The Tactical Pen that Empowers the New York City Asian Communities

Introduction

It all started during the 2020 pandemic… As personal safety becomes an ever-growing concern, especially for marginalized communities, the need for effective self-defense tools and techniques has never been more urgent. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York saw a disturbing surge in attacks against Asian Americans, driven by misplaced blame and prejudice. This wave of violence underscored the critical importance of self-defense, prompting many to seek practical and discreet solutions.

This blog post delves into the inspiring journey of how the Stealth Pen Pro, combined with comprehensive self-defense training, is empowering individuals and making a tangible difference in the lives of many in New York.

Watch the full videos below (1)

The Rise in Attacks Against Asian Americans

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an alarming rise in racially motivated attacks against Asian Americans. Innocent individuals were harassed and assaulted simply because of their ethnicity, being wrongfully blamed for the pandemic. These attacks were not only physically brutal but also deeply psychological, instilling fear and anxiety within the community.

During this period, it became evident that Asian Americans needed to take proactive steps to protect themselves. The community sought out ways to feel safer while going about their daily lives, leading to a surge in interest in self-defense techniques and tools.

The Need for Self-Defense and Tactical Pens

In the face of these challenges, many Asian Americans turned to self-defense as a means of protection. Traditional martial arts and self-defense classes gained popularity, but there was also a growing need for discreet yet effective tools that could be carried without attracting unwanted attention. Tactical pens emerged as a perfect solution—functional writing instruments that double as self-defense tools.

Tactical pens like the Stealth Pen Pro are designed to be non-threatening in appearance while offering powerful self-defense capabilities. These pens can be carried easily in a pocket or bag, making them accessible at all times. Unlike traditional weapons, a tactical pen is unlikely to be confiscated or restricted in most environments, providing an added layer of security for the carrier.

For those who find knife self-defense too intense, tactical pens will be a better alternative. You can read more about this comparison through our blog post on knife self-defense vs the tactical pens (2) and also the video that was done by Chelsea Kyann. 

Furthermore, if you're concerned about traveling with a tactical pen, especially through airport security, you can find detailed information about its legality and how to handle it in our blog post "Tactical Pen and Airport Security: Is It Legal?". (3)

The Story of Gui Ying Ma

The tragic story of Gui Ying Ma, an Asian American woman brutally attacked while sweeping the streets (4), underscores the urgent need for self-defense tools and training. Her attack, largely ignored by mainstream media, highlighted the vulnerability of Asian Americans and the failure of the political system to protect them. It was a wake-up call for the community to take their safety into their own hands.

Gui Ying Ma's story is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by many marginalised communities. Her experience galvanised the Asian American community in New York to seek out effective self-defense solutions, leading to the increased popularity of tactical pens like the Stealth Pen Pro.

The Role of Dragon Combat Club and Icy Mike

In response to the rising violence, community groups like the Dragon Combat Club in New York City began offering self-defense training specifically tailored for Asian Americans. Led by Henzi, the club focuses on practical self-defense techniques and the use of tactical pens. Icy Mike from Hard2Hurt joined forces with the club, teaching participants how to effectively use the Stealth Pen Pro in real-life scenarios.

The Dragon Combat Club has been instrumental in providing self-defense training to vulnerable communities. Their focus on practical techniques and the use of tactical pens has empowered many individuals to take control of their safety. Icy Mike's expertise and passion for self-defense further enhanced the training sessions, providing participants with valuable skills and confidence.

The Atomic Bear's Contribution

I Jeff, the founder of The Atomic Bear, recognized the importance of this cause and took action. I traveled to New York City, bringing with me a generous supply of Stealth Pen Pros to distribute to the participants of the Dragon Combat Club. At a time as such I not only provided the community with essential self-defense tools as the Stealth Pen Pro but also reinforced the message that their safety matters.

Me and my team being able to empower communities through self-defense tools was an important milestone for us and also to see the community's joy by this initiative when we handed over the Stealth Pen Pro’s to them. Our main commitment was to acknowledge the importance of personal safety and were glad that we were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of many individuals.

