So, I’ve been messing around with the bo staff lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I wanted to share my experience from start to finish, especially for those of you thinking about getting into it. The big question I started with was: what’s the best gear for bo?
First off, I hit the web, just browsing around to see what’s up with these things. I found out that the bo staff is the main thing you need for this kind of training. And, they’re usually made of wood, bamboo, or even fiberglass. I found some folks online saying red or white oak is the way to go if you want something that won’t break easily. That sounded good to me ’cause I’m pretty clumsy.
Choosing the Right Bo
I spent a good half-hour just looking at different websites, trying to find a good one. Some people were saying to get a bo that’s about your height or a couple of inches shorter. I’m around 5’8″, so I figured a 5’6″ staff would do the trick. It’s important, they say, to get the right size, especially when you’re starting out.
Then I dug a bit deeper. It turns out there are a bunch of types. For beginners like me, they recommend these Tapered Hardwood Bo Staffs. They’re light, only about a pound, but still strong. I figured that’s perfect ’cause I knew I’d be dropping it a lot while learning.
Now, if you’re into the fancy competition stuff or those extreme tricks, you might want to go with graphite. But for regular training and combat moves, oak is the way to go. Oak’s tough, you know? It’s what a lot of traditional martial arts folks use. Plus, it’s a bit heavier, which is good for building up your strength.
Getting My Bo
I ended up ordering a white oak bo online. I made sure it had a mineral oil finish. They say it keeps the staff a bit slick, which is good for handling. When it arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas. It felt solid, but not too heavy, just what I was hoping for.
My First Steps
I started with some basic stuff – just holding it right, getting the feel of it. Then I moved on to stances. Man, it’s harder than it looks! But I kept at it, practicing in my backyard. There were definitely some awkward moments, and yeah, I dropped it more times than I can count.
- Choosing the right bo: Like I said, I went with oak, about my height.
- Learning the holds: This took some time, but I got the hang of it eventually.
- Practicing stances: Still working on these, but I’m getting better.
It’s been a few weeks now, and I’m starting to get the hang of some basic moves. I’m no expert, not by a long shot, but it’s fun, and I feel like I’m actually learning something. Plus, it’s a great workout!
So, if you’re thinking about getting into bo staff training, I say go for it! Just make sure you pick the right gear, start slow, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s all part of the process. And trust me, when you finally start nailing those moves, it feels awesome!
