Kubotan, the pressure point amplifier - legal self-defense

A Kubotan is a short rod which is used as a so-called pressure amplifier and is mainly used in martial arts such as Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, ATK or Kobudo. A Kubotan is held in the fist so that both ends protrude a little.

Small but effective

Most Kubotane are usually 13-15 cm long and approximately 1-2,5 cm in the diameter. In former times they were mostly made of hardwood or iron, today most cubotans are made of aluminium, some also of plastic. Some are provided with grooves or similar depressions, in order to guarantee a better grip.

One end of the Kubotan is either flattened or has a rounded tip and is used to create pain through increased pressure. The optimal effect is achieved when applied to one of the approximately 250 nerve pressure points in the human body, such as the hollow of the knee, armpits, inner thigh, etc.

The other end either has a rounded tip or is completely rounded. A rounded end is usually provided with a hole to attach the Kubotan to a (key) pendant, for example.