I wouldn't consider him a real sensei at all, it seems he is set on calling himself the only worldwide recognized bo-staff professional. With the only real grading system and stuff. It feels like a sect set-up. Kinda like how almost all karate organizations will demand stuff to enhance the organization after a certain dan degree, to advance to the next dan degree.
@@lakkakka Sensei means, literally, one who comes before and is used by one person to call a person who is passing on a skill or has skill but, as I, also, pointed out, it is NEVER used to refer to yourself.
People always tell me what kind of sports i like, so i didnt really know, cuz im not a sport person, but sense ive seen this, i fell in loooooveeeee with it, and thats exactly what i wanna do and learn ,
I made my bo from a mop handle, pipe fittings, epoxy and tape. It has pipe fittings on the ends to protect it and act as clubs when smashing stuff. It has painting tape and gorilla tape to act as a grip. The gorilla tape is there to cover a repair made to the staff when it broke after a massive strike I made. Its probably stronger after the repair because jb weld is really strong stuff. It hasn't broken since and is still an effective weapon and exercise tool.
I am very interested now. I never have and never will like violence but I love art of any kind, when I see someone who has mastered the bo like you demonstrated it wows my eyes, and I instantly recognize it as art. Its physical art, and when you demonstrated the different reasons people learn bo It really convinced me. It seems that bo training is calling to me now. I will get one soon, but in the mean time I'll find a stick that looks like one, cause it seems that would be ok based on youre video. Thanks allot for the video, and the inspiration. :)
*Your name is "Sensei ..."? Really? Did you legally add the title to your name? Do you know that in Japan you never seriously refer to **_yourself_** as "sensei"? This would be incredibly arrogant and is simply a big no-no (it's never done). "Sensei" is a title others might use to refer to yourself, don't use it yourself, especially if you're not even Japanese! Just tell us your surname and / or family name, that'll be plenty enough.*
+Knot2goodAtIt Well, reasonable point indeed. I am the last person who is trying to "demand respect" in that way. I tend to refer to myself in the way that my students do, as to get myself in a teaching mode and teaching mindset, and also to create a unique environment in which I am not just a normal guy holding a big stick. I am the Sensei and I am here to serve my students in that exact moment. It is not so much a moniker or title of supremacy in my mind, but rather a way to create confidence in my students' training experience. Thanks for the comment though, it clearly has merit, as modesty is a wonderful value which should not be diminished.
Leonard Jenkins Well, some people would laugh and think this is a silly question. But, for the sake of the question, you would use a harder wood/thicker staff of sorts. Generally something like oak would make sense. These can easily weigh 3-8 lbs. depending on the cut and girth. In the past, before mobile firearms, bos were applicable in real self defense. Of course, picking up anything like a long pipe, bar, etc. in a fight scenario can be used like a bo. It is for this reason that bo training could be translated into real life fighting.
I need help. Badly. I'm looking for a Bo to do some basic twirling to practice with, at the same time it has to be strong enough to defend myself and my dog from coyotes (I live in a small village next to a mountain). I decided I wanted a bow because if I walk around at night with a baseball bat in my hand while my dog using the bathroom my new neighbors might think I'm going to break into a home. And I don't want a gun or a katana because I don't want something like that laying around the house if we have a baby on the way. So I figure if I walk with a Bo using it like a walking stick then people will think I'm walking with a walking stick. I also like a long range weapon such as this because I have nunchakus but I don't want to get that close to a coyote. I haven't encountered one yet but they are close, I hear them, and it scares my dog. Also I like the Bo's that come in colors but if they're not strong enough and too light for actual defense then it's not right for me.
If you are interested in a cheaper and more readily available option, you can also purchase a wooden dowel of your desired length and width from a local hardware store. It may not look very fancy but they are sturdy enough to practice with and great for getting used to the techniques before splurging on a more expensive option.
All a kushakubo, the correct name for Okinawan medium staff, is, as you said, a piece of dowel. Bo are never tapered or finished with anything but a stain since the wood is too sticky with varnish and such. A hardwood dowel about 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" is a good diameter.
I'm struggling to find the right size of bo staff.. I'm 175cm tall (which should be 5ft and 8.9 inches) and in my neighborhood I can only find a bo staff of 182cm, which is like 6ft. Won't that staff be too long in order to learn swinging the staff?
