Ladies, have you ever found yourself in the position of needing a small discreet self-defense weapon? And I don’t mean pepper spray. Pepper spray is fine but someone who is out to harm you, will be expecting pepper spray especially from the ladies.

Instead, look for something with a little bit more “punch.” Legal in most states, it’s called a Kubotan. You can carry it as a keychain, and it’s both great — and small. You don’t need to scramble to find it, and instead can simply carry with you. This gives you the time you need to defend yourself in the event you find yourself in this position.

This weapon, called the Kubotan, first came into use through the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPD discovered it after Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota introduced it to them in the 1970s. They used it to control uncooperative prisoners, and eventually it made its way into the civilian setting, too. It’s very effective because it looks completely innocent. In fact, its masquerade as an oversized keychain ornament hides the fact that this weapon uses pressure points as a finger might, and can also be used on bony parts of the body like a forearm to disable an attacker. Wherever it’s used, the attacker will be hurt and (hopefully) be put off.

This “weapon” is considered to be nonlethal, but state laws vary and you should check to make sure you can use the Kubotan before you buy. If you purchase and use it, you may be charged with felony assault if it’s not legal in your state.

Another great thing about the Kubotan is that you don’t really need a background in the martial arts in order to use it successfully. You should have some self-defense training and knowledge, though. The tool is meant to hurt the attacker, so you can strike the attacker in sensitive areas, “crush” bony areas of the body, and otherwise disable the attacker. The Kubotan at the very least gives you the ability to hold your own against an attacker. You don’t need much training to use the weapon, but to get some training in self-defense techniques in order to use it most effectively.

The Kubotan is usually five to six inches long and is made of wood, plastic or metal. Shaped like a tube, it has a taped or flat end. It helps to “reinforce” your fist so that you won’t break your hand if you have to defend yourself by punching.

Take for an example of an attack where this would useful.

Let’s say you’re walking home at night, when a potential attacker accosts you and tries to grab you. By using the Kubotan, you can cause pain in his hand so that he is put off. If he tries to kick you, you can then use the Kubotan to block his kick. Again, the point is to inflict pain that will temporarily disable your attacker.

It’s very easy to learn how to use the Kubotan, and you can do so quickly. It’s also inexpensive, costing just five to six dollars.

This small weapon of defense gives a small defender an advantage with someone bigger. Remember the old saying of, ” the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” It gives the element of surprise as well. The attacker will not see it coming.

Remember to check with your state on whether it is on the “prohibited” list. If it is, it is easily substituted with an every day item.

The next time you find yourself in a situation whereby you have to defend yourself against a physical attacker, perhaps the Kubotan can help you do just that.