The Kubotan, developed by Grand Master Takayuki Kubota, is a self-defense device which doubles as a key chain. Originally developed to be used by police officers, the Kubotan has revolutionized the concept of unarmed self-defense for not only law enforcement officers, but also karate enthusiasts and everyday citizens.

Tens of thousands of people all over the world now carry and have been properly trained in the use of the Kubotan. Whether it is used for basic self-defense or in law enforcement applications as a restraint and control device, the Kubotan has proven its effectiveness repeatedly.

This small, unobtrusive device (a hard plastic cylinder about 5 1/2" long and 9/16" in diameter which has a key ring attached) is easy to carry and conceal and can be taken with you almost everywhere. This enables you to be prepared to fend off an attacker while also being discreet.

By learning a few simple yet effective techniques, and by combining this training with common sense and increased awareness, an individual carrying a Kubotan will be much more capable of taking care of himself or herself when, or if, that unfortunate confrontation occurs. And, with the hazards that exist in today's world, why not become more empowered and able to defend yourself?

This manual demonstrates several basic techniques for the Kubotan.

Training classes are offered for civilians, law enforcement officers and military personnel. For information on group or individual training programs and instructor certification programs, please contact us at:

We are always looking for qualified instructors to represent us.

We have a couple ways to certify you as an instructor:

Come to California for instructor certification. In person, instructor certification is done by private lesson by appointment only. The class is a fixed price. The cost can be split between the attending students or you can have a private lesson yourself and a training partner will be provided at no extra charge. The cost for the course is $1200 for a private one day class taught by Master Kubota. If you bring an interested friend, the cost is $600 each. If three people come the cost is $400 each and so on. Total cost of the seminar is a fixed $1200 unless the class is large. This charge includes your first year license fee. Subsequent years are $250 for the second year and $100 thereafter.

You can also arrange for a seminar to be taught in your home city. Transportation costs for Master Kubota and an assistant must be paid for including lodging for one night plus expenses. The price for this course is negotiable depending on how many student/instructors you think may attend.

We also have video certification courses available for those interested in becoming instructors and are unable to travel to California. The following steps are necessary to become certified:

1. Go to our website at www.ikakarate.com and fill out the form under "to join". This will give us your background and training and instructional history. Send us an email at: Soke@IKAKarate.com to inform us of your desire to become a certified instructor.

2. Purchase our Kubotan video tape and study the techniques on the tape for at least 1 month.

3. Use a video camera and tape yourself as you would teach a class with you demonstrating the techniques. Tape should be around 10-15 minutes in length with emphasis put on the demonstration of technique proficiency. Make sure to include close-up views of the Kubotan when used on your training partner. This is critical to an accurate review of the techniques.

4. After reviewing the tape we will determine whether your teaching ability and knowledge meets our standards.

5. The fee for certification is $500 for the first year, $250 for the second year, and $100 or every year thereafter.

6. Those taking your class should receive a card showing they completed the class. We provide the cards. The cost of this card to the student is $5.00 or it may be included with the cost of your course. Of the $5.00, $2.00 will be sent to us. These cards have no expiration date.

7. You sign paperwork freeing the International Karate Association of any liability for any injuries your students may receive while taking your course. We highly suggest that you consider getting insurance to cover yourself.

8. Kubotans must be ordered directly from us. Wholesale prices are given for quantity purchases.

Note: If you choose the video certification method, the fees are not payable until you pass your certification. It is a pass or don't pay, no risk to you method. The only thing you have to purchase in advance is the instructional video tape.

Although the cost of the video course is cheaper, we can’t stress how much better trained you will be with in-person instruction. There are many subtleties of the Kubotan that can not be learned from a book or video tape.