I'm interested in taking up weapons, starting with the Bo. Unfortunately, sempai who taught weapons at our dojo recently moved, leaving us without a teacher. Is there any books or websites which may help me get started? Thanks very much!

I suggest trying the website of your organization, and chatting with your sensei can help to find some resources, too.

Like any art I don't recommend learning from a website or book, a person is the best source.

Two books that I have: Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense, by Fumio Demura. It demonstrates techniques and some sparring applications, and it has a form in it.

The other book is based off of medieval fighting methods: Fighting with the Quarterstaff: A Modern Study of Renaissance Technique, by David Lindholm. This is a great book, with interpretations from several medieval European manuals, and its focus is primarily on sparring work.

I have friends that have driven hours away from home, took days off of work, and spent hundreds of dollars in gas money to go re-program things they were 'taught' incorrectly by videos, I caution you to use training media like books and videos only if you have a good foundation in whatever art you have.

That being said.

There's a tape/DVD out there called matayoshi Kobudo (I think, search for it on Amazon.com)

and there's also a few tapes out there by my instructor Sensei Tadashi Yamashita, available from panther video/century.

I'd caution staying away from the tapes made by Mikio Nishiuchi, IMO they're not to good of quality, although they have lots of information, at times I question Nishiuchi's stances and movements (incorrect blocks, iffy transitions, awkward applications.)

Good luck though

I know it's not the best method. I think I forgot to mention that I've done a couple bo classes a long time ago but only two. I don't know if that will make any difference or not, I erally don't remember anything from them. Thanks for the suggestions!

Have you thought about learning the bo at a different dojo? There are many bo kata's, hand grips, flips, etc. I would look for a teacher who could help you out in person and who might even be able to help you learn the jo, kai, and cane.

You might check to see if there are any medieval re-enactment groups or medieval weapons groups in your area as well. The quarterstaff was a very popular weapon in medieval Europe.

Have you thought about learning the bo at a different dojo? There are many bo kata's, hand grips, flips, etc. I would look for a teacher who could help you out in person and who might even be able to help you learn the jo, kai, and cane.

Trouble is that I live in a small town. As is, my dojo is in the small city 15 minutes away. As far as I know, the other MA schools in that city don't teach weapons. There are more in the big city but that would mean a 45 minute drive just for weapons classes. Sadly I don't have the time for that.

@ Bushido: As said, it's not too big of a city, so I'm not sure if there would be anything. But I hadn't thought of it so I'll check it out!

one thing u could do is watch weapon katas on things like google video and youtube... these are people who know what they are doing and that is why they have vids of themselves...

if u can break down their katas into basic things it shouldnt be too hard to learn on ure own... just remember that for the bo, sliding is a huge part of strikes.... use the maximum reach possible

@ Bushido: As said, it's not too big of a city, so I'm not sure if there would be anything. But I hadn't thought of it so I'll check it out!

What is the name of your town? I could look to see if there are any SCA clubs near you.