Sammy FrancoKubotan Power: Quick and Simple Steps to Mastering the Kubotan Keychain

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.

This is a pretty thorough text on the kubotan, one which I think is valuable for men and women alike to read. I carry a kubotan and a tactical pen as part of my EDC items and found Franco's book informative and easy to understand. The book covers everything from how to buy a kubotan to concealment, legal issues, practice drills and, of course, basic techniques.I would have to disagree, however, with the author's condemnation of tactical pens. Although I know Franco is an expert in the field of fighting arts, I am kind of confused by this as I have been on the receiving end of some of these devices and they do indeed work - painfully so! Condemning tactical pens because they have pointed ends, for example, is not even completely accurate. There are dozens of models out there with blunt ends and even "cheek crushing" caps that are extremely effective for the type of strikes and techniques outlined in this book.I also wish Franco had spent a few more pages on the pain-compliance aspects of the kubotan, primarily ways of using the device to tap into pressure points. I've seen some fantastic demonstrations of these techniques and missed seeing them here.Overall, though, this is a very good volume on a very effective self defense device and I recommend it to anyone who is thinking about carrying a kubotan.

"You just never know what is going to happen in the real world" I found this book to be very informative, with a step by step approach. All of Sammy's books are very easy to understand. I've been a martial artist for most of my life but I'm living in a place right now where there is no instructors. Out of all the books that I own this one is by far the most important to me. I have since the purchase of this book , replaced my steel kubotan with a stick of rock hard maple. The reason for this is that it is not as threatening as steel. by carrying a piece of wood in my pocket I'm not breaking any laws. This book is a must for anyone who wants to feel secure in the concrete jungle.

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.

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

Content seems decent. However, book is cheaply produced, several pages fell out of binding within a few minutes of looking through the book.

This book is very well written and illustrated. The author does explain the legalities in using it for self defense and what kubotan blows may be fatal... He also mentions checking with the self defense laws of one's state, local county, and city...I have a friend who is a martial arts instructor and showed the book to him... He said that it was a good book, but nothing compares to live instruction, which we ( he, my wife, and i ) will be doing...

Great book

Muy buen libro!!! Lo recomiendo, el uso del Kubotan muy bien explicado!! Vale la pena leerlo, sin duda alguna. Gracias!

Well written, graphics not great but can be understood.. The only down side is the recommended size and weight of the best kubotan to carry. Very heavy and difficult to explain away as a key ring attachment. However full of useful information and pointers. Be very careful if carrying this item as it can kill or maim very easily and our ( the UK ) plod with lock you up double quick if you are caught brandishing or using one of these unless you can think of a genuine use for this other than a martial arts weapon, not easy, I wish I could think of a reason to carry that would be regarded as legit

Un buon libro che spiega come padroneggiare il portachiavi Kubotan.Di fatto uno dei pochi libri sull'argomento attualmente in commercio.Acquisto consigliato

O.K. what can I say about this book ?The Kobutan is really a needful thing.Easy to get, mostly legal or easy to substitute. It can help even a weaker or older person to have a tool an technique for selfdefnse which isn't complicated, doesn't need to much training and/or strength.In this book you will get:- basics what to use as a Kobutan- how to grip- targets- basic drills and training ideasSo everything you need to know to handle this self-defence tool.If you want to get some more knowledge you can add teh books from David Cook, for some other techniques.