Martial Arts & Self-Defense Weapons – What IS a Kubotan

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If you do a search on the internet, there seems to be no end to what has been written about this simple, yet powerful weapon. There seems to be no small supply of writers who have used dramatic titles to add to the impact of an otherwise so-so article on the subject.

“Fistful of Dynamite,” “Rod of Pain,” and many others lead the way as writers share their own knowledge and insight into this inconspicuous, and yet surprisingly powerful little weapon. Unfortunately, far too many of these articles serve little to no real purpose in helping you to actually create results. And, these articles range in scope from the generalized “what it is” variety, to the overly bloated tome that includes what seems to be every single detail and supposition that the author wishes to impress you with.

Believe me, I have read a lot of what’s available, and while there are certainly a number of valuable resources from real experts, they are buried in a cyber-world of practically worthless “chatter.” While you can feel free to recreate my extensive research on the subject, I’ve brought it all together so you don’t have to.

So, what, exactly, is a Kubotan (pronounced “koo-bow-tahn”) anyway?

Good question. And to answer that, you can read the book titled, KUBOTAN: Self-Defense Keychain to get a much better idea. But, for now, I’ll give you the short, “what’s it look like and what else might it be called,” version. For those interested, the above book covers the viewpoints of “where did it come from and how long has it been around,” as-well-as others in its other chapters.

In my other articles, you can take a quick overview of the strengths and weakness of this popular self-defense weapon. But, for now…

The Kubotan, also known as a…

1. Pocket-stick…

2. Self-Defense Keychain…

3. Mini-Stick, and…

4. many others…

…is arguably, the most common self-defense weapon, next to the handgun, in the United States.

While many new tactical weapons continue to find growing acceptance within the law enforcement and security communities, there seems to be little change within the realm of private citizens. It appears that, once people find a good thing, they tend to “stick” with it. (Yes, pun intended!) According to many experts in the field of defense and personal protection…

“…the most popular, and quite possibly the most versatile, personal defense weapon is the Kubotan.”

For simplicity’s sake, I’ll refer to the weapon throughout this article as the Kubotan or, more simply, the self-defense keychain. However, regardless of the name given to it, this powerful little compliance tool, carried by thousands of men and women – martial artists and non-practitioners alike – is an awesome means of deterring and controlling an attack situation.

Besides being, quite probably the cheapest weapon you can buy, in the hands of even a person skilled in only a few basic moves, the Kubotan is a formidable weapon for stopping an assailant in his tracks. And, for those with more training and developed skills, the self-defense keychain is one of the most effective self-defense tools that you can use today.

The weapon is simple in appearance, inexpensive to acquire or make, and fairly easy to conceal. While not as versatile and convenient as a clipknife like the Delica from Spyderco – my preferred weapon/tool of choice, by the way – it is definitely easy-to-learn and even easier-to-use.

Depending on the manufacturer, the Kubotan is just a basic rod made of metal, plastic, or wood. It’s about 6 inches long and, as the name suggests, usually has a key ring attached at one end. The “official,” patented, Kubotan weapon “invented” by a man named Tak Kubota, has grooves machined into the weapon to identify it as a unique creation. But, just like “Band-aid” has come to be the generic name for adhesive bandages and “Q-Tips” the same for cotton swabs, the bar-shaped, self-defense keychain is almost universally called a “Kubotan.”

There are other variants of the basic model, including what is billed as the “Ninja” version of the weapon. This little piece of imaginative effort, created during the ’80’s when every weapon had it’s own “Ninja” version, has two thinner spikes protruding out from the side of the weapon that fit between your fingers when you grasped the main bar of the tool.

Let me assure you that, regardless of what you ever read or hear, the Kubotan or self-defense keychain is NOT a Ninja weapon – officially or unofficially. It’s ancestors that gave rise to the modern version, at least in Japan, were used by almost all trained warriors – not just the Ninja.

The more commonly recognized variants of the weapon are generally manufactured from heavy-duty plastic or aluminum. The official Kubotan, and third-party copies, are simply straight rods with blunt ends. However, many self-defense key chains have at least one tapered end with the key ring attached to the squared, blunt end. Needless to say, some of these “centerpunch-like versions, are extremely dangerous – as they have the capability of actually penetrating the target and doing more severe damage.

