The Staff (Bo)
 The bo or the staff, is probably one of the first weapons that man used to defend himself or hunt. It could easily be found, it wasn't difficult to handle, and could be used for multiple purposes. In China, the staff probably originated from a farm tool. The stick would be held across the shoulders and buckets would be hung to carry water or fish. The techniques executed with the staff were developed very early in history.
There are two main types of staffs: the long staff; which is about 7ft long and the short staff; which measures about 4ft. They are generally made of hardwood or rattan.
Monks at the Shaolin Monastery, found the spear; which was originally intended for horseback fighting, inappropriate in their peaceful manastic environment. So they removed the spearheads, and where left with the staffs. Shaolin disciples were, and still are, well known for their skills in using the staff.
The bo of Okinawa may have been introduced from China, but the tapered version, called a Kon, is indigenous to the islands. The tapered staff is about 6ft in length, with the ends tapering considerably; which allows for greater penetrating power.
Written By Sifu Rino Côté
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