The Unbreakable Umbrella
Alain Burrese using an Unbreakable Umbrella during his Hapkido Cane video shoot with Paladin Press.
Alain learned of the Unbreakable Umbrella from Thomas Kurz a short time before filming his Hapkido Cane DVD set with Paladin Press. (filmed June 10-11, 2006 in Boulder, CO to be released late 2006 or 2007) Upon checking out the umbrella, Alain discovered that it was everything it was advertised to be. After smacking a heavy bag around with it, and using it to perform some hapkido joint locking cane techniques, Alain filmed several scenes defending himself with the umbrella.
In the video, Alain points out that many of the techniques he teaches with the cane can be done with an ordinary umbrella and achieve results as well. Techniques such as pictured above where you thrust the tip or point into areas such as the throat. However, if you use an ordinary umbrella, most likely you will break it, even with thrusting techniques. If you want to perform striking techniques or joint locking techniques as illustrated below, you will need something much stronger than what you buy at your local department or discount store. That's where the Unbreakable Umbrella comes in. This umbrella will hold up under forceful strikes and joint manipulation techniques.
Alain Burrese uses a Hapkido Cane joint locking technique against an attacker with an Unbreakable Umbrella during his Hapkido Cane video shoot with Paladin Press.
The Unbreakable Umbrella is a good investment for those that want a weapon that can be carried just about anywhere. There is nothing unusual about keeping an umbrella in your car, and if it is one of these, it can also function as a weapon.
Currently there are several handle styles, and Alain may be working with Thomas Kurz to design a larger crooked handle to better perform some of the hooking techniques Alain teaches in his seminars and instructional DVDs.
Thomas Kurz standing on an Unbreakable Umbrella
(see video footage and order at his site - link below)
Here are the handles currently available. (one type sold out, so check back) Alain prefers the large hook handle because it is the most similar to the Hapkido Cane. A larger hook may become available. When it is, it will be posted here.
How to purchase an Unbreakable Umbrella
Note as of February 14, 2007 - Real Self Defense now has inventory of all Unbreakable Umbrellas except the large hook. They expect to have back orders of the large hook umbrellas fulfilled by the end of February and will then take new orders.
Thank you, Alain
You can purchase an Unbreakable Umbrella directly from Real Self-Defense. At this site, you can see video clips and pictures of the Umbrella and purchase on line. If you purchase over the phone, be sure to tell them Alain sent you.
Additionally, Alain offers Unbreakable Umbrellas at his seminars. If you are planning to host or attend a Self-defense, Hapkido, or Hapkido Cane seminar, contact Alain to discuss the availability and special deals he offers seminar attendees.
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