| Once a student progresses far enough that he or | | | | the hard weapon into exposed weak areas on the |
| she has a basic understanding of several of the | | | | assailant's body. |
| weapon classes within the art of ninjutsu, study | | | | Approach #3 - In the middle of, what appears to the |
| should be extended to other weapons - even those | | | | assailant to be, an unarmed defense, the ninja can |
| not considered to be "official ninja weapons." One | | | | draw the weapon from a pocket, belt, or even a |
| such weapon is the Kubotan, or self defense | | | | friend's hand, to change the situation with a strategy |
| keychain. Although this weapon is fairly common in | | | | of surprise. Where most martial artists, and others |
| both the martial arts and the general self defense | | | | studying self defense, only focus on the concept of |
| world - in the hands of a true ninja, it takes on a | | | | a weapon "already being out," the ninja knows that |
| power that is not easily duplicated! | | | | drawing an unseen weapon in the middle of a fight, |
| The focus of this article is to explore some of the | | | | can be one of the most powerful tactics you can |
| unique "ninja" approaches to using this simple, and | | | | use! |
| often overlooked weapon. And, while other systems | | | | Approach #4 - Instead of using the weapon as such, |
| may appear to use some of the same methods, I | | | | the ninja can simply show the weapon to his |
| can assure you that, the way the technique is | | | | opponent as a means of catching his attention. In lieu |
| applied, or the reason it's applied - is quite different | | | | of the weapon being shown, it can also be tossed, |
| for the shinobi warrior. | | | | thrown, or even dropped as a means of effecting |
| Here are 5 methods for using the Kubotan self | | | | the distraction and opening the attacker's defenses. |
| defense keychain from the Ninja's unique self | | | | This simple move, combined with perfect timing, can |
| protection art: | | | | allow the ninja to deliver a strike, kick, or even |
| Approach #1 - Against a lapel grab, the ninja can | | | | another weapon attack of his own while the enemy |
| apply grinding pressure into the small bones of the | | | | is distracted and worried about the Kubotan! |
| back of the hand. However, this isn't done to break | | | | Approach #5 - The ninja can also see beyond the |
| the grip, as is done in most other systems - but to | | | | "form" of the Kubotan, as a weapon in and of itself. |
| use the crushing pain to pin the attacker's hand to | | | | What this means is that the "official" weapon can be |
| you. This way, you can apply your own attacks while | | | | seen as a model, or example. This way the ninja is |
| he is busy trying to deal with, or think about anything | | | | free to employ anything "kubotan-like" as a weapon. |
| other than the pain. | | | | Pens, markers, the handle of a knife, a metal bolt, |
| Approach #2 - Against an incoming punch, grab, or | | | | even a cell phone or TV remote control can be |
| kick, the ninja practitioner can pull back at a | | | | pressed into use using the exact same techniques as |
| long-range, defensive angle, while simultaneously | | | | if the Ninja were armed with an actual Kubotan |
| delivering a bone-shattering strike to the extended | | | | weapon. |
| limb - only to flow back in and drive the blunt end of | | | | |