I started t learn with Bo after i nailed Nunchuks and 3section staff. Hardest of them all, due to its weight. I got an oak 182cm 3,2inch stick, but i already ordered a Ratan200cm one to mess with :D
Very informational. I absolutely loved it. I love how you gave the ups and downs about the bo, and what types work best for YOU. I am training in Shorinryu Okinawan Karate. I find red oak or white oak to be the best for this style. There really is no difference between white oak and red oak. White oak is stronger, but you can't feel a difference. Thanks! -Savi
ive got a 40 pound bar that I have been using for myself for almost 4 years now. Ive gotten used to the speed and naturally I can wield it well, any tips on performing advanced techniques. I would like to practice with it everyday.
You wield a 40 lb. bar as a bo? Whoa, I have not done such a thing and it seems quite dangerous, unless you have incredible strength, which you obviously do. I mean, I recommend learning advanced bo techniques from DVDs, a dojo, or the web with a staff or broom stick first....and then carefully transition to your heavy staff. I hope that helps.
I'm 5'3" and I've been hoping to get into martial arts for awhile. You mentioned getting a staff slightly shorter than you (so 5' in my case). Other than reduced reach, are there any draw backs to getting a significantly shorter bo, such as a 48" or 54"? Thanks!
Reasoning for a shorter one is that it would look less like something I'm carrying for fighting with/defense and more like a traditional walking stick.
John Heiser I know this comment is so old, but maybe my reply could impact someone reading this later... I’m a petite gal living on her own. I’m mostly getting into this as a low impact way to get some exercise, feel more steady on my feet (I’ve been ill for several years and am embarrassingly weak). But I also think about possibly real world applications. While I’d want a longer bo to control the reach in the situation (especially because I am so short I’d not have it naturally), I can’t cross a long staff easily over my chest, especially in close quarters. So... theoretically, as long as is possible with my height seems like the right answer, but by trial and error I found that as short as 3’ works for me (I’m 5’4”). If I offset the balance a bit (which could facilitate a hand roll, for example), I gain a little more distance as well, maintaining an upper hand with reach but not sacrificing mobility or... basically feeling comfortable with it. If anyone wants to try various lengths and weights, you can get a wooden stick and washers at a hardware store for like $10USD and see what you see. I routinely practice with a 5’ and a 3’ with the 3’ actually much heavier and use them very differently, but this way if I had to use something in a real world scenario I didn’t have previous experience with, the length wouldn’t weird me out too much. I also sort of used a solid metal rod for a pretty sturdy closet structure, so shifting weight to something less... endurance training level was a huge relief! Generally between my arm length and three quarters of that is pretty good for a shorter staff for me, lot kinder learning curve to be sure. Also the idea of a walking stick is just... amazing. Such a good idea!! Practical and under the radar but effective. Nice idea!!
A 5'6'' would really be best for you. Many retailers and staff makes will produce 1/2 foot increments like this. Otherwise, if you are wanting to do tricks and modernistic staff moves, get a 5 foot staff. If you're more interested in real fighting and traditional bo, a 6' will be just fine.
Tapered is where, at the ends of the staff, the diameter is smaller. So, the middle half of the staff is one thickness (say 1''), and then toward each end it wanes off in diameter, ending at say 3/4''. Straight means it is just one long rod, with the exact diameter from the "tip" to the "heel" of the staff. I have practiced with both varieties. Tapered staffs seems to allow for better grip changes, and gripping of the staff. Maybe it is a just a personal preference, but I tend to recommend tapered. It is very important that the exterior is very smooth, so that you can easily slide your hand up and down, and make smooth position changes, without getting splinters, or with too much friction.
Yes, actually that is an interesting benefit. You are constantly moving and stretching your back, arms, torso, neck, and wrists. When you add in more stances and patterns, you get a total body flexibility experience, that is really not that "hard" on your body. The lighter the bo, the less joint stress.
That should work pretty well. A thin, bamboo staff should have some good tensile strength, while being very lightweight. If it is manufactured down to perfectly smooth, that is best. If it has the natural grooves in the stalk of bamboo, it will be harder to use for some freestyle maneuvers.
I m looking to get a Bo but, I can't decide between a 5 ft (which I think may be a little short for me) or 5.5 wooden Bo. I am 5'7" Female. Could you help me out please? Thanks!
