Bo

The Bo (gùn in Chinese) is a six-foot staff used for long-range fighting. Traditionally the bo was made of white wax wood in China that was strong enough for a strike and to absorb a blow and also flexible enough to prevent breaking.  In ancient times when Kenpo migrated from China to Okinawa and Japan had taken control of Okinawa and banned weapons, the Okinawa farmers used farm implements as defense.  

The bo was one of these weapons and was used to carry water pails and also helped brace oxen together.  Our practice is more of the Nangun (southern staff) which deals more with hitting than swinging movements that are more flowery like the northern staff. Keep in mind that northern China is more hill country and there is more room for movement where in southern China there is less room and more boat docks so more close range hitting is necessary.  

*REMEMBER THESE METHODS ARE TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THE TRAINING IS LIKE AND A REFERENCE FOR STUDENTS AND NOT TO ACT AS A TRAINING TOOL.

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