And, for those of you who are fashion-conscious and need to make sure that your self-defense weapon doesn’t clash with your Armani, these little gems even come in a variety of colors and high-tech shapes to match just about any ensemble.

So, to answer the question, “what IS a Kubotan?”

It is a simple, easy to learn and use, self-defense weapon that can be effectively used by the smallest defender, to bring the largest assailant to his knees in seconds. Quite simply, it is the best weapon for the person with little to no formal training and who wants to be able to learn to defend him or herself with the least amount of time, effort, and money.

Chinese Martial Arts School Kung Fu Training China, Shaolin Kung Fu, Martial Arts Training

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Kung Fu Training China, Martial Art Schools in China, Chinese Martial Arts

We offer the best form of martial arts. Our mission is to provide martial art students the very best of kung fu and Chinese martial art training. The school has the very best trainers for martial arts who are well qualified in their field of kung fu fighting techniques. Our facility is located in a global geo park of international reputation. The Rising Dragon School teaches the different level of Chinese martial art which is from 1st duan to 9th duan. Somes forms of Chinese martial taught includes Shaolin Kung Fu, Modern Wushu, Baji Qua technique.

Martial Art China, Shaolin Kun Fu, Wushu Martial Art, Qinna Style Fighting

Rising Dragon offers student the opportunity to learn different style of Chinese martial art. We offer training in shaolin kung fu, which is considered to be the oldest Martial Art in the world and also the root of all Martial Arts.Wushu style fighting, a full contact sport In additional to these two, there is the XingYi technique, which is the form and mind, the Baji Quan style fighting which features an explosive, short range power and is famous for its elbow strikes. Sanda style fighting, which is a free form fighting a modern day self defense system. It is China’s answer to western kickboxing or Thailand’s Muay Thai boxing. Then there is the Qinna fighting technique which falls under the four main categories in all Chinese martial. Chop hanging fist style is another form of fighting which is called Pigua Zhang. Another form of important fighting style is the Tai Chi which is good for both internal power and longevity. There are many other martial art fighting styles taught at the Rising Dragon School of Chinese martial arts.

Contact for Chinese Martial Art Academy, Martial Art Training Academy

If you are seriously wish to learn kung fu in China or various style of martial art such as tai chi then you are most welcome to join the Rising Dragon School of Kung fu. We offer training in all types and levels of traditional shaolin kung fu from the very best martial arts teachers. Contact us today to know more about the ancient form of Chinese martial art and the art of self defense. We are sure that once you have been trained in the art of martial art, self disciple will follow automatically.

Nutritious Ingredients That Are Good During Martial Arts Training

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For the best performance, an engine needs a fuel tuned to its specific needs. The same is true for the human body, and there are many foods that are great for martial arts training. Strength, dexterity, and mental acumen can all be sharpened with the right balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, giving a martial artist a boost in performance.

Bananas: They come in their own wrapper, and if that wasn’t benefit enough, bananas provide the body with potassium, a nutrient that a martial artist loses quickly when sweating through a rigorous workout routine. Electrolytes help maintain muscles and nerves when they’re put under stress, and potassium is a key electrolyte. The carbohydrate sugar in bananas can be digested easily, for a quick energy boost.

Water: Everyone knows by now that water lost through sweat needs to be replenished, but a properly hydrated body is essential before the martial arts workout even begins. Water carries nutrients, is the body’s cooling system and keep muscles functioning at their optimal performance levels. When fully hydrated, the muscles can stretch further, and the chance of cramping is heavily reduced. The benefits of hydration to a martial artist can not be overlooked.

Oatmeal: This breakfast staple has shown potential to reduce cholesterol, but what makes it great for a martial artist is its ability to fuel a workout. Oatmeal is low on the glycemic index, which means it can provide constant energy over a long period of time by breaking down slowly and letting your body release insulin in smaller doses. Avoid adding extras like sugar or syrup, which can cause insulin to spike, leaving you drained of energy early in your training.

Avocados: The body requires fats to work as efficiently as possible. The best way to deliver those fats is in a healthy nutrient dense form like avocados. Avocados are the number one fruit when it comes to healthy fat packed with calories for muscle growth and brain function.