Ive got a question. Sence i am quite strong compared to most ppl i was wondering if a metal staff wud be better. I have no problem moving heavy objects at faster speeds and i tend to break things easily. I know from experience that i can break sticks very easily, in fact the staff he is using in the vid wud probably snap if i used even a halfassed swing and hit a solid object. And from my experience with just playing around with sticks is that if something is too light than i tend to loose grip or hurt myself when swinging things around like he is using that staff. Say for instant a curtain rod, well unfortuneately ive casually swong 1 around and it lasted about half a second b4 1 half of it went flying about 50' and that was by accident after i lightly hit something.
What type of bo staff would you recommend for combat training? Such as delivering forceful blows to dummies and objects? Thank you for any recommendations.
I have a love of weapons blunt bladed strike shot or thrown so learning all the bo types is awesome and makes me wanna pick one up myself I use a katana so i wanna see how I do
Now I use a 2.5 lb. red oak bo. In this video I was using a lightweight white wood lotus bo that is like 10 oz. I prefer a tapered oak bo, at 6 feet in length now that I focus more on the combat and realistic side of bo training.
+Åńdrêw Çøłïn Great question! I have a rattan bo. I think that a dense and non-flexible bo such as an oak or ash bo is more useful for realistic and combat fighting. You can strike into a tree, into branches, into a hay bail, and any other non-farm like training aid you may have for bo practice. You will not get a whip-back like you get with the rattan staff. The rattan staff does have its advantages - it is useful for spinning, flexbility and range of motion practice, and for being safer on your wrists and joints; due to its elasticity.
+Åńdrêw Çøłïn Look him up on Google, and check out what so many professionals have to say about him on Bullshido. His "techniques" have been proven wrong time and time again.
Quick question, I bought a Jo and it seems to be laminated oak, it's not one colour and it kinda shows some stripes at the tips... Can I use this for heavy sparring or just slow sparring and solo drills? I'm kinda scared to chip or break it.
I would use it for solo drills, and maybe, very careful kumite or slow sparring. I never recommend doing full speed/full impact sparring with a wooden bo, use a padded bo for that, so that you can go at a live speed, without severely injuring your partner.
I like oak more for our style of training. It is a strong wood that does not bend, and it conducive to good blunt strikes. For practicing and training purposes I use oak more. Rattan is also fine, it just has a bend too it and is more flexible and usually lighter.
hi Im looking for a XMA bo staff. Im about 5.9 feet. my real problem is about the size and weight, I only found 5.5 and 6 feet bo staff and 4, 9 and 14 oz. What shall i buy? Im from spain and I cant find information about XMA bo staff. Thank you for all!
+Aarón Castellano I would get the 5.5 foot and 9 ounce. If you want to do XMA, extreme/tricking bo, you need a staff a little shorter than you, and also quite lightweight.
This was a very interesting video and I intend to watch the rest of your videos but quick question, I prefer to make my practice weapons whenever possible, what would the best would be to make a Bo and are there any other tips that you have?
The best bo is made from cutting down a sapling with a strong wood, cutting all knobs off, smoothing it out completely, sanding, and putting on a protective finish. You will probably want to google some articles on how to make your own staff, I am not an expert in how to construct the perfect staff. I tend to buy staffs or have friends craft them for me.
You'll want something very strong and sturdy, an oak or an ash bo would be a good choice. You might want to find a thicker or heavier staff, you can get them made from 1-5 lbs., depending on the retailer, or if you want to get them custom made, I have a friend in California that can do so.
Randomness Dylan Well, you can clearly use a hard bo like oak or ash with your partner; you just need to go very slow and carefully. If you want to be safe, and still be able to use some speed, I would get a rattan bo. Rattan is very flexible and resistent, it is essentially softer on the skin/muscles/bones with struck. If you cannot afford a "real padded bo", you can also just get a wooden dowel, pvc pipe, or metal piping and stick it in a pool noodle. This is a great way to make a cheap and reasonably effective/safe padded staff for combat and sparring practice.
I asked that question for months without ever getting a clear answer. The "standard" diameter is 1" but I had a custom 6' bo made from oak with a 1 1/4" diameter. The traditional bo was to small for my grip and I had control issues. I could be way off considering I'm still relatively new to the sport, but I recommend a diameter that feels right and is easy for you to control.
Austin Bartunek I just bought one from Total Submission Extreme Bo Staff (found them on Facebook) and they custom made one for my hubby based on his size, colors I wanted for him, etc. Great people to work with!
Well, it is from the now officially recognized style of Ultimate Bo, or Hodge-American Style Bo. But, it is rooted in Okinawan weaponry and has Chinese elements as well, but is from a more eclectic modernized system.
