A Personal Safety Weapon To Consider: The Self-Defense Keychain

I use a generic term, "Self-Defense Keychain," to describe this device but you may have heard of it by more popular, commercial names such as "Kubaton" or "Persuader Keychain." Because, "Kubaton" is the most popular, I'll use that term interchangeably with the one I use.

The Kubaton is a light-weight metal, plastic or wooden dowel. It's about five inches long and one half inch in diameter. The shaft of this weapon is usually knurled or grooved so that it doesn't slip in your hand. On one end of the Kubaton is a ring or two holding a cluster of ten to fifteen keys.

Recently, manufacturers have attempted to enhance the Kubaton with sharpened ends, telescoping tubes, spikes, enclosed canisters of pepper spray and even hidden knife blades. I won't get into these additional "bells and whistles" and will limit my recommendation to the basic model consisting of a shaft, key rings and keys.

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The self-defense keychain is discrete, unassuming, and convenient to carry. If used properly, it can dramatically increase the odds of surviving and escaping from a serious, life-threatening assault. I discuss the keychain during my self-defense seminars because it stands up nicely to the seven evaluation questions.

I prefer to discuss and provide information about the keychain but hesitate to make blatant recommendations about it, or any other device or weapon. I believe that the decision about whether to carry a personal safety device, and which one you carry, is YOUR decision. I prefer that you evaluate and analyze the "pros and cons" for yourself. This article is to assist you in that process process.

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SEVEN EVALUATION QUESTIONS

If you missed the last issue of the Protective Strategies Self-Defense Newsletter (December 2000) I'll review the seven Personal Safety Device Evaluation Questions:

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

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1. IS IT LEGAL?

In most jurisdictions that I am aware of, the Kubaton is legal. It can be purchased over the counter in security, martial arts and sporting goods stores. I found several online merchants selling them for $5 to $25 dollars. Because they have a utility function (to hold your keys) they can be legally carried.

--- Sidebar ---

In Canada, the Kubaton is neither a restricted nor a prohibited weapon. It is therefore legal to carry providing it is not used for illegal purposes. They are also available across the U.S. However, if you are considering carrying a Kubaton, you might want to make your own enquiries to confirm if they are legal in your jurisdiction.

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2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

This is the beauty of the self-defense keychain. What is the most common thing that you carry in your hand when coming or going from your vehicle, home or workplace? Your keys! Because you carry your day-to-day keys on the self-defense keychain, it is likely that you will have it in your hand more than any other object. This increases the odds that, if you are attacked, it will be in your hand and ready to go. This is a huge benefit when considering a personal safety device or weapon.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Again, the self-defense keychain is likely to be ready to go when you need it most. It's not enough to have a Personal Safety Device in your possession. It won't do you much good in your purse, pocket or vehicle. If you keep your keys on the keychain, it is a simple matter of establishing a habit of carrying it in your hand whenever you leave your home.

4.DO I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

There are a number of "SILLY" techniques associated with the Kubaton. They include fancy wristlocks, takedowns, releases from holds and other elaborate techniques that just won't stand up in the stress and chaos of a real-world confrontation. Even if they did work (which they don't) they would require extensive practice and training to become competent.

Secondly, in a stressful encounter, only simple, large-muscle actions can be performed effectively. For that reason, a practical self-defense system must be simple and have as few techniques as possible. The system that I teach, for example, consists of three basic striking methods that are natural and consistent with what one would conceivably do during a combative situation.

Because the Kubaton is a hard object, it concentrates and intensifies the striking energy that is transferred into the assailant. Even with minimal training, a keychain strike is far more likely to incapacitate a violent assailant than an empty-handed response.

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

When used properly, the self-defense keychain is a devastating weapon with potential to seriously injure and incapacitate a violent attacker. For that reason, it should only be used in situations where you reasonably believe the attack is serious and life threatening. You must also believe that you don't have less forceful alternatives available to protect yourself.