Spinach: Iron is an essential mineral, facilitating the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the muscles. Iron deficiency is quite common, and when the body is low on iron, oxygen consumption slows down. It’s important to stay oxygenated while training in martial arts, and spinach can provide your body with massive amounts of iron, ensuring that you’ll never be deficient.

Sardines: This tiny little fish is one of the few foods on earth to supply the body with Co-enzyme Q10, a nutrient and anti-oxidant that increases the body’s energy supply. On top of that, sardines are a healthy source of omega-3, one of the healthiest essential oils. Sardines also have large supplies of potassium and iron, vitamins and minerals that are required for a healthy functioning martial artist.

There are many foods that are great for martial arts training. Whether you’re looking to build muscles or develop the mind, choosing the right diet is important. A martial artist requires the best nutrients at all times in order to perform at peak capacity. Finding time to incorporate these foods into your diet will pay off and provide you with an added boost of energy and performance.

Which Martial Art is the Best for Law Enforcement

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Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art. Then with the introduction of the more mysterious martial arts with more of a “killing” edge to them this coupled with the focus of the USJF/USJI (the leading Judo organizations in the US and the world) focus on Olympic competition and the simple fact that training in judo is painful and to this day, very difficult to get a black belt rank in it, especially if you are in a competitive area. I could probably write another 5 pages on this, but I will stay on point.

During these years EVERY major metropolitan Police Department had a Judo club. Even countries like Thailand taught Judo to their police force, NOT Muay Thai. I personally train a number of law enforcement officers and I have seen the results first hand. So why is Judo the martial art for law enforcement?

The primary purpose of non-lethal force with law enforcement is to get your target to comply. What is the most realistic way of getting someone to do something you don’t want to with out seriously damaging them? How can you get someone from their feet to the ground as quickly as possible? How do you know what its going to be like for real? The answer is JUDO.

First off, when most people “resist” arrest, it’s an ego thing. They are looking to be restrain, or they don’t want to look like a punk and go quietly. The advantage the cop has is that the suspect knows that the officer is not trying to kill him or her. I realize this is a disadvantage in some situations, but that’s what the stuff @ www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com is for.

First, the object of judo is to throw the opponent from his feet to his back. Think about the majority of the altercations policemen get in, most of the time the skel is just kind of testing the officer. Once the suspect feels that the officer is going to be a tough customer, he’ll comply. Nothing drives this point home better than taking someone from their feet to their ass with one shot. Usually, when the guy is on the ground, he’ll take his medicine, since he knows the cop really isn’t going to kill him, a lot of time, that’s all it takes. Plus, to witnesses, it just looks like you pushed or pulled him over; mean while, they hit the deck HARD. Just ask my friend who threw guys one night with sasae tsuri komi ashi (lifting, pulling, ankle throw). These guys were fighting each other, and the guys on the scene had to get them to stop. So, he got in the fray and tossed ’em all. Well, I guess they felt that getting up and fighting again wasn’t that much of a priority.

A popular argument is that most fights go to the ground. This may be true, but most people don’t know what they are doing. Most people don’t study judo.

One of the primary components of judo is being able to stay on your feet. You develop this skill as a by-product of the training. Just gaining the ability to stay on your feet is worth the price of admission. Especially when you are in a ‘scrum’ maintaining your balance is a primary concern.

The fact is, there is not better way to practice imposing your will on someone who is non compliant. Nothing gives you greater confidence than throwing a man that has 100 pounds on you. Nothing. Especially when that guy doesn’t want to be thrown.

Another important component is the pinning and submissions of judo. To secure a full point in judo you need to hold him on his back for 25 seconds. Being able to hold a man down until the cavalry arrives will save your life. Plus, while this guy struggles, you are just squeezing the life out of him. Trust me, when it comes time for you to put the cuffs on him, he’ll be as compliant as a wet noodle.

Strangles and arm-bars, yep, Judo has them too. If you have to put someone “out of commission” and you really want to know how to strangle someone who doesn’t want to be strangled, you’ve come to the right place. When they wake up, you will have them cuffed and ready to go. (Uh-oh, the choke hold alarm! Hey, I am not talking about liability; I am just trying to save your life).

