The late Bob Koga remains an icon in the world of self-defense and law enforcement. An Air Force Veteran and LAPD Officer, with extensive Martial Arts training in Judo, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Jo Do and Aikido, he became an outspoken proponent of the merits of the straight baton as opposed to the PR24 or side handle baton. The Cold Steel Koga SD series are made of a high-impact polymer and are designed to function as an aid in leverage when restraining an individual and obtaining joint locks or submission holds. But they also serve as an admirable "intermediate impact tool". Blows struck with the fist may be too weak or worse, result in a broken hand, while blows struck with a baton may be too powerful resulting in grave injury. One solution, however, is the Koga SD - bridging the gap by concentrating and magnifying the effect of hand blows while minimizing the likelihood of permanent injury.