tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post4978059898208013964..comments2023-10-22T16:13:55.130+01:00Comments on My journey to black belt: The joy of bo!Sue Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-24547225271868255612010-02-04T18:13:58.990+00:002010-02-04T18:13:58.990+00:00Hi Anonymous. Yes it was a bit odd but don't w...Hi Anonymous. Yes it was a bit odd but don't worry it was only a slight problem at the beginning of the grading when my husband had to demonstrate some blocks with the jo. We had practised this with me delivering empty hand strikes (that was the odd bit)rather than strikes with another stick. I just had to deliver him a few strikes with the bo (slowly - its only a level 1 grading)so he could block them (gently - it's just a demonstration of an elementary technique). For the rest of the grading I didn't need to use a weapon as uke because my husband just had to demonstrate a series of locks and throws on me using the jo. Definitely no injuries and it really wasn't a big problem at the level we were grading.Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-58131864366080082812010-02-04T14:46:12.988+00:002010-02-04T14:46:12.988+00:00It seems fairly odd to ask someone as a partner in...It seems fairly odd to ask someone as a partner in an examination who has never even held the weapon before. Odd, and potentially dangerous. Usually partners actually practice together first and both are supposed to have enough experience and control to attack and defend at a realistic speed and intensity. A bo is not a little kid’s toy and can actually kill when swung at full speed against vital targets such as the temple or throat. A good uke really makes or breaks a grading. I've seen people knocked out because they failed to deliver the right attack or their partner lacked control and misjudged the distance, glad no-one got hurt here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-74109223863399046872010-02-04T13:55:14.967+00:002010-02-04T13:55:14.967+00:00Hi Matt. I agree the spinning stuff can be a bit &...Hi Matt. I agree the spinning stuff can be a bit 'style over substance' but I presume it's a way of getting you used to handling and turning the bo and keeping it balanced. I know the syllabus will soon move onto strikes, locks and sweeps which I expect will be more practical. The spinning's fun though!Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-51941456799427786812010-02-03T23:10:28.009+00:002010-02-03T23:10:28.009+00:00As a kobudo practitioner it warms my heart to see ...As a kobudo practitioner it warms my heart to see you diving into the bo! The bo was Seikichi Odo Sensei's favorite weapon, and it certainly is devastating in the right hands.<br /><br />Although you should do whatever your Sensei asks, if you have the option, don't indulge in the bo spinning stuff. As someone who engages in kobudo kumite frequently, I can tell you it has no real application. Weapons fighting happens far too fast and requires exacting control of centerline - spinning techniques are simply too lengthy and committed to be practical.<br /><br />Nevertheless, enjoy your training!Matthttp://www.ikigaiway.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-54531774333892546452010-02-03T15:34:00.434+00:002010-02-03T15:34:00.434+00:00Hi Chris, interesting video. Those quarterstaffs l...Hi Chris, interesting video. Those quarterstaffs look a lot thicker than a Japanese bo and lack the tapered ends - to be honest they looked a bit rough and not nearly as tactile to hold! I noticed they also hold the staff more symetrically whereas I'm being taught to keep my hands much more towards one end and to slide the bo through my hands as I turn it around. Interesting to see but I think I'll stick with my bo and leave the quarterstaff to Robin Hood and his merry men (since they don't seem to want to train women). Thanks for sending me the link :-)<br /><br />Hi Felicia - I think I'm going to need a crash helmet as well as shin pads!Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-36434993165842711052010-02-02T16:07:43.659+00:002010-02-02T16:07:43.659+00:00Hi, Sue! Glad you are enjoying your bo :-)
Althou...Hi, Sue! Glad you are enjoying your bo :-)<br /><br />Although I haven't hit myself in the head (yet, LOL), shin whacks were a problem for me at first, too. Shin guards are bruise/"egg" savers for sure...<br /><br />Have fun!Feliciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09017194727231120284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-49695489432730649932010-02-02T13:33:35.988+00:002010-02-02T13:33:35.988+00:00Yeah the bo is a great weapon to use and manipulat...Yeah the bo is a great weapon to use and manipulate isn't it! I find you get great feedback from a bo (bong in Korean!) whereas using tonfa is solid but less immediate (for me).<br /><br />You make a good point about the staff being used in many cultures-I'm sure for many less wealthy individuals it was an affordable weapon as well as a useful walking stick/carrying aid/tent pole/...!<br /><br />English history tells of the Quarterstaff:<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarterstaff<br /><br />(low quality but interesting video here:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhMfnvwzRpY Notice the 'flourishing' is very similar to bo/bong manipulation...unsurprisingly!)<br /><br />Enjoy!Littlefairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13246280876114510291noreply@blogger.com