05/13/2023
:Hanbō
•Is a staff used in martial arts. Traditionally, the hanbō is three shakus or 3' long, 1/2 the length of a Bo staff (6') aka the Rokushakubō. Diameters vary but usually just below an inch (.945") or right above it (1.18")
○Why do I speak of Hanbō? Where did I come to know the weapon, hanbō? What wood are those hanbōs made of? And why do you have "black tips" on the bottom of the pictured hanbōs?
●Welp, The hanbō can be held toward one end and can be swung like a katana or kendo sword. It can be held in the middle like a bo; strike & block from either end. The hanbō can be used for striking, restraining or even throwing someone. It's useful to know because sticks are more readily available and can be picked up if you're attacked.
●Masaaki Hatsumi says that one who wishes to be a swordsman should first master hanbō techniques since it can be held and utilized similarly 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. ●Stephen K. Hayes had a DVD called "Hanbo & Baton Variations" I remember that was where I first learned about the hanbō. It's super cool and teaches you how to use a Maglite flashlight as a baton!
●But more closely to my roots in Escrima, I have read books that explain "Largo Mano" literal meaning "Long Hand" or long-range utilizing distance. It's more like fencing in that aspect. But the hanbō was like the Largo Mano Baston but longer. Same principles though, in Escrima you are always conscious of where the "blade" side would be. Yes, we train sticks to mimic a bladed weapon. Also there is Hanbōjutsu, which is the art of wielding the hanbō. For me the importance of using the Hanbō is length. 3ft is the general length of a walking cane. So hence the black "rubber tips". Those are for medical cane replacement but I added them to my hanbōs to make them street appropriate. Folks will see the cane look and automatically assume it's medical not for defensive purposes. I can walk on the streets; no problem.
3 pictured Hanbō woods left to right: Poplar, Red Oak (oiled), Tauri Brazilian Oak (lacquered) -Superhomen
