Page 27 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 31

sportsenergynews.com 27

Karate Komments

SELF DEFENCE TOOLS

to temporarily affect an assailant’s night vision methods of carrying the kubaton to ensure easy
at close range. Mini lights are available at retail accessibility. Many lights come with a pocket
By Jim Riddell, outlets and online, with decent ones starting in clip, allowing easy access. A self-defence tool

Seaway Karate Club the $30 range and going sharply up from there. that is zipped into a pocket, thrown into a purse,

If you are interested in purchasing a light it never or left in a vehicle will be of little or no use to

Continued from page 27 hurts to do a bit of homework first. Both the you if you need it quickly.
kubaton and flashlight are very easy to use for 4) Will I have enough confidence in my

n the last issue of Sports Energy we took a self-defence purposes, having commonality of ability to use it? Proficiency can be gained in

Ilook at non-traditional martial art weapons. technique using a minimum number of strikes. about two hours of training followed by practice.

These common items have a primary purpose, The kubaton and mini flashlight will both pass There are many fancy takedowns, joint locks, etc.

but can also be used in a self-defence situation. the following evaluation test for a self-defence taught with kubatons and flashlights, involving

We are now going to break that down to a couple tool. fine motor skills. These techniques look great in

of items that can be easily and discreetly carried 1) Is it legal? The basic kubaton key holder a demo, but will not work in a stressful situation
almost all of the time. is neither restricted nor prohibited in Canada. when your heart rate is elevated. Keep your

A kubaton is a 5.5” solid rod ½” in dia., made Some manufacturers however, have tried to training to gross motor skills only; they are
of either aluminum or high impact plastic, and “enhance” the kubaton by concealing blades or simple whole body movements that are quickly
is knurled or grooved to ensure a good grip. pepper spray inside, while others have added and easily learned and unaffected by stress.

One end has a split ring which connects to the spikes or sharpened points. Stick with the basic 5) If I drop it or it is knocked out of my
split ring on your keys. The second item is the kubaton only, as some of these models are illegal hand, can it be used against me? Any item that
tactical mini- flashlight or tactical penlight. with the others being questionable at best. you drop can potentially be used against you.

Both are of similar length to the kubaton and 2) Will I always have it with me? Your The good thing about the kubaton and flashlight
also have knurling or grooving for gripping personal keys are possibly the most common is that an assailant may not view either as a
and retention purposes. They should have the item that you will ever have in your possession. weapon.

switch on the tailcap (bottom end) which can You will have them going to and from your home, I know many martial artists who have carried
be activated with a light touch of the thumb. vehicle, and place of employment. Carrying a a kubaton and/or a fl ashlight for years, even

Light output is measured in lumens and more fl ashlight will very quickly become a habit and decades, and have never used them for anything
is better; at least 100 – 150 lumens to provide you will also be surprised how often you will other than their intended use. It’s a case of being
enough light for a night time stroll through your use it for its intended purpose. ‘better to have it and not need it’ than to ‘need it
neighbourhood. This amount is also adequate 3) Is it readily available? There are a few and not have it’.

Continued from page 22 Hockey throughout the whole year.
Glens. He spent that year living All games were usually followed up
in Cornwall with his grandparents with phone call between Eric and
Carmel and Harvey Verville so he dad discussing the good and bad,
could also practise daily with the and always encouraging Eric to learn
Cornwall Colts. from his experiences. Every coach
will teach you something! Eric’s www.acecomputerservices.ca
Ouderkirk also started with the
experience living away from home at
Presents...

NGS system, at age 3. In his first a young age has been very positive. Presents...
year of novice, he moved over to the
He has become more mature on and
Seaway Valley AA Rapids where off the ice and much better at dealing Rookie of the Month
he played until joining the Eastern
with stressful situations on his
Ontario Wild in his minor midget Parker Thompson
own, such as dealing with teachers,
year. At 16 years old, he skated with coaches, other players, etc.” Parker Thompson is Sports Energy
the Akwesasne Junior B Wolves. News’ rookie of the month. Parker
Like Verville, Ouderkirk spent last While both boys look forward to is very active in many sports. He
season practising daily with the this summer’s graduation from high began playing hockey at the age of
Cornwall Colts. He would drive to school (Eric from Cornwall’s La 4 for the North Franklin Shamrocks.
each practice after attending school Citadelle and Brett from Avonmore’s He is now playing spring hockey
in Avonmore, though. Tagwi), their upcoming proms and for the Casselman Pirates Minor
Novice team. He is having a good
continued training with Cornwall’s
In reflection of this past season, run with the Pirates winning the

Verville’s mother, Heather, spoke Own the Ice instructors, the future Casselman Pirates’ Tournament,
is a bit murky when it comes to Outaouais Express Tournament and
about her son’s journey away from hockey. Both boys say they have the Montreal Rockets’ Tournament.
home “As a parent it is very hard several options, one they both hope He began playing box lacrosse for the
to see your 17 year old leaving Akwesasne Storm at the age of 5 in
home, but we were happy because for, is to skate locally in Cornwall. the paperweight division. Parker is
No doubt, that would suit both of
he was starting on a path that he now playing for the Storm in the tyke

their moms just fine. division where he has scored two goals
was so set upon. We were able to and two assists after only four games.
get up to Mattawa a few times, but “That kid has a goal, and we just

This past year, Parker played flag
we followed all of his games on Fast football for the Akwesasne Eagles.
Continued to page 29