Jujutsu stick
Traditionally, jujutsu did not represent a category of purely
empty handed combat, but rather included fighting with small arms
that were not the subject of independent classification. The
jujutsu stick (or yawara stick) was such a weapon. The
material that it is made from, the size and shape can vary
considerably. Generally, it is approximately 20 cm long and
1.5 cm in diameter. There are many modern variations of this
traditional weapon.
There are a number of items that can act as adequate substitutes
such as small flashlights and the larger variety of pens. A
common modern variation is the kubotan with a key ring attached to
act as a key chain, giving it a practical everyday use and yet
preserving its capability as a weapon.
The additional options that the
jujutsu stick offers to a self defence situation are limited.
What it does do is enhance the application of the usual (and
otherwise) unarmed techniques. The advantage of course is
that striking, pressure and blocking are more effective as the
strike, pressure or block is delivered with a hard
object. In this context, the term "pressure" refers
to the application of pressure to bones, ligaments and
pressure points that can be more effective with a hard
object, rather than parts of the body.
The result is that all of the elements of the unarmed methods
are employed with the slight modifications necessary to take
advantage of the weapon and minimize the disadvantages.
As with most weapons, it is first necessary to gain the skills
of unarmed self defence and then build upon this foundation by
adding the use of weapons to it. The jujutsu stick does not
have an independent life, producing a set of techniques in its
own right. It's only purpose is to serve as an adjunct to the
unarmed methods and its use is built upon that foundation.