The Hanbō, from the Japanese words han, meaning 'half', and bō, meaning 'staff' or 'stick', is a wooden staff approximately one meter (or 90 cm) in length with a diameter of 3 cm. The most accurate measurement would be up to the user's hip bone, or about one meter. It should be noted that all wooden weapons should consider the practitioner's dimensions.
History
Within the art of Japanese espionage or stealth, known as Ninjutsu, most teachings and techniques of the Hanbō, specifically from Dr. Hatsumi's Bujinkan style, are rooted in the Kukishinden Ryu - the School of the Nine Demon Gods. Much like the Tambo (a short stick of approximately 35 to 40 cm), the Hanbō, also known as the San Sakku Bō, or 'three-foot staff', has its origins in this tradition.
Moreover, the Hanbō is also part of the curriculum of Japanese and Okinawan Kobudo, and is practiced in various schools of weapon-based fencing, fighting or Jujutsu. Its use is even taught as a complement to the art of Karate and Aikido in some styles.
Usage
Hanbōjutsu, the art of handling the Hanbō, is a discipline in various martial arts, including Ninjutsu, the Kukishin Ryu Koryu school, and Kukishinden Ryu, one of the nine schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The importance of this length is that it is approximately that of a staff.
The Hanbō can be used for striking when held, or even for throwing at someone. It is beneficial to understand because it strikes quickly and can also be retrieved. Masaaki Hatsumi suggests that anyone who wishes to become a swordsman must first master the Hanbō techniques, as it can be considered and used similarly to a Japanese sword (but without the cutting edge). When used correctly, it is capable of defeating a Katana, or Japanese sword.