learn the art of the yawara stick
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Joe Bertoni
Joe Bertoni started his martial arts training at the age of 8 and holds more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement. Throughout his career, he instructed law enforcement officers in defensive tactics, arrest and control techniques, as well as the use of impact weapons. Additionally, Joe owned a security consulting company providing services in personal security and training. He extensively taught defensive tactics and personal defense to various organizations. Since retiring from law enforcement, Joe now travels abroad full-time to study various martial arts and further refine his skills. He continues to share his knowledge in personal defense and the Yawara stick with private groups and professional organizations.
“Joe believes in teaching reality-based defense. He focuses on keeping techniques simple and realistic. Joe’s training and practices are designed to develop the mind and body.”
If your organization is interested in training, please contact Joe using his contact page.
Yawara stick
About the Yawara Stick
The Yawara stick, earlier known as the Kubotan, named after Soke Takayuki Kubota, traces its origins to ancient Japan. It likely drew influence from the tokkosho, a Buddhist ceremonial object, and was adapted by martial arts-trained monks in feudal Japan for self-defense purposes. This evolution from a ceremonial object to a compact and versatile tool capable of both offense and defense illustrates how ancient traditions transformed into practical self-defense implements.
F.A. Matsuyama, also known as Frank A. Matsuyama, played a significant role in popularizing and spreading knowledge about the Yawara stick in the United States. He was instrumental in introducing and teaching martial arts, particularly judo and self-defense techniques utilizing the Yawara stick, to law enforcement agencies and military personnel during the mid-20th century.
Initially crafted from bamboo, the Yawara stick was utilized by Japanese police officers as an auxiliary weapon to augment their striking capabilities and manage unruly individuals. Over time, it transformed, and contemporary versions now come in various materials such as metal, plastic, and even disguised as innocuous objects like keychains or pens.
Compact, portable, and designed for effective self-defense, the Yawara stick targets vulnerable body areas, including nerve clusters, pressure points, and joints. With proper training and technique, it empowers individuals to defend themselves effectively in close-quarters situations.
Today, embraced by law enforcement, martial artists, and personal defense enthusiasts globally, the Yawara stick stands as a valuable tool due to its ease of use and efficacy in diffusing potentially risky encounters. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a martial arts practitioner, or someone interested in personal safety, the Yawara stick presents a practical means to enhance self-defense skills.