I'm not speaking about the one he is holding. I was referring to the picture at 2:00. Rattan can be skinned "raw" or De-skinned. De-skinned are much lighter, but the one in the pic is clearly a skinned Rattan just like the one I own.
NO disrespect and you obviously know more than I do but I got a toothpick bo based on this video. My Sensei gave me a 6 footer, I'm 5'8"" . After a few months, I cant imagine using that toothpick. If you hold it right, my longer bo does not hit the ground and it has so much more weight. Personally, I think the spins look great but that should be a different category in tournaments form REAL bo katas. Do you want to impress the crowd or lean Kubodo. By the way my Dojo has a ranking system too From 10 Kyu to Godan. Great video. I'll certainly check back in a few months. Thanks
William Dunlap HI William, thanks for the intelligent comments, I agree in a lot of ways. If you are doing true bojutsu, you really do not need a toothpick bo or a bo shoter than you. If you plan on introducing more flourishes, spins, and aesthetic elements (that you find in freestyle weapon competitions), a shorter bo can be useful. I have been training with my 6' ash bo recently, working on more kumite and bojutsu. There are lots of reasons to train with the bo, so that is what it usually comes down to.
I use my broomstick😎
haha yeah! I have multiple broomsticks placed strategically around my work place for self defense.
@@345firee lol
Same, I have so much brooms from my mom
Same.
Me, an intellectual who just wanted to hit better with my long walking stick:
Same lmao!
Got mine next to me rn!
One never uses an honorific such as san, sensei, etc. with ones own name. The purpose of it is to show deference and politeness to someone else.
EXACTLY
I wouldn't consider him a real sensei at all, it seems he is set on calling himself the only worldwide recognized bo-staff professional. With the only real grading system and stuff. It feels like a sect set-up. Kinda like how almost all karate organizations will demand stuff to enhance the organization after a certain dan degree, to advance to the next dan degree.
Thank you I was gonna say that
@@lakkakka there is no such thing as a "bo staff". It is either a bo or a staff since it is redundant or stuttering to say both,
@@lakkakka Sensei means, literally, one who comes before and is used by one person to call a person who is passing on a skill or has skill but, as I, also, pointed out, it is NEVER used to refer to yourself.
I use a curtain rod😂
i feel ashamed that i'm not the first to look for the video just cos of that
Me too and it works great
I use a pvc pipe 😭
Mah man
Ya boi uses a broom
People always tell me what kind of sports i like, so i didnt really know, cuz im not a sport person, but sense ive seen this, i fell in loooooveeeee with it, and thats exactly what i wanna do and learn ,
I made my bo from a mop handle, pipe fittings, epoxy and tape. It has pipe fittings on the ends to protect it and act as clubs when smashing stuff. It has painting tape and gorilla tape to act as a grip. The gorilla tape is there to cover a repair made to the staff when it broke after a massive strike I made. Its probably stronger after the repair because jb weld is really strong stuff. It hasn't broken since and is still an effective weapon and exercise tool.
I am very interested now. I never have and never will like violence but I love art of any kind, when I see someone who has mastered the bo like you demonstrated it wows my eyes, and I instantly recognize it as art. Its physical art, and when you demonstrated the different reasons people learn bo It really convinced me. It seems that bo training is calling to me now. I will get one soon, but in the mean time I'll find a stick that looks like one, cause it seems that would be ok based on youre video. Thanks allot for the video, and the inspiration. :)
All weapons are really while some may snere at swords or others anytime I pratice I'm at peace and my gf is veary graceful in her art
All martial arts are arts, it’s in the name
Edit: re-reading this, it sounds rude. I wasn’t trying to be rude.
Home made Bo Staffs work best with me (I've made two of them myself)
*Your name is "Sensei ..."? Really? Did you legally add the title to your name? Do you know that in Japan you never seriously refer to **_yourself_** as "sensei"? This would be incredibly arrogant and is simply a big no-no (it's never done). "Sensei" is a title others might use to refer to yourself, don't use it yourself, especially if you're not even Japanese! Just tell us your surname and / or family name, that'll be plenty enough.*
I'm just doing bo currently in my karate school. this guide is awesome!
What about a bo if you don't have anyone to train with but want to practice movements? I'm about 5'4 btw
Very nice tutorial. Extremely informative without the traditional fluff. +1
+Ron Dennis So glad it was helpful. Have fun learning bo.
+Ron Dennis very!!
