Kubotan Power: Quick and Simple Steps to Mastering the Kubotan Keychain Kindle Edition

Being a martial artist and traveling to areas where I am not allowed to conceal carry my handguns, I carry a variety of self defense tools: Benchmade Tactical Pen Model 1100 (Damascus or titanium), an Exodus anodized Titanium Kubotan, and a Cold Steel Mini Koga.The Kubotan is a small stick that has its roots from Japan that started as a Yawara. However, the Kubotan is more modernized version that is a small rod converted to a keychain by Sensei Takayuki Kubota that started out in the 70s some time. The modern day Kubotan has taken on many forms such semi spike rods, contoured grips, spiked fists, and even tactical flashlights.Mr. Franco covers various strikes and counters trikes, methods of concealment, and pitfalls of using this tool. He also has very clear pictures demonstring the use on a Century Big Bob XL and Yuki (attacker). One thing he doesn't cover is some of the old methods of compliance. He warns of the use of swinging keys at an attackers eyes, which Sensei Kubota had advocated when he initially taught the practicalities. There are also some warning against tactical pens and more pointed kubotans that the author states that I do not agree with. However, we are entitled to our opinions, and it doesn't take away from how excellent this book for the Kubotan user. I recommend this book and the Kubotan to any man or woman who cannot protect his or her self from being able to carry a firearm or mace in his or her precinct.Two thumbs up

Pretty common sense stuff and a lot of detail to present it. I don't own a Kubotan per se. But I studied the purpose and the weight and the holding of it and, since I travel a lot, I looked for an alternative. So, off to the home store and tool store to get something about 7 inches in length and hefty enough to have some weight. I found a number of things that might work, keeping in mind portability, concealment, airport security, and so on. I finally settled on a "selfie" stick. Cost me a buck fifty. It's my Kubotan-like defense tool. Airport security won't stop you, and though it's length is slightly bigger, it's a powerful weapon that's easy to carry. It multiplies the force at the point of impact by many times and is sturdy enough to place blows at any strategic point on a human body or attacking dog. Probably won't work against a grizzly bear, but otherwise quite capable. You do have to keep it un-extended, of course. but you can use either end. You can, if you wish, modify it to take a key ring if you want. There are a host of items you can use, as I found out at a tool shop, but this one was super inexpensive and very functional. Enjoy.

The kubotan is an underrated self-defense tool. If you get one, you must also get this book and the accompanying video. Both are superb instructional guides, some of the best that I've seen. Franco is a no-nonsense guy. He doesn't stand around bragging about his accomplishments or try to impress you with his abilities. He's a fine teacher and writer who has a knack for concisely telling you what you need to know--exactly what you need to know without any extraneous stuff. And the video clearly demonstrates everything. Both the book and video are worth it just for the information about the six different kubotan grips. The only criticism that I have has already been noted here: He's not a proponent of tactical pens. To the contrary, I am an enthusiastic advocate of tactical pens. I think Franco is concerned about liability with certain tactical pens' being used as puncturing weapons. Having carried tactical pens for years, that doesn't have to be the case. The Schrade tactical fountain pen, for example, mimics a Kubotan. With that proviso, you owe it to yourself to read the book and watch the video.

Good book, but not as good as others claim. Photos often lack clarity and are too small, so details are often missed. In this sense, I prefer the 1985 book Kubotan Keychain by Takayuki Kubota.Where Sammy Franco breaks ground is in providing relevant information not found elsewhere. Good tips on concealing the kubotan, "retention," and for developing speedy skills in threatening real life escenarios. It is odd, but I recall the author especifying the length and weight of the material, but not the diameter of the kubotan. The book is a good addition to the ones published before it, but it can be improved by larger and clearer photos. But the potential buyer of this book would do well to also consider the other book (Kubotan Keychain by Takayuki Kubota) which I found more concise and clear.

Well written and easy to read. Photos are.easy to follow. Simple techniques that most anyone can follow and perform. Great for a beginner.

Only problem is this book recommends a size and weight of kubotan that doesn't appear to exist on the market. I suppose you could have one made, but I feel the book should mention this.