--- Sidebar ---

WAIVER - Because of the potential consequences of using a personal safety weapon, I need to be clear that I provide this information for educational purposes only. How you use the information is up to you. Refer to my disclaimer statement at: http://www.protectivestrategies.com/disclaimer.html

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6.COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

The honest answer to this question is, "yes." ANY personal safety weapon: a knife, pepper spray or a shoe for that matter, can potentially be taken away and used on you in the same fashion you intended to use it on your assailant.

However, the general consensus amongst my seminar candidates is that the benefits of having one outweigh the possibility of losing it. A benefit of the self-defense keychain is that the assailant may not recognize it as a weapon and, if he did gain access to it, wouldn't think to use it as one.

It is important to consider the potential of being disarmed when carrying a personal safety weapon. Acknowledge the possibility of dropping or losing it and do everything you can to prevent it from falling into the hands of your attacker.

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

This is a question only you can answer. Don't just buy a self-defense keychain, attach it to your keys and carry it around expecting that you will magically resort to it if you are ever attacked. A basic, self-defense response system should be learned and practiced when adopting this device.

Developing competence does not require thousands of repetitions and hours of training. However, you should spend some time learning how to prepare and grip the weapon as well as how and where to strike an assailant for maximum effectiveness.

Ideally, you should seek out instruction from a competent self-defense keychain instructor. However, if the system is simple enough (as mine is) I believe you can teach yourself the basic skills you need from a manual.

The keychain basics are simple and not hard to learn. Using the keychain will intensify the destructiveness of your response to a violent attack and increase the potential of escaping death or serious injury. Learn the basic concepts (mental preparation). Practice the basic strikes (physical preparation). The only thing left is to develop the emotional resolve to do whatever it takes to protect yourself and survive!

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CONCLUSION

Whether you decide to explore the issue of the self-defense keychain further; whether you decide to buy and carry one, is entirely up to you. I can provide you only with information to assist you with that decision making process but ultimately you must take full responsibility for your personal safety and draw your own conclusions about what is and isn't right for you. If you've read this far, I'm sure you'll make a wise choice.

Take care, train smart and stay safe,

Randy LaHaie

====================== So What? ==========================

Now that you have this information, what good is it to you? Before we get into that, let me be clear on a VERY IMPORTANT POINT. I am NOT an advocate of carrying a weapon or device as a "PRIMARY" self-defense strategy. A PSD is a piece of the overall puzzle but not nearly as effective as developing a comprehensive and balanced personal safety strategy.

Your "BRAIN" is your primary tool for staying safe. Your mental, physical and emotional development determines your ability to avoid and detect danger and to deal with it effectively if it does arise.

Fighting back... especially with a weapon, should be considered a last resort, not a first, and especially not the only one you have! If you must fight back, the keychain will help, but don't lose sight of the need to explore and develop the other components of self-defense that will have a greater affect on your ability to stay safe.

The keychain is just one more tool in your "self-defense tool box." Keep Looking for and developing other skills, knowledge and response options. That's why we say one "STUDIES" self-defense. It's an on going process. We can't buy it, borrow it or carry it in our pocket. Don't forget that.

================== Self-Defense Quote ====================

"Remember: it's not the weapon that counts so much as how you use it. Even the most commonplace or seemingly harmless item becomes an efficient weapon when directed toward the vulnerable parts of the human body. Household weapons are often at your fingertips, so use them!"

Al Marrewa

The Feminine Warrior

A Woman's Guide to Verbal, Psychological and Physical Empowerment

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Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Master Self Protection With This New Self Defense Weapon Classification System

In the world of martial arts and self defense, it seems that there is no end to the number of self defense weapons available. Open a martial arts magazine or self defense supply catalog and you'll find everything from ancient models like the long staff to modern inventions like pepper spray - from nunchaku to firearms.

The problem is often, not which weapon is best for self defense, but...

...how do you go about training with several without spending the rest of your life trying to develop sufficient skills with them all, or choose the right ones so that you'll have one at hand in case of an attack?

And, it's easy to see how you might think and feel this way. There are very few schools, instructors, or self defense systems that make it any easier. With each one claiming to have an "official" number within their own particular style, students find it very difficult, if not impossible, do develop the critical faculties of strategic thinking and creative application with regards to effective self defense.

