BURBANK, Calif. — A stun ring is a device that Joe Bagtas is learning to use for the first time, something he’s hoping will scare away any attackers.

“You just never know where you’re going to be and even as a warning shot, it might be enough to just get away,” he said.

What You Need To Know

  • The Martial Arts History Museum is in Burbank

  • The museum received 5,000 stun rings from an anonymous donor

  • Each person who was given a ring was also trained on how to use the device

  • In California, any adult can have one unless they have been convicted of a felony, assault or are addicted to any narcotic drug

Bagtas is one of the people who attended an event at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank and received a free finger stun device. Each person who received one was also trained on how to use it.

The museum received 5,000 rings from an anonymous donor to help protect individuals from Asian hate crimes. In California, any adult can have one unless they have been convicted of a felony, assault or are addicted to any narcotic drug.

“I heard about this in Instagram and Facebook and I thought this was an event to empower all Asians because we’re going through a lot right now, especially our elderly,” Bagtas said.

According to the center for the study of hate and extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, hate crimes against Asians in the city of Los Angeles rose 71% from 2020 to 2021.

Michelle Manu is a mixed martial artist who helped train people on how to use the device.

“I think us even getting together and learning a personal safety device and talking about this really brings exposure to it and we don’t feel so alone anymore,” Manu said.

Michael Matsuda is the president and founder of the Martial Arts History Museum. The museum looks at different Asian cultures and how that connects with the martial arts and its positive impact on American history. He said especially this month, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated, we must also look at what’s happening within the Asian community and teach people how to protect themselves.

“Asian hate is continually escalating, more and more, and I think it’s appropriate that we do it this month more than any other month to bring awareness to what’s happening,” Matsuda said.

As for Bagtas, he said he’s never been the victim of violence because of his heritage, but he wishes he could do more for those who have been.

“You know you wish you could do more, and I think that’s what they’re doing here, they’re doing more, helping them defend themselves,” he said.