How to Twirl a Quarterstaff

The quarter staff is a fighting tool that has been used for millennium in both martial arts and medieval combat sports. Popular particularly during Victorian times, the quarterstaff was a part of European martial arts but its popularity diminished during the advent of WWI. Still used today in modern martial arts, including Shotokan karate and in Renaissance fighting tournaments. Twirling a quarterstaff is an elementary move and exceptionally easy to master.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by holding your staff in thirds. This means positioning your hands one-third down either side of your staff. This gives you a balanced position to begin any motions with your quarterstaff. Place your left palm down and your right palm up.

    • 2

      Move your left hand to the center of the staff and begin to push up with your right hand.

    • 3

      Allow your left hand to turn over with the quarterstaff's momentum. As it comes to half way through its rotation --- straight up and down --- grasp it with your right hand and let go with your left.

    • 4

      Use the momentum of the staff to continue turning it with your right hand, changing hands as you turn the staff.