But, youre not suppose to call yourself sensei. Sorry im taking Japanese...apparently its a whole modesty thing lol
+Knot2goodAtIt Well, reasonable point indeed. I am the last person who is trying to "demand respect" in that way. I tend to refer to myself in the way that my students do, as to get myself in a teaching mode and teaching mindset, and also to create a unique environment in which I am not just a normal guy holding a big stick. I am the Sensei and I am here to serve my students in that exact moment. It is not so much a moniker or title of supremacy in my mind, but rather a way to create confidence in my students' training experience. Thanks for the comment though, it clearly has merit, as modesty is a wonderful value which should not be diminished.
Im glad you didn't take it as me being rude, it was not that way. Your answer was great Sensei
+Knot2goodAtIt Perfect, it was not rude at all, no worries. Enjoy your bo training and thanks for engaging with my videos!
Thank you!
Walking Dead Morgan's curved staff, is it functional and ergonomic?
What type of bo staff would be used for actual self-defense, combat, real fight, etc?
Leonard Jenkins Well, some people would laugh and think this is a silly question. But, for the sake of the question, you would use a harder wood/thicker staff of sorts. Generally something like oak would make sense. These can easily weigh 3-8 lbs. depending on the cut and girth. In the past, before mobile firearms, bos were applicable in real self defense. Of course, picking up anything like a long pipe, bar, etc. in a fight scenario can be used like a bo. It is for this reason that bo training could be translated into real life fighting.
Hardens oak or a metal one ( not master or anything)
I need help. Badly. I'm looking for a Bo to do some basic twirling to practice with, at the same time it has to be strong enough to defend myself and my dog from coyotes (I live in a small village next to a mountain). I decided I wanted a bow because if I walk around at night with a baseball bat in my hand while my dog using the bathroom my new neighbors might think I'm going to break into a home. And I don't want a gun or a katana because I don't want something like that laying around the house if we have a baby on the way. So I figure if I walk with a Bo using it like a walking stick then people will think I'm walking with a walking stick. I also like a long range weapon such as this because I have nunchakus but I don't want to get that close to a coyote. I haven't encountered one yet but they are close, I hear them, and it scares my dog. Also I like the Bo's that come in colors but if they're not strong enough and too light for actual defense then it's not right for me.
If you are interested in a cheaper and more readily available option, you can also purchase a wooden dowel of your desired length and width from a local hardware store. It may not look very fancy but they are sturdy enough to practice with and great for getting used to the techniques before splurging on a more expensive option.
All a kushakubo, the correct name for Okinawan medium staff, is, as you said, a piece of dowel. Bo are never tapered or finished with anything but a stain since the wood is too sticky with varnish and such. A hardwood dowel about 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" is a good diameter.
I just like to collect weapons and then learn to use them
I'm struggling to find the right size of bo staff.. I'm 175cm tall (which should be 5ft and 8.9 inches) and in my neighborhood I can only find a bo staff of 182cm, which is like 6ft. Won't that staff be too long in order to learn swinging the staff?
I just think it'll be fun to learn
I started t learn with Bo after i nailed Nunchuks and 3section staff. Hardest of them all, due to its weight. I got an oak 182cm 3,2inch stick, but i already ordered a Ratan200cm one to mess with :D
What would you suggest for someone who is into the flow arts? For learning tricks and exploring the space around me.
You: traditional or strength training
Me: ya, thats why im doing
You: you might be wondering why...
Me: no, actually, thats why im here
Very informational. I absolutely loved it. I love how you gave the ups and downs about the bo, and what types work best for YOU. I am training in Shorinryu Okinawan Karate. I find red oak or white oak to be the best for this style. There really is no difference between white oak and red oak. White oak is stronger, but you can't feel a difference. Thanks! -Savi
savi shergill Glad this video helped. Yes, oak is a great wood, and that variety grows well in Texas where I am from. Take care, Michael
ive got a 40 pound bar that I have been using for myself for almost 4 years now. Ive gotten used to the speed and naturally I can wield it well, any tips on performing advanced techniques. I would like to practice with it everyday.
You wield a 40 lb. bar as a bo? Whoa, I have not done such a thing and it seems quite dangerous, unless you have incredible strength, which you obviously do. I mean, I recommend learning advanced bo techniques from DVDs, a dojo, or the web with a staff or broom stick first....and then carefully transition to your heavy staff. I hope that helps.
Yeah a lot
I have a stick of bamboo about a half foot taller than me, 3/4 inch diameter, wrapped in duct tape.... yeah...
