Self taught Bo staff

[Astral Ghost]

Which one did you buy?

[Sauzin]

Though I can usualy keep a good grip on it your right. I have noticed that they can counter or block it easily. I have had practice with the staff all my life and I am to the point where I can spin without effort and its kind of instinctive for me now. But as you have said, it is usualy not a good Idea to spin except for on occasion. I can do this, I have perfect controle over the staff except for when it is hit then i have to strugle to keep it in controle...

The problem with that is in a bo fight, if you can't strike with what you're doing then you are rendering yourself defenceless.

Simple question: Do you use a full sized bo or a toothpick bo and what is it made out of?

Secondary question: Do you really want to learn how to fight with you're bo or do you just want to be good at twirling it?

[Sauzin]

Bo spinning is mostly to keep the opponent away from you and to hide your attacks.

What? I'm going to have to call you out on that one...Spinning the bo is just to look fancy or maybe develop wrist strength?...whatever it is, it doesn't really have anything to do with what you would do in a fight. The sooner as people understand that, the better.

I got into this argument before. The argument goes, "If I spin the natural reaction for 95% of all individuals is to back up, thus giving me the necessary distance for an attack."

The counter argument is, "If they know what they are doing they won't back up and they'll disarm you. Also there are many other ways to gain distance, like say using a legitimate attack that doesn't render you helpless."

And then you go back and forth about how spinning is more intimidating and actual attacks are more effective, yada, yada, yada and then you both agree to disagree. Or something like that.

[Shorin Ryuu]

Aw, you're ruining all the fun, Sauzin.

[orion82698]

Which one did you buy?

http://www.blackbeltshop.com/lauren_kearney_rock_solid_bo_techniques_series_titles.htm

If anyone could recommend a video that is helpful... it would be great.

[Anbu Alex]

Bo spinning is mostly to keep the opponent away from you and to hide your attacks.

What? I'm going to have to call you out on that one...Spinning the bo is just to look fancy or maybe develop wrist strength?...whatever it is, it doesn't really have anything to do with what you would do in a fight. The sooner as people understand that, the better.

against a trained fighter it doesnt work but alot of ppl when i sparred with them using bojutsu it kept me safe and when some tried to walk pass the spinning bo he got a nice scar basically it depends on who you r fighting i was taught how to use the spin to hide an attack or attack from the spin

[Andrew_Patton]

I'd have to say that if you wanna learn the Bo properly from any tape/video you're completely SOL, I've been learning Kobudo for years, and the tiny nuances, hip movement, hand tension, relaxation, power development, are still things that need TONS of work. And I'm currently a Nidan in Yamashita/Matayoshi Kobudo, and I have access to plenty of quality instruction time.

As far as a decent video, you might want to try out either my sensei's tapes (Tadashi Yamashita) or Mikio Nishiuchi's tape series on Kobudo, both are available from Panther video, and should show proper technique, I have not seen Nishiuchi's tapes, but he is a student of Master Matayoshi's and therefore should know his stuff very well.

(BTW, the 'Rock Solid' tape series is part of Century's new XMA line of flash-oriented tapes, in other words if you're not a gymnast or a batton twirler, and not interested in learning either, don't get it, it's not for you)

[P.A.L]

since you are good in spining it should be easy for you to improve in real fighting techniques like the ones we keep from Hohen Soken or others, in real Bo application force comes from body movement not just the hands , the principals of empty hand fighting like center line or keeping your wedge up is applicable to Bo as well. holding a bo in a weak angel leasds to disarming or damaging wrist. I really think with this talent you got with bo you should train with traditional bojutsu masters ,and stay away from flashy spins, you have the potential to become a bojutsu sensei.

[Dragn]

I agree with most of the answers already given. Spinning a bo and fighting with one are very different. MA movies portray a very flashy style that isnt practical.

But I'm going to suggest a different option. Why not look into wushu? If you like to spin then Traditional kobudo will probably just bore you anyway. Chinese staff has alot more spinning.You're probably going to get more forfillment from performance oriented MA. And lets face it. How many of us carry a 6 foot pole around? Maybe if we were living in Japan 100 years ago, but not a very realistic weapon for todays world.

Oh, and dont listen to those fire spinners who say you're style is too MA oriented. I've been combining MA into my fire staff and fire knife routines for years and I can put most fire spinners to shame.

[IronWarrior]

You can teach yourself the tecniques from videos and books, but you have to be able to apply them in a self defencse situation e.t.c... so having prior study with a instructor helps, that teaches the weapon in a practical sense not for tournament or 'show'. I just taught myself the Jo staff it was easy since I started using a bo staff 20 years ago so the 'Jo' for me was like a short 'bo' and I understood the tecniques e.t.c.. and how to apply them.