The Reality
Society is hardening. Aggression is on the rise. Sooner or later, you will encounter it—whether you want to or not.
Unfortunately, the police and the justice system are not always able to protect us from physical violence at the exact moment an attack occurs.
Personal resilience is essential. Being able to physically demonstrate that "No" truly means "No" is a vital skill in modern times.
A defensive tool would be useful, but which one? Knives, pepper spray, or firearms? Most of these solutions are strictly prohibited by law—and for good reason. So what remains?
PocketStick / Kubotan
Not everyone has the time or physical desire to spend years mastering complex martial arts. Yet, the need for personal safety persists.
There is a legal alternative!
The Kubotan—also known as a pocketstick, yawara, or dulo dulo—is a compact tool designed to significantly increase your personal safety.
It is a small metal or high-impact resin rod (approx. 14 cm) that easily attaches to your keychain. It allows you to deliver an intense pain stimulus with surprising simplicity, forcing an aggressor to break off their attack. This creates an immediate escape route.
The PocketStick is a discreet keychain that helps you safeguard your personal security.
Do you ever feel unsafe on the streets? In a training session of just a few hours, you will master the effective use of the Kubotan. Ultimately, you are your own best protector.
While its use is simple, the Kubotan works best as a secondary aid to a self-defense system. It is not a "magic wand," but a tactical tool that significantly improves your odds.
Is the Kubotan a Legal Weapon?
In Dutch law, the Kubotan is not explicitly mentioned by name. However, under certain circumstances, it can fall under Category 4 of the Weapons and Ammunition Act:
"Category 4 weapons include objects which, given their nature or the circumstances under which they are found, can reasonably be assumed to be intended for no other purpose than to inflict or threaten injury."
Example: You are allowed to own a broomstick. But if you carry it while being part of a group of rioting football supporters, that same broomstick will be classified as a weapon.
This "circumstantial" rule also applies to the Kubotan. If you are searched before entering a stadium, concert, or nightlife district, it may be confiscated. However, when used in legitimate self-defense, the law treats it no differently than an umbrella, a walking stick, or a pen. In a real-life attack, your physical safety is often more important than immediate legal technicalities.
The Course
Since there are no regular weekly classes for the Kubotan, we offer intensive workshops. A date is set once a minimum of 6 participants is reached.
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
- Cost: € 145.- p.p. (includes your own Kubotan)
- Groups: Also available for companies or private groups of friends.
Become an Instructor
The Pocketstick system is rooted in Budo. For the instructor course, prior experience in martial arts is required. You will learn technical mastery as well as effective pedagogical methods to transfer the knowledge.
Course Cost: € 450.- (incl. Kubotan and exam)
The program consists of 6 sessions of 90 minutes each. Refresher courses are available for € 75.-.