Shari Rodgers
One of the most iconic weapons used in karate is the “bo.” Some might call it a staff. A bo is a long wooden stick that can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. On March 8 the Quail Creek karate members attended a special class at West Coast Karate in Tucson. The members started the path to learn how to handle and use the bo under the direction of KJN Ben Chapman, a 5th-degree black belt in karate and Taekwondo.
The earliest form of the bo, or staff, was used throughout Asia since the beginning of recorded history. Although the bo is now used as a martial arts weapon, its use is believed to have evolved from the long stick which commoners used to balance buckets/baskets across the shoulders to carry harvested crops, buckets of water, or fish. This tool would eventually become the martial arts weapon we know today.
Following a ban on the use of weapons in Okinawa, it was illegal to own a sword. So, the people turned to their farming tools as methods of defense. These implements could not be easily confiscated by the samurai or local authorities, as they were used for farming or fishing. This use of these weapons developed into kobudo, or “ancient martial way” as it is known today. These weapons included the nunchaku, sai, tonfa, kama, oar, and bo, to name just a few.
The art of wielding the bo is called bojitsu. In bojitsu the bo is used in thrusting, swinging, and striking motions. This follows the philosophy that the bo is merely an “extension of one’s limbs or hand.” The bo is also used as a spear and long sword in some of its motions, such as upward swings and slashing motions across the body. Bo technique also includes a wide variety of blocks, strikes, sweeps, and entrapments.
Consequently, bojitsu is often incorporated into other styles of fighting, such as karate and Filipino martial arts where it is widely used. The staff is, if you were wondering, a dangerous and potentially lethal weapon. Nowadays, students use the bo for both tournaments and demonstrations and some kata. Lighter variations are designed for speed and not combat, as well as the hardwood and rattan versions, which are designed for use in self-defense practice at the practical level.
During the training class, the Quail Creek karate members learned the basic movements and fundamentals of the bo. Participants began to work on taking these single movements into a series of movements in a sequence, followed by offensive and defensive drills with a partner. The class was wonderful, and the members are now practicing what was learned, going back for further training.
Ever think about trying karate? It is something you can do! Stop by the Anza gym and chat with a member, or come and try it. All will welcome you! Classes are Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. Hope you will visit us soon!