Bojutsu - Martial Arts Focused On Staff Fighting

Bojutsu is a Japanese martial arts style that focuses on training with a bo staff. The staff was seen as one of the most effective weapons to counter a samurai's sword (katana).

For staff techniques (i.e. spins, blocks and strikes), please visit the main Bo Staff Techniques section.

History of Bojutsu

According to Ryo Bojutsu, "Bojutsu is a Japanese word made of two words: bo, meaning wood, and jutsu, meaning art or method. In bojutsu, we study the techniques — the art — of using the staff, one of the oldest and most versatile weapons in martial arts. The staff was one of the first weapons wielded by humans, and remains today one of the most effective at close quarters. In medieval Europe, the quarterstaff was used by peasants too poor to afford swords and armor. In Japan, commoners used it when the government forbid anyone but members of the samurai class to wear swords."

References

1. Ryo Bojutsu, History, http://www.bojutsu.org/history.php, Added - 10/9/13