We recently completed an exciting and highly engaging bo staff course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals and advanced concepts of this traditional weapon. Throughout the course, students learned not only the physical mechanics of bo handling but also the history, discipline, and strategy that make the bo staff an essential part of martial arts training. With a strong focus on safety, form, and practical application, participants gained confidence, coordination, and skill. Below is a list of the key topics covered during the course:
Exercises
Push ups
Sit ups
Side-to-side walk
Hopping
Required Kata
1. Shu-shi no kon
2. Chu-on no kon
3. Saku-gawa no kon
4. Tsuken no kon
Hojo Undo (Basic drills)
Set 1: Strikes
1. Jo dan uchi
2. Kubi uchi
3. Chudan uchi
4. Gedan uchi
5. Nodo zuki
Set 2: Blocks
1. Jo dan uke
2. Kubi uke
3. Yoko uke
4. Gedan uke
5. Nodo kake uke
Set 3: Grip changing
1. Jo dan uchi
2. Kubi uchi
3. Yoko uchi
4. Gedan uchi
5. Kake uke tsuki (zen kutsu dachi/neko ashi dachi)
Set 4: Partner Drills
1. Head defense
2. Temple defense
3. Rib defense
4. Knee defense
5. Throat defense
Set 5: Shu-shi Complex
8 steps of the routine
Set 6: Block and counter
1. Gedan yoko uke, kubi uchi
2. Gedan yoko harai uke, nuki
3. Suna kake
4. Osa-e
5. Shitte, gyaku zuki
Perform the sets first, then you learn the kata. The partner drills are key in developing good timing and accuracy with the bo. It’s a lot like stick fighting (arnis) with a six-foot stick. Also, note that you can think of the staff as a spear too. Become flexible with how you think of bunkai and the weapons you use.
I hope you enjoy this, and I’ll look for other notes.
