Hanbo
Encyclopedia
The hanbō is a staff
used in martial arts. Traditionally, the hanbō was approximately three shaku or about 90 centimetres (35.4 in) long, half the length of the usual staff, the rokushakubō ("six shaku staff"). Diameter was 2.4 to 3 cm (0.94488188976378 to 1.2 ). However, depending on the school the length and diameter varied.
As with any weapon
, bearers would often find one best suited to their build, opting often for one that comes up to about waist/hip height.
classical school of martial arts, and Kukishinden-ryū, one of the nine schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Part of the importance in using this length is that it is approximately that of a walking cane. Although techniques with a cane in this ryū-ha utilize pulling or hooking and possess one rounded end, that they invariably function the same as a hanbō in all other respects.
The hanbō can be used as a means of striking, restraining or even throwing someone.
It is useful to know because sticks are abundant and can be picked up if attacked. Masaaki Hatsumi
says that one who wishes to be a swordsman should first master hanbō techniques, since it can be held and utilized in a similar fashion to a Japanese sword (but without the cutting edge). When utilized properly (parrying by deflecting the sword by striking the flat parts of the blade), it was more than capable of defeating a katana
.
Stick fighting
Stick fighting is a generic term for martial arts which use simple long slender, blunt, hand-held, generally wooden 'sticks' for fighting such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar....
used in martial arts. Traditionally, the hanbō was approximately three shaku or about 90 centimetres (35.4 in) long, half the length of the usual staff, the rokushakubō ("six shaku staff"). Diameter was 2.4 to 3 cm (0.94488188976378 to 1.2 ). However, depending on the school the length and diameter varied.
As with any weapon
Weapon
A weapon, arm, or armament is a tool or instrument used with the aim of causing damage or harm to living beings or artificial structures or systems...
, bearers would often find one best suited to their build, opting often for one that comes up to about waist/hip height.
Usage
Hanbōjutsu, the art of wielding the hanbō, is a focus in several martial arts including the Kukishin-ryū koryūKoryu
is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. This word literally translates as "old school" or "traditional school"...
classical school of martial arts, and Kukishinden-ryū, one of the nine schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Part of the importance in using this length is that it is approximately that of a walking cane. Although techniques with a cane in this ryū-ha utilize pulling or hooking and possess one rounded end, that they invariably function the same as a hanbō in all other respects.
The hanbō can be used as a means of striking, restraining or even throwing someone.
It is useful to know because sticks are abundant and can be picked up if attacked. Masaaki Hatsumi
Masaaki Hatsumi
Masaaki Hatsumi Masaaki Hatsumi Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭 Hatsumi Masaaki, (born 2 December 1931) refers to himself (and is generally recognised) as the 34th Togakure-ryū ninpo Soke (Grandmaster), and is the founder of the Bujinkan Organization. He currently resides and teaches in the city of Noda,...
says that one who wishes to be a swordsman should first master hanbō techniques, since it can be held and utilized in a similar fashion to a Japanese sword (but without the cutting edge). When utilized properly (parrying by deflecting the sword by striking the flat parts of the blade), it was more than capable of defeating a katana
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
.
See also
- BōBo-People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
- BudōBudois a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
- Bujutsu
- JōJoJO, Jo or jo may refer to:*Jō, a ~4-foot-long wooden staff used in some Japanese martial arts*Cho , , also spelled Jo, a common Korean family name*Jo , a 1971 French comedy...
- TamboTambo (weapon)The tambo, in Japanese , is a short staff weapon used in Okinawa and feudal Japan. Today the tambo is used by various martial arts schools.-Description:...
or Tanjo - QuarterstaffQuarterstaffA quarterstaff , also short staff or simply staff is a traditional European pole weapon and a technique of stick fighting, especially as in use in England during the Early Modern period....
- Stick fightingStick fightingStick fighting is a generic term for martial arts which use simple long slender, blunt, hand-held, generally wooden 'sticks' for fighting such as a staff, cane, walking stick, baton or similar....
- BujinkanBujinkanThe Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi, it is best known for its association with ninjutsu. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budō Tai jutsu, consists of nine separate martial arts traditions .-Origins:Hatsumi's...
- Hontai-Yoshin-ryū
- Kukishinden-ryū
Further reading
- Lowry, DaveDave Lowry (martial arts)Dave Lowry is an American writer best known for his articles, manuals and novels based on Japanese martial arts.A student of Japanese martial arts since 1968, when he began studying Yagyū Shinkage-ryū kenjutsu under Ryokichi Kotaro of the Nara Prefecture of Japan, he has also studied Shintō...
(1987) "Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff" Black Belt Communications, p. 25. ISBN 0-89750-116-0
- Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook (1991) "Secrets of the Aamurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan" Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0-8048-1684-0