with the blunt end coming out as the 'sabre-grip' part.
When executing strikes from the reverse-grip, I put my thumb over the blunt end to stop the weapon sliding out of position or right out my hand. This dosn't mean you can't attack with a sabre-grip type motion though... all you have to do remove you thumb by sliding it off the blunt point mid-strike.

So you see... the perfect in-fighting weapon!

There is more you can do with it though, like joint manipulation in the event of the weapon arm being grabbed (it happens). Also a great gunting weapon if you practice enough. And there is also the screwdriver grip, carry sites, methods of deploying the weapon... etc etc. (I've spent a lot of time working on it) And the best part is, it's just a pen!

Peace,

Keeper

[guy incognito]

Does the pen clip damage the inside of your fist when you strike?

[Keeper]

Does the pen clip damage the inside of your fist when you strike?

Nah! Maybe if you have very small hands.. stick-work builds the muscles of the hands so you wouldn't notice it. Besides, in the heat of combat - you really wouldn't give a shit.

[guy incognito]

Yeah i guess.But what about my delicate hands.lol.I suppose it does more damage to them than you though.

[bushidoseishin]

I love the kubotan. I've had the same one since 1989. I like to use it with all my striking patterns, hitting with both ends; Punching with it; and locking with it. As far as pain compliance, my favorite is to put them in a choking position with the kubotan against the throat or pushing against the eyeball/socket.

It comes in very handy because my keys are attached to it. I recently hand it in my hand at a bar, just in case. (Dumbass me forgot my knife!)

[H2H]

Wary...

I would be a bit wary about striking to the temple with a kuboton. That could kill someone. Only to be used if lethal force is called for.

[david f]

If the kubotan is illegal in your country as it is in mine, what about a dulo dulo? It is from what I have been told the weapon the kubotan is based on and is from the Philippines. You can obtain them here made from either kamagong or the horn of a carabao. They are extremely effective and fit very nicely into the palm of your hand.

The carabao horn one is my faviourite and I have not had any problems using it for defense or when security are doing searches. If you want to see some you visit www.panlaban.com. The guy there actually makes them and maybe able to be of assistance if you have any questions.

[Keeper]

The caraboa horn one is my fave too! GM Ernesto Presas gave it to me as a gift when I was training with him in Manila. He gave one to my girlfriend too for self defense. I actually carried it (amongst other things) for the few months i was out there.
But here, like I said, the police really aren't big fans of such weapons and so explaining myself in court would be a lot easier if I was using the word "pen" as oposed to dulo-dulo or palm-stick.

I have a funny story about my dulo dulo and how it got mistaken for a sex toy in the Philippines actually. I'll post it here soon. lol

Peace

Keeper

[johnzag]

kubotan's are illegal to carry in Australia unfortunately but they are a great weapon. We teach many "pen" techniques to our female self defense classes. I have found like many have mentioned in previous posts that the Kubotan can be used with the traditional strikin patterns and are also excellent for wrist locks and chokes..

[H2H]

Hmmmm

What is it with English-speaking countries ? You can't carry any type of self-defense tools in Britain, Australia, Canada, etc. ?? Must make it easy for the bad guys. I personally live in Texas and almost always have a knife and kuboton. Oh, I forgot, the kuboton has OC spray in it, too. At home, I have a 9mm handgun to deal with any trouble that comes up.

What are people in Australia and the Great Nanny State, er, sorry, Great Britain supposed to use to defend themselves, harsh language ?

[johnzag]

H2H,

in Australia our society is a lot different with regards to people interacting with each other. if you have ever meet an Australian you would know that in general we are a very friendly bunch. It does really enter into our psychie to carry weapons around for protection. I am not saying that crime doesn't happen as we have our fair share. However I think your standard Aussie is not pre-occupied with what may happen when he ventures out. Its a subject of mentality I think and in the states (with a fair bit of reason granted) there is a far greater sense of caution!

Neither one of us is right or wrong for carrying or not carrying a weapon. I am just glad that I am in a country where I don't feel the need too.