However, rather than focus on specific weapons, you could use an alternate method - a classification system which serves to do 2 things:

1) Helps you to see beyond a set list of "official" weapons, and...

2) Increase your overall ability in the realm of self defense weapons

This is not to say that there are no set weapons to learn. But, instead of limiting yourself to set "items," this new classification system allows you to focus on the common principles and concepts of each "group" - thus maximizing your effectiveness and personal power to accomplish the results you need.

Again, this classification system does not focus on set weapons. So, instead of seeing a list with individual tools like "long staff, knife, nunchaku, etc," your new list will be broad enough to allow for many more self defense weapons than any closed system with a predetermined set.

Here is a brief outline of this new self defense weapon classification system that I use with my own students:

Remember - rather than seeing each class of weapons as having a set example or three items, try to look around your world and see how even everyday items can be included in any particular class.

Also note that the following list is not numbered in order of importance, power, or effectiveness. No one class should be seen as any more or less effective than any other. And, in fact, doing so actually serves to further limit your abilities - rather than help you to develop true mastery.

The 5 Weapon Classes are:

1) Staff and stick - This includes both the obvious martial arts weapons, as-well-as other common items like rolled up magazines and newspapers, the closed umbrella, and even pens and pencils. The thing to remember is that we're talking about anything that fits the "blunt and solid" definition, and that can be used for striking, crushing, ramming, and levering.

2) Bladed - While knives seem to be the only thing which naturally fits this category, which can also include the sword for the traditional martial artist, we can also see how even pieces of broken glass, as-well-as other thin or pointed objects that are also capable of cutting and/or stabbing fit into this classification.

3) Flexible - Belts, chains, and cords are natural items which fit this category. And, since the idea here is any item which is "flexible," even things like an open newspaper - which can be used to catch or parry - can be easily adapted to the same concepts and principles.

4) Projectile - Anything that can be thrown, or that can cause something else to fly out and cause damage to your assailant is a natural part of this category. Everything from rocks to shuriken - from credit cards to firearms - and everything in-between which can be used as a missile and thrown in your defense is grouped here.

5) Combination - As with all "ninja" lists, this is the part of the list which recognizes that there are some items which do not fit neatly into any one class of weapons. This category includes weapons like the nunchaku (combining the stick and flexible classes), and even firearms which are typically seen as projectile weapons but can also be used as clubbing members of the stick and staff group.

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

For more information on what you MUST know to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his in-demand Self Defense Success Secrets Home Study Courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Tough or Smart - What's Your Most Powerful Self-Defense Weapon: Mind or Body?

There are as many approaches to self-defense as there are reasons why people study it.

What are YOUR reasons and what approach are YOU using? How confident are you that your efforts will produce the results what you want?

What is it about self-defense that interests you?

You must be looking for something or you wouldn't be reading this, right?

Some people learn self-defense to defend themselves from the violent actions of others! Duh!!!) They want to satisfy the essential need for security and control.

Others are after self-confidence and an improved self-image.

Then there are those who don't care much about "fighting" at all. They're just looking for an enjoyable, functional and "cool" ;-) way to get into great shape.

Maybe you're after "ALL OF THE ABOVE." (like me ;-) Well then keep reading friend... because I've got some thoughts to throw at ya...

===== Two Approaches To Self-Defense =====

There are two broad categories of self-defense information. Whether they spell it out or not, all self-defense books, articles, classes and seminars are based on one or both of two "themes"... a MENTAL APPROACH or a PHYSICAL APPROACH.

The "Physical Approach" is based on "EFFICIENCY." It pursues physical skill development as a self-defense solution. It involves learning punches, kicks, grappling and defensive techniques. Although avoiding a physical altercation is given "passing attention," EXACTLY how to do that is often glazed over or not addressed at all.

Whether you enroll in a martial arts class, sign up for a self-defense seminar or join a boxing club, the focus is to teach you how to physically perform "fight-related" techniques.

"Fitness-based" training, such as Tae Bo, Cardio Kickboxing and Boxercise also fall in this category.

