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The ''hanbō'' (半棒, "half-staff") is a staff used in
martial art Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the pres ...
s. Traditionally, the ''hanbō'' was approximately three '' shaku'' or about long, half the length of the usual staff, the '' rokushakubō'' ("six ''shaku'' staff"). Diameter was . However, depending on the school the length and diameter varied. As with any
weapon A weapon, arm, or armament is any implement or device that is used to deter, threaten, inflict physical damage, harm, or kill. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime (e.g., murder), law ...
, 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 , originally "Nine Gods Divine (from heaven) School" (also translated as "Nine Demon Divine (from heaven) School" by many modern groups having different lineages) is a Japanese martial arts, Japanese martial art allegedly founded in the 14th c ...
'' '' koryū'' 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, they invariably function the same as a ''hanbō'' in all other respects. The hanbō can be held toward one end, and be swung like a katana or kendo sword. Additionally, it can be held in the middle like a staff and strike and block from either end. 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 can be used against a ''
katana A is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the ''tachi'', it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge fa ...
''.


See also

* *
Budō is a Japanese language, Japanese term describing modern Japanese martial arts. It is commonly translated as "Martial Way", or the "Way of Martial Arts". Etymology is a compound of the root ( or ; ), meaning "war" or "martial"; and ( or ; ), ...
* Bujutsu * * Tanbō *
Quarterstaff A quarterstaff (plural quarterstaffs or quarterstaves), also short staff or simply staff is a traditional European polearm, which was especially prominent in England during the Early Modern period. The term is generally accepted to refer to a s ...
* Stick fighting *
Bujinkan The is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi. The combat system taught by this organization comprises nine separate ryūha, or schools, which are collectively referred to as ''Bujinkan Budō Taij ...
*
Hontai Yōshin-ryū is a traditional ('' koryū'') school of Japanese martial arts founded from the original teachings of Hontai Yoshin Takagi Ryu, c. 1660, by Takagi Shigetoshi. Some sources give Takagi's middle name as Setsuemon, while others give it as Oriemon ...
* Kukishinden-ryū * Yawara


References


Further reading

* Lowry, Dave (1987
''"Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff"''
Black Belt Communications, p. 25. * Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook (1991
''"Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan"''
Tuttle Publishing. Samurai staff weapons Staff weapons of Japan sv:Japanska stavvapen#Hanbo {{Blunt-weapon-stub