I've never trained with a kubotan, but heard that it was 'invented' by Tak Kubota, which makes its use sound like a modern self defence art. How traditional is the use of short sticks like these? Are the tecniques that are taught derived from traditional Japanese ryu? Any info whould be much appreciated.
Some believe the kubotan is an "evolution" of Yawara stick fighting, promoted by Prof. Matsuyama in the 1940's. The Yawara stick being a bit bigger than a kubotan - http://www.yawara.com/MatsuArt.html "The Yawara Stick itself was developed from the Tanto jitsu or knife fighting techniques contained within Yawara jitsu, specifically, the technique of using the knife still sheathed." Dunno if the above is true but it sounds plausible.