The assumption here is that your BODY is your weapon and the harder you train and the better you get at performing self-defense techniques, the safer and more capable you will be to defend yourself.

The "Mental Approach" is based on "Effectiveness." It is focused on "PersonalSafety" theories, concepts and strategies.

This theory-based approach involves gaining an understanding of predatory situations; how they happen, how they can be anticipated and recognized, how they can be avoided and how to respond if you encounter one.

Your BRAIN is considered your most powerful self-defense weapon, and this training (hypothetically) makes you "SMARTER" and more capable of wise decisions in the stress and chaos of threatening situations.

"Efficiency and Effectiveness" What's the Difference?

Perhaps the point I am trying to make will be clearer if we come to a common understanding of exactly what I mean by these two terms. Before you read on... think for a moment and come up with your own definition of these terms... Done? Here's mine...

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Efficiency Is Doing Things Right

Effectiveness Is Doing The Right Things

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Can you see the difference? I hope so, because it's HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!! Here's how those terms relate to self-defense training.

===== The Physical Approach To Self-Defense ======

The Physical Approach involves learning and practicing physical skills "efficiently." The faster, more coordinated, more powerful your striking, kicking, grappling and defensive techniques are, the more "successful" you consider yourself.

There are many self-defense courses that deal exclusively with learning techniques, with and without training partners, as a TOTAL solution for all your self-defense problems.

Now don't get me wrong... I'm not criticizing this approach in any way. I teach physical skills classes and seminars myself.

Learning physical skills can dramatically improve your odds of surviving and escaping a violent situation. It can even reduce the probability of being confronted or attacked.

If done properly, on a regular basis (which I highly recommend), self-defense conditioning and skills training like sparring or hitting a heavy bag, will provide a ton of physical, mental and emotional benefits.

BUT is the exclusive practice of techniques a sufficient "self-defense solution?"

===== Benefits Of The Physical Approach =====

Physical skills training is a GREAT way to get in shape and stay there. If properly done, ongoing self-defense training is a fun and functional, full-body workout.

The self-confidence, fitness, and athletic qualities gained through regular self-defense training will have a positive influence on your "victim profile" (behavior and body language) that you project to a potential predator. It can decrease the probability of being targeted. (Dirt bags don't pick fights with people they perceive are likely and capable to fight back)

Unlike "single-exposure" self-defense training (where you learn a technique once and never practice it again,) ONGOING self-defense training is proactive.

Regular self-defense training "rewards" you in many ways, even if you NEVER have to defend yourself.

Regular self-defense training "defends and protects" you against more probable and legitimate "threats" to your life, your health and well-being. You are at more risk from poor lifestyle habits and a lack of exercise than you are from a mugger or rapist.

===== Drawbacks to a Physical Only Approach =====

If you limit your self-defense efforts exclusively to physical skills training, you also limit your response options in a volatile situation. You are limited to a "Fight/Don't Fight" decision. There are more ways to resolve a volatile situations than that (there are 5 actually). Doing the "wrong thing" well (like fighting when you don't have to) can get you injured, arrested or sued.

Regular self-defense training makes you feel great. You'll feel confident, energetic and fit. (so how is that a drawback?) Don't make the mistake of over estimating your potential of defeating an attacker and end up over your head in an encounter with someone who is tougher, meaner and more malicious than you are.

Don't think that your weekly cardio-kickboxing class has turned you into a "trained killer!"

Even the "best" fighter will be dropped like a bag of dirt if he or she doesn't develop appropriate awareness and avoidance skills and is caught off guard. Physical skills don't protect you from unanticipated acts of violence.

===== The Mental Approach To Self-Defense =====

The Mental Approach addresses the "big picture" of predatory situations. In my self-defense system for example, there are "SEVEN" separate and interrelated aspects of a comprehensive personal safety or self-defense system.

The intent of this mental approach is to make you "smarter" and more capable of avoiding, diffusing and responding EFFECTIVELY by doing the RIGHT THINGS in a volatile situation. By the "RIGHT THINGS," I'm referring to the most effective response strategies to successfully resolve a threatening or volatile situation.

