Be connected: connect old and new with the Bo staff.

Info 1: Everything you should know about your Bo staff.

Have you become addicted to the art of stick fighting, and would you like to finally perform artistic movements yourself with a wooden stick? Before you buy a Bo-stick, you should internalize the most important information about the long bar. Even if handling the staff looks easy, there is a lot of perseverance, technique, and patience behind it. Originally the Bo was a so-called farmer's weapon. Since the peasants were forbidden to carry weapons, they quickly converted everyday objects into effective defensive weapons. In the classic length of 182 cm, the man-high Bo staff is also called the 6-foot staff and was often carried along as a carrying stick in the field or on hikes. With a diameter of 25 to 30 mm, the long bar fits comfortably in your hand and, when used as an extension of your body, is considered a long-range weapon.

Info 2: Traditional sports guns over the years: plastic vs. wood

In the past, access to natural resources was not a problem. Wooden weapons were an inexpensive alternative to swords, swords, and the like, which were accessible to everyone. With the decline in natural raw materials, the triumph of other options began - also in martial arts. For Bo sticks made of wood, bamboo, or rattan, there are specimens made of solid plastic or a plastic coating. These have a high break resistance and are insensitive to moisture, solar radiation, or temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, lovers of traditional wooden sticks don't want to do without the natural feel, the flexibility of the bar, and the well-balanced. While beginners or fitness groups are well advised to use the plastic Bo sticks, professional martial artists in Arnis, Escrima, Kali, Ju-Jutsu, or Kobudo weapon training usually only use the classic made of natural materials.

Info 3: The steep way up - the Bo-Jutsu stick fight becomes its own discipline.

In Kobudo, stick fighting with the Bo represents its discipline, the Bo-Jutsu. Also known as “Kon” or “Kun” in Okinawa, the bo staff is one of the most essential and basic weapons. Many of the katas performed in Kobujutsu are performed on the Bo-staff. Due to its length, the ends of the long-range weapon, in particular, reach a high speed, which makes the otherwise rather inconspicuous Bo staff a particularly effective entry-level weapon. Bo-Jutsu is an excellent introduction to the world of weaponry and can be started at any age, with or without previous knowledge. Skillfully swinging a stick is not only fun but also trains coordination and body control.

Info 4: Workout with the Bo stick - it's easy to get the hang of it.

As with all other sports, the same applies to the workout with the Bo - no training without a thorough warm-up. Especially fingers and wrists must be well relaxed when handling the 182 cm long stick to avoid injuries. A good warm-up exercise is rotating your wrists forward and backward. Closing and opening your hands are simple and practical simultaneously, whereby you should deliberately spread your fingers wide. The speed of this exercise can be increased from time to time. Since the shoulder area is also required when using the Bo staff, you should never neglect it. Circle your arms back and forth, trying to control the movement from your shoulders. Well prepared, you can finally pick up your staff weapon and start with simple exercises. Reaction and balance exercises are as valuable as swing, punch, or stitch sequences.

Info 5: Everything that is right - what you should definitely know with a Bo-staff.

The most important thing first: In Germany, the Bo-Stab such as Kubotan, Hanbo, Jo, Eskrima, or Bokken does not count under the German Weapons Act. These weapons, which are recognized as sports equipment, are not to be considered weapons. It can be stated that the Bo staff is a training device in its purpose and only fulfills its purpose as a weapon in its "tradition." As a result, you can easily acquire and carry a Bo staff, both in a 6-foot length of 182 cm and in the junior version with a length of around 153 cm. However, especially with specimens made of wood, rattan, or bamboo, you should pay attention to the unique requirements of the material during transport and storage.

The Bo-Staff, one of the Asian martial arts weapons, is an ideal training device for beginners of all skill levels. Plastic training sticks, in particular, are easy to use and completely uncomplicated to look after. If you would like to use traditional models made of natural materials, you should first familiarize yourself with the requirements of the material. As always, the following applies when using a Bo staff: Before each use, the sports weapon must be checked for damage (e.g., fractures, chips). A damaged training device should be replaced immediately.