Training and Empowerment

During the training sessions, participants learned various techniques for using the Stealth Pen Pro in self-defense. From striking to grappling, the sessions covered practical applications that could be used in everyday situations. The design and tactical features of the pen made it an ideal tool for these techniques, giving the participants confidence in their ability to protect themselves.

The training sessions emphasized the importance of practice and preparedness. Participants were taught how to strike effectively with the Stealth Pen Pro, targeting vulnerable areas of an attacker. They also learned grappling techniques that could be used to subdue an assailant in close-quarters combat. The combination of practical skills and the Stealth Pen Pro provided participants with a sense of empowerment and security.

Watch this video (5) on how the Dragon Combat Club is using the Stealth Pen Pro to master their skills of self-defense and also sharing these skills with one another.

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A post shared by Dragon Combat Club (DCC/風龍武會) (@dragoncombatclub)

Community Reactions

The reaction from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed their gratitude for the support and the practical tools provided by The Atomic Bear. The Stealth Pen Pro became more than just a writing instrument; it symbolized empowerment and a newfound sense of security for those who received it.

One participant shared, "Having the Stealth Pen Pro with me gives me peace of mind. It's a simple tool, but it makes me feel safer knowing I have something to defend myself with." Another participant added, "The training and the tactical pen have given me the confidence to walk the streets without fear. I am grateful for this support."

The Stealth Pen Pro from The Atomic Bear

The Stealth Pen Pro, a product of The Atomic Bear, is a unique tactical pen when it comes to its design and functionality. Unlike other tactical pens that often look like obvious weapons or impractical tools such as Kubatons (6). The Stealth Pen Pro is designed to be a reliable writing instrument first and foremost. With its polymer body, ergonomic design, and tungsten glass breaker tip, it strikes the perfect balance between practicality and self-defense capability.

The Stealth Pen Pro features a sturdy construction that ensures it can withstand the rigors of everyday use while remaining a reliable self-defense tool. The pen is made out of polymer therefore it is lightweight in comparison to the other tactical pens out there. Making it a great option for everyday carry. Its design allows for a comfortable grip, making it easy to wield in a self-defense situation. The tungsten glass breaker tip adds an extra layer of functionality, allowing users to break glass in emergencies.

Due to it being a more discreet weapon for self-defense it is a great option for EDC as well. I spoke about this before, on how a tactical pen can be a better self-defense option in comparison to a knife. Read the blog post here (7) to get more information.

Watch the review done by Icy Mike from Hard2Hurt in regards to the Stealth Pen Pro, where he says “this tactical pen checks all the boxes” (8) and also read the article “Does the Perfect Tactical Pen Really Exist?” (9) to learn and know more about the Atomic Bear’s Stealth Pen Pro.

Conclusion

In times of rising violence and uncertainty, the importance of self-defense and personal safety cannot be overstated. The story of the Dragon Combat Club and the distribution of the Stealth Pen Pro highlights the power of community and the impact of practical self-defense tools. At The Atomic Bear, we are committed to providing reliable and effective products that help individuals protect themselves. The Stealth Pen Pro is more than just a pen; it’s a lifeline in moments of danger. Join us in our mission to empower communities and ensure that everyone has the means to defend themselves.

Want to Know More About Us?

We make self-defense instruments and specialize in what is called a tactical pen or a pen for self-defense. You can check our collection here. We believe that carrying a non-lethal weapon option is a must whether or not you have a gun, a knife or nothing on you. Your pen can follow you everywhere and has daily use. We love what we are doing and I am sure you will sense that passion when you receive one of our products. Thank you for reading!

References

1. Asians Were Killed. Nobody Cared. We're Fighting Back and The Best Tactical Pen Technique for Self Defense | Atomic Bear Stealth Pen
   
2. Blog on "Knife self-defense is not for everyone: Comparison with Atomic Bear tactical pens"
3. Tactical pens and airport security: is it legal? 
4. NYC woman attacked during the 2020 pandemic - CNN.
5. Dragon Combat Club - How to train with the Stealth Pen Pro
6. 12 frequently asked questions about Kubatons answered
7. Trade your knife for a pen for self-defense ASAP
8. Hard2Hurt - This tactical Pen Checks all the Boxes
9. Does the Perfect Tactical Pen Really Exist?