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Okinawan Bo: Tapered or Straight?


Neil

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On all the websites I have been on they all said that the Okinawan Bo is tapered. But there is one problem I find with this. Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the Bo first used to carry buckets of water on both ends? If so a tapered bo would prove more difficult than a straight one. So maybe it was originally straight and then it became tapered?

 

Funny thing is my teacher said that the Okinawans prefer the practitioner to use a straight Bo! :-?

 

A little confused I think, anyone here to help this little problem.

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Straight bos are heavier... wonder if that's why people started tapering them. The might have also wanted all that power focused on a smaller striking surface. I don't know. I'm sure someone here has the answer.

1st Dan Hapkido

Colored belts in Kempo and Jujitsu

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I have always used a straight bo and from everything I have read the traditional bo was straight for instane the wrist flip (cutting)motion found in alot of the kata seems to work best with a straight bo . I believe the tapered bo is a more resent inovation to make the bo lighter for tourniment's . but this is just my humble opinion

Karate is not a sport , it is a way of life .

Sandan Motobu ha Shi-to ryu karate

Katsu ryu kempo

Ryukyu kobudo

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Bo's are made of various materials (types of wood) and specifications. Each area of Okinawa probably had its own favorite. Bo's are straight, tapered and also come in polyhedral shapes of 4 to 8 sides.
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Tapered = Elephant with stilet.......stilleto.......stell........high heels :P

"You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"


Principal Kobudo Instructor & Owner

West Yorkshire Kobudo Academy

2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)

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New to the forum, I am....so hello to everyone!

 

Also, I have studied Okinawan Ko-Nan-Ryu Kobudo for a couple of years, and I have the answer to the question about why some bo's are tapered.

 

Actually, although the tapered is a great deal lighter (and also more expensive - why, since you buy less wood?), that is not the primary reason for tapering the rokushakubo.

 

As you practitioners probably know, the traditional hand position on the bo divides it into even thirds. However, there are some hojoundo which require a naginata-style grip - meaning you hold the bo more like a baseball bat than otherwise. It is crucial when you are in the middle of a difficult section of a kata that you know where your hands are at on the bo. With a straight bo, this can be difficult. However, with practice, the tapered bo allows your hands to determine where they lie on the bo. I have just recently begun to work with a tapered bo, and already I am developing that instinct.

 

My style's grandmaster, Kinjo Takashi actually prefers us to utilize tapered bo's, for that reason.

 

So now you know the rest of the story. :o

 

:-)

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My style's grandmaster, Kinjo Takashi actually prefers us to utilize tapered bo's, for that reason

 

same here :)

"You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"


Principal Kobudo Instructor & Owner

West Yorkshire Kobudo Academy

2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)

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