How to Use an Okinawa Bo Staff

The bo staff, a traditional Okinawan weapon of self-defense is used in karate and other Japanese martial arts styles. It measures approximately 6-feet, and can be used to strike or trip attackers. It can also block oncoming blows, serving as an extension of the body. Learning to use a bo staff requires you to master the holding positions, strikes and blocks.

Things You'll Need

  • Bo staff
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Instructions

  1. Grip and Basic Stance

    • 1

      Hold the bo by placing each hand a third of the way down the grip from either side, separating the weapon into three equal sections.

    • 2

      Use an underhand grip with your right hand and an overhand grip with your left.

    • 3

      Grip the bo most tightly with your little and ring fingers. The rest of your fingers should rest on the bo and be loose enough so the bo can slide around when you change your grip.

    • 4

      Place your right foot a shoulder width away from the left and a foot in front. Bend your knees equally; your right knee should obscure your toes.

    • 5

      Tuck your left elbow into your body at approximately chest level, point your left forearm straight forward and hold your right arm at throat level. The bo staff should cross your body from upper right to lower left--looking down from above, the bo would appear to be aligned at a 30-degree angle from the horizontal.

    Blocking

    • 6

      To block overhead strikes with the bo, thrust both arms to full extension above the head to bring the bo to a horizontal position. Blocking at an angle would cause an edged weapon, such as a sword or knife, to slide down and potentially cut your hand.

    • 7

      To block strikes to the midsection and knees, lift the left side of the bo so it points backward over your head and point the right side at the ground just past your right foot. Twist your hips and push the bo to the right or left side to block with the middle section.

    • 8

      To block thrusting attacks, such as to the throat or groin, bring the bo across your body and hook it in a small semicircle curving to the outside of your body. The semicircular motion hooks your attacker's arm, leg or weapon and brings the bo back into striking position.

    Strikes

    • 9

      According to Shorinjikan Jujitsu, the bo is often used to strike the head, chest or groin. Other targets include the throat, ankles and instep. You can also strike behind the knees to employ a tripping technique. Striking with a bo requires you to put your entire body weight into the attack to generate maximum power.

    • 10

      To perform lateral strikes to the temples, neck, chest, or stomach, press the forward side of the bo toward the center of the body. Pull the trailing side back. Simultaneously twist your hips into the attack. Pull the trailing arm in toward the body beneath the bo so it contacts your upper arm instead of your ribcage.

    • 11

      Perform diagonal strikes by twisting your hips toward the front side of the staff and bringing the rear side up across your body. It should stop even with your right shoulder and run parallel to the floor. Downward diagonal strikes should end with the bo staff in center stance. Vertical strikes don't often feature in bo kata due to the possibility of striking yourself in the groin.

    • 12

      Perform thrusting attacks by pushing off with your back foot and allowing your lead foot to slide forward, then pushing the bo forward with both hands. You can also thrust using only one hand; loosen the grip of your trailing hand, thrust with your lead hand and return to default grip.

    • 13

      Sometimes, you may have to change grips with the bo to maintain your stance, or in the middle of a form. According to South Valley Oyama Karate, you should switch grip with your rear hand first, then the front hand. Rotate your thumb around the bo so your palm rests under it, close your hand and repeat with the front hand. Never try changing grips simultaneously.