I'm 5'3" and I've been hoping to get into martial arts for awhile. You mentioned getting a staff slightly shorter than you (so 5' in my case). Other than reduced reach, are there any draw backs to getting a significantly shorter bo, such as a 48" or 54"? Thanks!
Reasoning for a shorter one is that it would look less like something I'm carrying for fighting with/defense and more like a traditional walking stick.
John Heiser I know this comment is so old, but maybe my reply could impact someone reading this later... I’m a petite gal living on her own. I’m mostly getting into this as a low impact way to get some exercise, feel more steady on my feet (I’ve been ill for several years and am embarrassingly weak). But I also think about possibly real world applications. While I’d want a longer bo to control the reach in the situation (especially because I am so short I’d not have it naturally), I can’t cross a long staff easily over my chest, especially in close quarters.
So... theoretically, as long as is possible with my height seems like the right answer, but by trial and error I found that as short as 3’ works for me (I’m 5’4”). If I offset the balance a bit (which could facilitate a hand roll, for example), I gain a little more distance as well, maintaining an upper hand with reach but not sacrificing mobility or... basically feeling comfortable with it.
If anyone wants to try various lengths and weights, you can get a wooden stick and washers at a hardware store for like $10USD and see what you see. I routinely practice with a 5’ and a 3’ with the 3’ actually much heavier and use them very differently, but this way if I had to use something in a real world scenario I didn’t have previous experience with, the length wouldn’t weird me out too much.
I also sort of used a solid metal rod for a pretty sturdy closet structure, so shifting weight to something less... endurance training level was a huge relief! Generally between my arm length and three quarters of that is pretty good for a shorter staff for me, lot kinder learning curve to be sure.
Also the idea of a walking stick is just... amazing. Such a good idea!! Practical and under the radar but effective. Nice idea!!
As my Wife is wondering why i am out in the woods
And the closet pole in the winter goods
clothes closet disappeared
Awesome. Have fun training!
Should I get a 5ft Bo staff I'm 5.7 our a 4ft one?
Rattan?? Bamboo?? Not addressed. Novice will wonder.
guys is hickory better than white oak for bo staff? is it stronger against breaking ?
Should I get a 5 ft no staff I'm 5.7
Yes
@@Roshanrm thank you 🤙
I’m 5 feet exactly what size bo staff should I buy ?
I'm about 5'7 so I don't know whether to get a 5 foot or 6 foot.
A 5'6'' would really be best for you. Many retailers and staff makes will produce 1/2 foot increments like this. Otherwise, if you are wanting to do tricks and modernistic staff moves, get a 5 foot staff. If you're more interested in real fighting and traditional bo, a 6' will be just fine.
So get a bo for every situation and master the bo
Very fancy but bring it to dog brothers.
I just want one just to have it they seem cool
I use a tube of Christmas Wrapping paper
I am 5'9.5" so I should chose 5'6" Bo...
I uae plumbing pipe , its heavy tough
Ty v informative
Excuse me but what is the differences between tapered and straight bo?
Tapered is where, at the ends of the staff, the diameter is smaller. So, the middle half of the staff is one thickness (say 1''), and then toward each end it wanes off in diameter, ending at say 3/4''. Straight means it is just one long rod, with the exact diameter from the "tip" to the "heel" of the staff. I have practiced with both varieties. Tapered staffs seems to allow for better grip changes, and gripping of the staff. Maybe it is a just a personal preference, but I tend to recommend tapered. It is very important that the exterior is very smooth, so that you can easily slide your hand up and down, and make smooth position changes, without getting splinters, or with too much friction.
Excellent video. Thx
cool vid, very informative. Does learning Bo help with overall flexibility?
Yes, actually that is an interesting benefit. You are constantly moving and stretching your back, arms, torso, neck, and wrists. When you add in more stances and patterns, you get a total body flexibility experience, that is really not that "hard" on your body. The lighter the bo, the less joint stress.
Would you recommend a toothpick bo made out of bamboo for freestyle training?
That should work pretty well. A thin, bamboo staff should have some good tensile strength, while being very lightweight. If it is manufactured down to perfectly smooth, that is best. If it has the natural grooves in the stalk of bamboo, it will be harder to use for some freestyle maneuvers.
I am nine and I have a black belt
It looks like a bo and arrow.
You save me thanks!
Check out Nathan Fort
I m looking to get a Bo but, I can't decide between a 5 ft (which I think may be a little short for me) or 5.5 wooden Bo. I am 5'7" Female. Could you help me out please? Thanks!
