The bo staff, like many traditional martial arts weapons, had a dual purpose when it was originally used in Okinawa hundreds of years ago. People used the staff to carry buckets of water or grain at each end. However, if attacked, Okinawans used the long, wooden stick to defend themselves. Okinawan bo-staff techniques are still taught in martial arts classes around the world.
Techniques
Okinawan bo-staff techniques include the forward strike, forward thrust, side strike and rising block. When practicing these moves, hold the staff so that you divide it into three equal parts. Grasp the weapon with your left palm facing down and your right palm facing up.
Forward Strike
The forward strike is a powerful Okinawan bo-staff technique. Execute this strike by turning to your right and pointing your left foot at the target. While holding the bo staff with both hands, lift your right hand up by your right ear. Hold the staff parallel to the floor and use your left hand to point the opposite end of the staff at your opponent. Swiftly step toward your opponent with your right leg and use your right hand to strike his head with the end of the staff. While performing the forward strike, it is important to rotate your right palm down so that the weapon does not bounce off the target and escape through your fingers.
Forward Thrust
The forward thrust is a technique for striking your opponent when he is advancing toward you. To perform the forward thrust, turn to your left and point your right foot at your opponent. Hold the bo staff parallel to the floor at waist level. Move the staff away from your opponent to allow the weapon to gain momentum. After drawing the staff backward, forcefully thrust the tip of the weapon directly at your opponent’s solar plexus. Step toward him with your right leg as you thrust the staff. Twist the staff so that your right palm is on top of it when you make contact.
Side Strike
The side strike is a basic Okinawan bo-staff technique that hits an opponent on the side of his body. To execute a side strike, turn your body perpendicular to your opponent with your left shoulder pointing toward him. Hold the staff parallel to the floor at waist level. Step toward him with your right leg and swing the staff across at the ribs on his left side. Use your hips to increase the power of this strike. Execute an additional side strike by stepping forward with your left leg and hitting him with the other side of the bo staff.
Rising Block
Okinawan bo-staff techniques also include defensive maneuvers. A basic defensive technique is the rising block. Use the rising block if an attacker is attempting to strike down on the top of your head with a weapon. Perform the rising block by holding the staff parallel to the ground. Quickly lift it straight up above your head to block an oncoming attack. The opponent’s weapon should hit the bo staff between your hands.
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