The Kuboton is designed to be used against bony surfaces, soft tissue and nerve points. It is effective because of the temporary paralysis or extreme pain it causes. Even for those without experience in a martial art, the Kubotan provides an inexpensive and easily learned method of self defense.

The Kubotan increases the power of any strike. It is not necessary to waste time or miss an opportunity by trying to be overly precise. It's better to react naturally. Good targets are the groin, stomach, solar plexis, throat, the arm, the shin, hip bone, collarbone, ankle, and kneecap. A sharp strike to a bony part of the body will encourage an assailant to stop his attack. A harder, well placed blow can easily break bones--especially if the force of the blow is not hindered by clothing.

The most basic applications involve striking or poking vulnerable areas of the body with the Kubotan. Generally speaking, swinging strikes work better against bony surfaces while fleshy areas are more susceptible to pokes and jabs with the ends of the Kubotan. With this concept in mind, a person avoids the confusion and frustration of trying to remember specific strikes for specific targets. Instead, one simply remembers to strike bones and poke soft tissue and pressure points.

There is no wrong strike. Just hit as hard as you can the closest body part. The strike does not have to be perfect. Since nerves are close to the surface of most bony parts, even a glancing blow will inflict enough pain to make your assailant think twice about continuing his attack.

You can also use the keys that you have attached to the kuboton. You can hold the kuboton and swing the keys. Most effective when you hit the face.

The kuboton is legal and entirely unregulated. To most people, the Kubotan is little more than a nondescript key ring. While the Kubotan is not particularly intimidating, it remains an effective self defense installment. It really can save your life.

The Kubotans are made of aluminum and come in various colors and have either pointed or flat tips.