Korean vs Japanese Staff

[bassaiguy]

My first exposure to weapons training was in a Moo Duk Kwan school in the late 80s. Our long staff training consisted of one very basic form and some partner drills. I remember that we always maintained a two handed grip on the staff with both palms facing the same direction (palm to floor). I've spent the past several years in Japanese MA and our bo (staff) training emphasizes holding the weapon with opposed grips (one palm up, one down).

My question for the Korean-style practitioners on the board is this: How do you hold your bo? Why? And, was the method I was originally taught common to the Korean arts?

[LittleW]

I had once the chance to take a lesson in an Okinawan-Style bo training. And I remember being told at the beginning, that there are really two ways to hold the bo.

We did it one palm up, one down, and it felt comfortable for me but you have to change your grip with every move.

Perhaps holding it both palms to floor, the advantage is, that you can avoid it?

[Montana]

In the majority of Okinawan systems the bo can be held either way, depending on what you are tryibng to do, or transition to. Each grip has advantages and disadvantages and specifuic techniques that are associated with the type of grip you're using at the moment.