Ive got a question. Sence i am quite strong compared to most ppl i was wondering if a metal staff wud be better. I have no problem moving heavy objects at faster speeds and i tend to break things easily. I know from experience that i can break sticks very easily, in fact the staff he is using in the vid wud probably snap if i used even a halfassed swing and hit a solid object. And from my experience with just playing around with sticks is that if something is too light than i tend to loose grip or hurt myself when swinging things around like he is using that staff. Say for instant a curtain rod, well unfortuneately ive casually swong 1 around and it lasted about half a second b4 1 half of it went flying about 50' and that was by accident after i lightly hit something.
Bo is 6 feet period
What type of bo staff would you recommend for combat training? Such as delivering forceful blows to dummies and objects? Thank you for any recommendations.
I have a bo staff
Bo Selecta!!
Only speech
i am 4.5 but still growing should I get a five or a four because they don't have 4 1/2
What Bo staffs are good that extends? Which are cheap aswell...
I have a love of weapons blunt bladed strike shot or thrown so learning all the bo types is awesome and makes me wanna pick one up myself I use a katana so i wanna see how I do
I'm starting with the cold steel black thorn staff.
Would anyone know what a Rattan bostaff would be most suited for?
what Bo do you use?
Now I use a 2.5 lb. red oak bo. In this video I was using a lightweight white wood lotus bo that is like 10 oz. I prefer a tapered oak bo, at 6 feet in length now that I focus more on the combat and realistic side of bo training.
Cool
5' brazilian hardwood garden tool pole works great for learning.
What about a rattan bow? Jake mace sells them- he says there better.
+Åńdrêw Çøłïn Great question! I have a rattan bo. I think that a dense and non-flexible bo such as an oak or ash bo is more useful for realistic and combat fighting. You can strike into a tree, into branches, into a hay bail, and any other non-farm like training aid you may have for bo practice. You will not get a whip-back like you get with the rattan staff. The rattan staff does have its advantages - it is useful for spinning, flexbility and range of motion practice, and for being safer on your wrists and joints; due to its elasticity.
UltimateTraining Wow! Thanks, I'd rather get a bo for combat situations.
+Åńdrêw Çøłïn Not to mention Jake Mace is a fraud. I wouldn't completely trust everything he says.
MyStrangeMadness how?
+Åńdrêw Çøłïn Look him up on Google, and check out what so many professionals have to say about him on Bullshido. His "techniques" have been proven wrong time and time again.
what do you recommend for combat without sparing
The Bo is probably the most ancient weapon of all.
What about the diameter?
1inch or 1 1/4 inch?
I bought a rattan bo at 5ft. I'm alittle shorter than 5ft.
Quick question, I bought a Jo and it seems to be laminated oak, it's not one colour and it kinda shows some stripes at the tips... Can I use this for heavy sparring or just slow sparring and solo drills? I'm kinda scared to chip or break it.
I would use it for solo drills, and maybe, very careful kumite or slow sparring. I never recommend doing full speed/full impact sparring with a wooden bo, use a padded bo for that, so that you can go at a live speed, without severely injuring your partner.
So many choices. I don't know what to pick. Im a complete noob and started training today. What about a rattan bo? vs an oak bo?
I like oak more for our style of training. It is a strong wood that does not bend, and it conducive to good blunt strikes. For practicing and training purposes I use oak more. Rattan is also fine, it just has a bend too it and is more flexible and usually lighter.
Michael Hodge is so cute. ♥♡
doweling rods are great for bo staffs
hi
Im looking for a XMA bo staff. Im about 5.9 feet.
my real problem is about the size and weight, I only found 5.5 and 6 feet bo staff and 4, 9 and 14 oz.
What shall i buy?
Im from spain and I cant find information about XMA bo staff.
Thank you for all!
+Aarón Castellano I would get the 5.5 foot and 9 ounce. If you want to do XMA, extreme/tricking bo, you need a staff a little shorter than you, and also quite lightweight.
Thank you very much i was waiting for this info since 6 months, I was sending messages everywhere for nothing
Thx for all :)!
Thank you so much!
I need help duel welding a Bo and sword any surges
George Heeley I have not tried that yet, sounds kind of clumsy but wouldn't mind trying it just for fun I assume.
This was a very interesting video and I intend to watch the rest of your videos but quick question, I prefer to make my practice weapons whenever possible, what would the best would be to make a Bo and are there any other tips that you have?