Lastly the overall toughening and body conditioning is second to none. If you can “randori” for 30 minutes, non- stop – you’re in really good shape. So why aren’t some many people, knocking down the doors of every Judo club. Because it’s hard work and it hurts. There’s no junior black belt, student of the month. Your gi is white and the work is hard. No secrets, just hard work.

The irony and the tragedy: the guys who train with me are only a few. Most of the guys interested in this type of training are SWAT or tactical guys. Unfortunately, these guys are the least likely to get in a roll around. That’s the irony. The tragedy is the guys who are most likely to need good hand to hand fighting skills are the patrolmen doing car stops, domestic violence; and all of the first response details. By the time the SWAT shows up, the situation is intense and the reality of a hand to hand confrontation is highly unlikely if not damned near impossible.

MartialArts | Martial arts instruction | Self Defense

Online Education (master Of Arts In Teaching And Learning With Technology Online)

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The Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology allows you to acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to incorporate technology, tools, and instructional systems in a variety of learning environments including online learning. Discover how the latest technology tools can impact the learning experience, from K-12 students up through corporate trainees. Embark on a variety of courses that will provide you with the skills to apply the latest technology to teaching and online learning, as well as to serve as a resource for your fellow teachers and colleagues.

Career Opportunities

With your Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology degree, you will be qualified to pursue a career in any of the following arenas:

Public Schools
Private Schools
Charter Schools
Corporate Training
Consulting
Online Instructor

The Master of Education in Teaching (with multiple concentrations) has been developed to meet the needs of licensed classroom practitioners by linking what has been learned about effective teaching to best practices in the classroom. Coursework is structured within the context of three essential areas that affect todays classroom teachers: instruction, curriculum, and professional development. Through interaction with faculty members who are committed to the collaborative and integrative investigation of problems in practice, students will experience a comprehensive study of current educational research and critical analysis of classroom teaching and learning. Graduates of the program will earn a Master of Education: Teaching degree. The Master of Education (M.Ed.): Teaching program is not designed to lead to certification or licensure. See instead the M.Ed.: Teaching – Elementary Education, the M.Ed.: Teaching – Secondary Social Studies, and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Certification Program (Graduate Certificate.)

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level outcome objectives, this degree also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. Graduates in this degree program will be able to:

Demonstrate commitment to students and their learning.
Evaluate the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
Manage and monitor student learning.
Systematically assess their practice and learn from experience.
Engage as members of learning communities.
Integrate problem-based inquiry in course experiences.
Interact with program mentors, academic specialists, colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders.
Integrate the use of action research to enhance student achievement and address problems in practice.

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Teachers, Elementary Reading, English Language Learners, Instructional Leadership, Online Learning, or Special Education.

This concentration is for K-12 teachers who wish to further their studies with an advanced degree focused on elementary education curriculum and instruction for grades K-6. Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the issues that continue to influence professional practice in the field. Candidates will use research, experience, and professional judgment to collaborate and work with others in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction and services for elementary students.

Candidates will have an advanced understanding of the developmental characteristics, culture, and background of elementary aged, special needs learners and how the differences among them influence the learning condition. The program meets the needs of students with interests within the traditional public and private school arenas and includes an emphasis on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), research-based teacher leadership skills, and 21st Century professional practices in instruction. Completion of the concentration does not lead to state certification or licensure. The program includes a total of 36 semester hours and is comprised of 12 online courses including a capstone action research project conducted on a school or other pre-approved professional site.

This concentration is designed for K-12 teachers who wish to further their studies by achieving an advanced degree with a focus on working with students to promote elementary level reading and literacy development in grades K-6. Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of best practices in elementary reading curriculum and instruction, use a range of research-based practices, methods, and materials to support curriculum development, and will use a variety of assessment practices and tools to diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate effective literacy instruction.

The program meets the needs of candidates with interests within the traditional public and private school arena and includes an emphasis on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), International Reading Association (IRA) standards, research-based teacher leadership skills, and 21st Century professional practices in instruction. Completion of the concentration does not lead to state certification or licensure. The program includes a total of 36 semester hours and is comprised of 12 online courses including a capstone action research project conducted on a school or other pre-approved professional site.

You May Qualify For Financial Aid.