Three Sectional Staff
 Many Kung Fu schools attribute the creation of the three section staff, to the first emperor of the Song Dynasty, known as Song Taizn. The legend dictates that Song Taizn's favorite staff was split in two during a battle, so he linked the broken ends together and created the first two section staff. It was said that the handle of this new weapon was twice as long as the tail end section. Later, when the handle was split in two, he again linked them together with chain and created one of Kung Fu's most versatile weapon, the three section staff.
The three section staff is generally classified as a long weapon like the staff. It is also considered as a flexible weapon like the chain whip, with properties of double short weapons like butterfly swords. Each section is generally equal in length, measuring two feet or more for an overall length of six feet plus. This beautiful weapon was usually made of woods such as rattan, white waxwood or hardwoods like oak or mahogany. The wood would traditionally be treated with special oils to maintain its natural hardness. Cord or chain links the sections. Chain is more popular, since the links can also be used for striking.
Occasionally, the tips of the frail are capped with metal or/and grooved to create a rougher heavier striking surface like the serration's of a saw. This increases the chances that the strike will hit hard and also cut open the opponent. It is said that to master the three section staff takes three times longer than the staff.
Written By Sifu Rino Côté
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