As we step into 2026, it’s hard not to notice the growing tension across America. From rising crime rates in cities large and small to increasing civil unrest, the reality is that personal safety isn’t something any of us can afford to take for granted anymore. And while we’re not here to get political — this isn’t about left or right — it is about making sure you and the people you love have the tools and the knowledge to stay safe, no matter what’s happening around you.
That’s why we want to share something that one of our affiliates, self-defense instructor Matt Pasquinelli, recently broke down in a powerful video. Matt demonstrates three simple but highly effective ways to use what’s known as a pocket stick — also called a yawara or, as we like to call it, a Selfy Stick — for personal protection.
The beauty of this tool? It’s small, lightweight, and doesn’t look threatening. You can carry it in your pocket, your purse, or clipped to your bag, and nobody gives it a second thought. But when you need it, it can make all the difference.
The Fist Load: Turn Every Punch Into a Power Strike
The first technique Matt covers is using the Selfy Stick as a “fist load.” When you grip the stick inside your closed fist, two things happen. First, it prevents your knuckles from compressing on impact, which means less pain and injury to your hand. Second, the added weight and rigidity of the aluminum stick dramatically increases the force behind every punch you throw.
Think of it this way — your fist alone is effective, but your fist wrapped around a precision-machined piece of 6061-T6 aluminum? That’s a game changer. You don’t need years of martial arts training to make this work. You just need a solid grip and the will to protect yourself.
Pressure Point Strikes: Precision Over Power
The second technique is all about targeting soft tissue and nerve clusters. By using the exposed end of the Selfy Stick, you can jab into pressure points on an attacker’s body with pinpoint accuracy. Areas like the throat, under the jaw, behind the ear, and along the ribs become vulnerable targets when you have a focused striking surface.
This is especially valuable for people who may not have a lot of upper body strength. You don’t need to overpower someone — you just need to hit the right spot with the right tool. The concentrated pressure from the tip of the stick amplifies your force into a very small area, making even a moderate strike incredibly effective.
Back-Fist and Hammer-Fist Strikes: Versatile and Devastating
The third technique Matt demonstrates involves extending the stick from the back of your hand for powerful back-fist or hammer-fist strikes. This grip style opens up a whole new range of defensive movements. A hammer-fist strike — swinging downward like you’re pounding on a table — is one of the most natural and powerful movements the human body can make, and adding the Selfy Stick to that motion takes it to another level.
Back-fist strikes become equally potent, giving you the ability to react quickly from almost any position without needing to wind up or telegraph your movements.
Why This Matters Right Now
Here’s the thing — we’re not living in a world where you can always count on someone else being there to help. Emergency response times vary, situations escalate fast, and sometimes you find yourself in a place where carrying a firearm isn’t practical or appropriate. Matt himself makes this point in his video: there are situations where a gun simply isn’t the right answer, but you still need a way to defend yourself.
That’s where having something like the Selfy Stick in your everyday carry makes so much sense. It’s legal, it’s discreet, it requires no special training to be effective, and it gives you options. And as Matt emphasizes, having multiple options for self-protection is key.
Watch Matt’s Full Breakdown
Want to see these techniques in action? Watch Matt Pasquinelli’s full video here:
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Matt is a passionate advocate for personal safety, and his breakdown of the pocket stick is one of the best we’ve seen. As he says in the video, he truly believes in this tool’s effectiveness for self-protection — and so do we.
Ready to Take Your Safety Into Your Own Hands?
The Selfy Stick is precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum right here in California. It’s lightweight, durable, and built to perform when it matters most. Available in both 6-inch and 8-inch models, it’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand and your life.
👉 Shop the Selfy Stick 8″ 👉 Shop the Selfy Stick 6″ 👉 Visit selfy-stick.com
Stay safe out there. Be prepared. And remember — the best time to think about self-defense is before you need it.