The best bo is made from cutting down a sapling with a strong wood, cutting all knobs off, smoothing it out completely, sanding, and putting on a protective finish. You will probably want to google some articles on how to make your own staff, I am not an expert in how to construct the perfect staff. I tend to buy staffs or have friends craft them for me.
UltimateTraining Thanks! I will keep all of your advice in mind come spring.
I want a bo that can support my weight what do I do
You'll want something very strong and sturdy, an oak or an ash bo would be a good choice. You might want to find a thicker or heavier staff, you can get them made from 1-5 lbs., depending on the retailer, or if you want to get them custom made, I have a friend in California that can do so.
Thanks dude
What type of no can I use for combat besides a padded bo. And a bamboo staff would be best Sir what category
Randomness Dylan Well, you can clearly use a hard bo like oak or ash with your partner; you just need to go very slow and carefully. If you want to be safe, and still be able to use some speed, I would get a rattan bo. Rattan is very flexible and resistent, it is essentially softer on the skin/muscles/bones with struck. If you cannot afford a "real padded bo", you can also just get a wooden dowel, pvc pipe, or metal piping and stick it in a pool noodle. This is a great way to make a cheap and reasonably effective/safe padded staff for combat and sparring practice.
Butch Dye in the vídeo he said a thicker and tougher, maybe a bit longer bo.
your cool
I'm 5"6 and have ordered a 6ft bo. do I need to saw?
not really. if you are mainly doing combat style bojutsu. If you are interested in extreme/competition style staff, a 5' 6" size would be preferred.
how do I determine the ideal diameter for a bo?
I asked that question for months without ever getting a clear answer. The "standard" diameter is 1" but I had a custom 6' bo made from oak with a 1 1/4" diameter. The traditional bo was to small for my grip and I had control issues. I could be way off considering I'm still relatively new to the sport, but I recommend a diameter that feels right and is easy for you to control.
Where can i purchase that bo staff?
Century Martial Arts sells this one.
Could a graphite bo take hard hits from other materials
Usually not too much.
@@UltimateTraining ok thank you I really appreciate it
Is this staff fragile?
Somewhat yes. This particular one is lighter in weight than why I use now.
I am about 5,5 and the closest I can find is 5,6 is this my best option?
Austin Bartunek Yes, a 5' 6'' will work very well for your height! Enjoy your practice.
UltimateTraining okay great! thank you very much
Austin Bartunek I just bought one from Total Submission Extreme Bo Staff (found them on Facebook) and they custom made one for my hubby based on his size, colors I wanted for him, etc. Great people to work with!
forexangel That's awesome. I just checked out their facebook page, I may order one for my new bo training videos. Thanks for the tip.
what is The best size for a 5 foot male
A 5 foot staff.
UltimateTraining lol
your cool
....
What martial arts is this
Well, it is from the now officially recognized style of Ultimate Bo, or Hodge-American Style Bo. But, it is rooted in Okinawan weaponry and has Chinese elements as well, but is from a more eclectic modernized system.
Um I think tiekwando
um...just an fyi here but the pic of the "Oak" Bo....is Rattan not oak.
I think it is oak rattan is lighter in color I have both a rattan and oak bo
I'm not speaking about the one he is holding. I was referring to the picture at 2:00. Rattan can be skinned "raw" or De-skinned. De-skinned are much lighter, but the one in the pic is clearly a skinned Rattan just like the one I own.
StrayDuck oh ok cool
Thank you for the video. I'm going to order a padded bo for sparring at home.
NO disrespect and you obviously know more than I do but I got a toothpick bo based on this video. My Sensei gave me a 6 footer, I'm 5'8"" . After a few months, I cant imagine using that toothpick. If you hold it right, my longer bo does not hit the ground and it has so much more weight. Personally, I think the spins look great but that should be a different category in tournaments form REAL bo katas. Do you want to impress the crowd or lean Kubodo. By the way my Dojo has a ranking system too From 10 Kyu to Godan. Great video. I'll certainly check back in a few months. Thanks
William Dunlap HI William, thanks for the intelligent comments, I agree in a lot of ways. If you are doing true bojutsu, you really do not need a toothpick bo or a bo shoter than you. If you plan on introducing more flourishes, spins, and aesthetic elements (that you find in freestyle weapon competitions), a shorter bo can be useful. I have been training with my 6' ash bo recently, working on more kumite and bojutsu. There are lots of reasons to train with the bo, so that is what it usually comes down to.