Learn about the Hanbo - Japanese Half Staff

The Hanbo is a traditional Japanese martial arts weapon. This staff is a wooden weapon roughly 3 feet in length. In contrast, the Bo staff is 6 foot long and the Jo staff is 4 feet long. Only a few martial arts styles such as Ninjutsu and Hanbojutsu practice with a Hanbo. However, other martial arts use similar weapons such as canes, shillelaghs and batons.

The Hanbo is often used in self-defense situations like a cane or walking stick. Therefore, you should visit our section on cane self-defense techniques for further information on the techniques designed for this type of martial arts weapon.

To learn more about other traditional martial arts weapons, visit the main Kobudo Weapons or Martial Arts Weapons sections.