This is based on something that I wrote in my "KUBOTAN: Self-Defense Keychain" ebook. And, although the discussion was aimed at the weapon that served as the focus of the book, in actuality, any weapon, modern or traditional, can be substituted.

Now, please don't confuse what I'm about to say with whether or not I use weapons. Weapons should be a part of any sound self-defense and martial arts program, training, and strategy. However, far too many people rely on a quick-fix. The Self-Defense Keychain book, in fact none of my books or videos were created to be a comprehensive training course in the use of any particular weapon. No single resource can be.

This is so for two very important reasons...

1. No weapon can take the place of a sound self-defense training program and plan - no matter how powerful you think it is, and...

2. Most weapons, especially those like the Kubotan, were designed to augment, or provide additional power and effectiveness, to unarmed self-defense techniques and tactics.

Do you have to be a trained martial artist to defend yourself with this or any other weapon?

No. Of course not.

Firearms are a good case-in-point. Knives are another. These two in particular have the potential of creating serious damage with relatively little to no formal training. But, remember...

...there is a huge difference between an effective self-defense strategy based on "knowing" what to do to increase your ability to escape with the least amount of wear-and-tear, and...

...the dependence on luck or the fact that you're carrying a self-defense weapon.

In the case of firearms, people brag and tout how many rounds the weapon can fire before reloading, but...

...you can't MISS often enough to win!

You can simply pick up a knife and start slashing and probably do okay. However...

...there are times during the year, at least in the temperate region where I live, that the clothing being worn by an attacker can make it difficult to cut him - even with a large knife. And...

...as we say in the self-defense world - "you can't bring a knife to a gun fight and expect to win!

The choice is yours...

...luck or strategic application of trained skills.

Both can be effective. However,...

...which one do you want to "bet your life on?"

And, in the long run...

...your weapon, regardless of whether it's a handgun, knife, or even a simple weapon like the Kubotan...

...is only as good as YOU are!