Fighting back with physical self-defense techniques is only part of staying safe.

===== Benefits Of The Mental Approach =====

An accurate understanding of the dynamics of predatory situations increases the odds of anticipating, avoiding, recognizing and responding to them. The "best" result to a violent encounter is not when you manage to fight your way out of it. It's when it doesn't happen in the first place!

Not all volatile situations can be solved by fighting. Effectiveness in a self-defense situation allows you to assess and evaluate the circumstances and select the most effective response strategy to implement to gain or regain control.

A sense of control that accompanies proper mental training decreases the stress and fear associated with volatile or predatory situations. And that increased sense of control and self-confidence can reduce the potential of being victimized.

===== Drawbacks To A Mental Only Approach =====

An "information-only" approach does not significantly change the body language that you project to a potential assailant. Although some self-defense instructors imply that you can "fake" non-victim body language by walking briskly, standing straight, and "pretending to be confident." That will only go so far. Pretending to be coordinated, strong and physically fit is easier said than done.

Knowing the best response option in a given situation, be it running away or fighting back, is of little value if you can't successfully pull it off. If you haven't developed your skills and fitness levels by ongoing self-defense practice, how likely are you to out-run or out-fight an assailant?

===== One OR The Other Is Incomplete =====

You've probably figured out by now that ONE OR THE OTHER of these two approaches is an incomplete approach to being able to defend yourself. An optimal strategy is to combine and balance your ability to make smart, effective decisions with the ability to carry those decisions through to a successful conclusion. BOTH mental AND physical elements are required for optimal self-defense success.

Be effective first, then be efficient. A medical equivalent might be to "Diagnose First The Perscribe." To successfully resolve a volatile situation, you need sound judgement to decide on the best course of action AND the physical skills and ability to implement your game plan.

The degree to which you pursue each approach has a lot to do with your capabilities, limitations and the goals you have in relation to your study of self-defense.

If you are smaller, weaker, older for example, your emphasis should lean more toward personal safety strategies and be supplemented with physical skills training. If your self-defense goals are simply to avoid victimization and to stay out of trouble, then learn everything you can about the dynamics of volatile situations.

On the other hand, maybe you are fit, athletic and skillful. Perhaps you already train regularly and feel capable of "holding your own" if you have to defend yourself. If thats the case, here are a couple pieces of advice to consider:

There's always someone tougher and meaner than you are! Even highly skilled fighters and martial artists need awareness and avoidance skills. Physical techniuqes are of little value if you are set up, sucker punched, or ambushed. NOBODY wins a fight. You may defeat your adversary and "still" be injured yourself. Also, just because you didn't instigate the confrontation doesn't mean that you won't find yourself being criminally charged or civilly sued for defending yourself.

The point I'm trying to make is that the BEST approach to self-defense training is to learn to do the right thing by learning everything you can about the dynamics of predatory situations AND engage in regular self-defense training so that you can "do things right" by developing the skills and conditioning to carry out a desired self-defense strategy.

===== Two Approaches? Two Resources! =====

The questions I get by email and in person, can be divided into two clear categories... "What-Should-I-Do-If...questions" and "How-Do-I...questions." Or in otherwords effectiveness and efficiency.

It is because of these different but complimentary aspects of self-defense that I've decided to "split" the focus of my web sites so I can address each in greater detail.

I'm in the process of restructuring of my web sites to assist you in finding the information you are looking for.

http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com will continue to be "home base" for my self-defense articles and newsletter. The site will maintain a "Get Smart Focus" by dealing with the Big Picture of personal safety concepts and will address all seven components of self-defense:

=> Self-Defense Psychology

=> Self-Defense Intelligence

=> Victim Selection

=> Predatory Recognition

=> Self-Defense Response Options

=> Prevention and Avoidance

=> Self-Defense Training Methods

My new site, http://www.ToughenUp.com/ takes the "Get Tough Focus" of the seventh component: Self-Defense Training Methods to the next level. It provides specific "how-to-train" resources and advice for people who want to incorporate ongoing self-defense training for a variety of reasons.

Randy LaHaie

Protective Strategies

Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com