The Bō, also known as Bong in Korean, Pang in Cantonese, Bàng in Mandarin, and Kun in Okinawan, is a personal weapon originally used in Okinawa. This long staff typically measures around 1.8 m (71 inches) and is commonly used in the martial arts of Okinawa, with its use also adopted in Japanese martial arts, particularly Bōjutsu.
Characteristics, Dissemination, and Usage
Bōs vary greatly in length, weight, flexibility, and decoration. They can be as simple as a tree branch or as elaborate as a piece of art, sometimes adorned with metal sheets. The term "Bō" is actually an abbreviation of "rokushakubō", referring to a staff of six shaku, or about 180 cm.
The primary function of the Bō in Japanese martial arts is to amplify the force used in a strike by leveraging the inertia of the martial artist's movement. The Bō is also utilized to reach medium and long-range targets.
There are Bō techniques in most martial arts that use weapons. This practice originated in ancient Japan, when samurai warriors would end up with a rudimentary Bō if the tip of their spear, yari, or halberd, naginata, broke or was cut off in war. These martial arts also include techniques using hanbō (half Bō) for the same reason. If the Bō was further broken in battle, it could turn into a pilgrim's staff or hanbō.
On the island of Okinawa, where the martial art of karate originated, Bō techniques emerged from a blend of Chinese, native, and Japanese practices. The long staff, initially used to carry water buckets, was also adapted as a weapon by the royal guard.
Its shape was modified by sharpening its ends, aiming to penetrate the armor of invading samurais through the proper transmission of power and body alignment. Today, several schools of the art of kobudo continue to train with the long staff in various Japanese and Okinawan karate styles as part of their curriculum.
The Japanese martial art dedicated to the use of the Bō is known as Bōjutsu.