Police Baton - Martial Arts Weapon

A police baton is a martial arts weapon that has been used by law enforcement officers for centuries. The baton is used for self-defense against attackers, restraining attackers (i.e. joint locks with the baton), crowd control, etc. This law enforcement tool is also known as a night stick, billy club, etc.

While baton lengths can vary by country, modern police batons used in the USA are roughly two feet in length. When compared to other martial arts weapons, a police baton is similar to an Eskrima stick (Yantok) versus staff weapons such as the Hanbo, Jo and Bo.

The police baton usually comes in three main varieties; straightstick baton, side bar baton and expandable baton. The Japanese/Okinawan Tonfa is often viewed as the predecessor for the side bar baton used by the police.

The use and application of a police baton has evolved over the years due to various legal challenges. For example, a choke hold with a baton is no longer viewed as an acceptable police baton technique.