| Something as subtle and diminutive as a Kubotan, or | | | | lymph nodes, which induce permanent injuries and |
| mini-baton, can transform a mild-mannered and law | | | | even death. |
| abiding citizen into an effective fighter against a | | | | Certain martial arts, particularly a style of Filipino |
| daunting criminal. Kubotans come in different designs | | | | stickfighting called Serrada Escrima, greatly enhances |
| and materials, thereby concealing their function. One | | | | the efficiency of the Kubotan. This art was founded |
| type is fashioned as a keychain of about 5.5 inches in | | | | by the late Grandmaster Angel Cabales. With Serrada |
| length and made of metal in different colors; the tip | | | | Escrima's flowing techniques as close to trapping |
| might be pointed or flat, depending on your preference. | | | | range (a term coined by Bruce Lee for his Jeet Kune |
| I prefer the black one with a pointed tip since it is less | | | | Do style of martial arts) between combatants |
| visible to the public eye and exerts more pressure with | | | | sometimes, a Kubotan in the hands of an escrimador |
| the same amount of force applied than the one with a | | | | can unleash devastating strikes to an unsuspecting |
| flat tip. Others are made to appear like a fat Sharpie | | | | perpetrator. The frequency, speed, quality, and location |
| from Cold Steel; however, its thick polymer skin can | | | | of blows can render anyone combat ineffective in a |
| withstand hard impacts; it is appropriately called, | | | | matter of seconds. |
| "Sharkie." | | | | In the liberal and politically correct state of California, it |
| I find the keychain Kubotan practical since I can always | | | | is considered a felony under the penal code to carry a |
| carry it attached with a set of keys. More so, it is | | | | stick or any length rod in public that might be construed |
| readily available for use at anytime anywhere since it | | | | as a weapon. On the other hand, carrying a cane or |
| is legal to carry in most, if not, all states. Firmly held with | | | | walking stick is perfectly legal. Ironic isn't it since the |
| your weapon hand, which is the dominant hand, the | | | | latter devices can generate more impact at their tips |
| Kubotan's strike areas are: | | | | due to their longer lengths? Therefore, an innocent |
| 1. The bony parts of the body, which induce sharp pain. | | | | looking keychain Kubotan might be the perfect |
| 2. The nerve centers, which render limbs such as arms | | | | companion as well as an equalizer against a bigger |
| and legs useless in gripping, punching, striking, or kicking. | | | | and stronger opponent. |
| 3. And vital areas such as the temples, eyeballs, and | | | | |