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How to Choose the Right Length for Your Bo Staff

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If you’re interested in learning how to use a bo staff, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how long you want your staff to be. The length of the staff can have a significant impact on your style of practice and how you generate power and control movements. In this article, I’ll explore the most common bo staff lengths and help you determine which one is best suited to your height, experience level, and goals.

Standard Bo Staff Lengths

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There are a few standard lengths that bo staffs commonly come in:

  1. 6 feet – This is generally considered the minimum length for a bo staff. It allows for basic moves but limits more advanced techniques. Best for beginners.
  2. 6.5-7 feet – The most popular size. Offers versatility for a variety of techniques. Suitable for intermediate to advanced students.
  3. 7.5 feet or more – Provides maximum power generation but requires more space. Best for experienced practitioners focusing on complex flow arts.

How Height Impacts Length

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As a general guideline, you’ll want your staff to be approximately as tall as you are or slightly taller. From my experience teaching bojutsu, having the staff extend a few inches above the head allows for optimal control and power generation throughout different ranges of motion.

If you’re on the shorter side of average height, a 6-6.5 foot staff may suit you best. Taller individuals above 6 feet will likely feel more comfortable with a 7-7.5 foot staff to get the full benefits of two-handed techniques.

Choosing Based on Experience Level

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Your proficiency with the staff is another key factor.

For beginners just starting out, a 6-foot staff makes basic one-handed moves very accessible without being unwieldy. It lets you get comfortable with grip positions and fundamental footwork.

Once you have the basics down, a 6.5-7 foot staff offers more scope for developing flowing two-handed forms. The extra length challenges your coordination but is very adaptable as your skills progress.

Very advanced students may feel constrained by anything shorter than 7.5 feet as they complex tricks. The greater torque allows for more dynamic power generation and fluid links between advanced techniques.

Safety Considerations

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When swinging even a lightweight 6-foot staff, you need adequate space to ensure safety for yourself and others around you. Striking a wall or person with any part of the staff could easily lead to injury.

Longer-length staffs require a larger practice area to avoid such mishaps. I’ve seen beginners get in trouble trying moves with a 7-footer in too confined a space. So be realistic about the room you have when choosing size.

Safety is critical in weapons training. It’s better to start smaller and work your way up than risk accidents by biting off more than you can handle right away.

Material Considerations

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Lighter staffs like bamboo allow for faster movement compared to heavier wood options. As such, longer lengths can feel unwieldy with denser materials like oak.

If considering a very long staff made of a heavier wood, you may want to start at a more moderate 7 feet to adapt your technique before progressing to a 7.5+ staff made from the same weighty material.

Staff Length Summary

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In summary, here are the key factors to consider when selecting a bo staff length:

  • Height – Taller individuals can usually accommodate longer staffs
  • Experience level – Beginners 6′, Intermediate 6.5-7′, Advanced 7.5’+
  • Space available – Consider safety and room for techniques
  • Material weight – Heavier woods are better in shorter lengths

Trust your intuition too – if a staff “feels right” in your hands after trying different sizes, go with that option. With regular practice, you’ll improve your skills on any length.

Hope this guide helps you choose the right bo staff to suit your training needs! Let me know if you have any other equipment questions as you get started in this rewarding martial art.

Choosing the Right Length Bo Staff

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Staff Length Ideal for
4 feet Children and beginners
5 feet Adults of average height for basic techniques
6 feet Taller adults for advanced forms
7+ feet Martial arts competitions and very advanced forms
Custom Can be ordered to accommodate specific heights

FAQ

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  1. What length range is best for bo staff?

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    Generally, a bo staff should be between 5 to 6 feet long for most users. This length allows you to perform different techniques properly without being too long or short. Some people find a longer staff easier to spin, but a shorter one provides more control. Basically, it depends on your height and experience level.

  2. Is there an ideal length for certain styles?

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    Yeah, the length can vary a bit depending on the specific martial art. For example, in kung fu the staff is commonly 5 feet for standard training. Meanwhile, some Jeet Kune Do styles use shorter sticks around 4 feet since their techniques rely more on speed than power. At the same time, longer staves up to 6.5 feet work well for certain spinning tricks in wushu. So the “right” measurement sort of depends on what type of moves you want to focus on.

  3. What if I’m very tall or short?

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    If you’re above average height like 6 feet, then a 6 foot staff allows for proper extension of strikes and blocks without feeling cramped. On the other hand, if you’re shorter like 5 feet, a 5 foot stick allows better control and leverage of the techniques. I’d say experiment between 5-6 feet and see what sort of “feels right” for your body size. Don’t worry too much about a couple inches – just find a length that’s comfortable.

  4. Should I choose wood over aluminum?

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    There are benefits to both wood and metal staffs. Wood has more heft which builds strength, while aluminum is lighter for extended spinning. Honestly there’s no right answer – it depends on your personal preference and what feels good in your hands. You can’t really go wrong as long as the material balances well. Maybe try different kinds at your local martial arts store before deciding. In the end, the best staff is the one you enjoy training with most!

  5. What if I’m just starting out?

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    When you’re brand new, I’d recommend a 5-foot wooden staff to learn the basics safely. The shorter size allows you to focus on form without worrying about extra length initially. As your skills build up over months, you can consider extending the staff a few inches. But there’s no need to rush – take your time to perfect techniques with a std length before “leveling up”. The fundamentals will serve you better than a half-inch difference, at least at the beginning.

  6. Can you customize the size later?

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    Absolutely. Many advanced practitioners like to try different lengths to find their optimal range. Perhaps you discover over time that a 5’6″ staff flows better for your body. Luckily it’s not hard to trim or extend a small amount as needed. Just be sure to sand down any rough edges for safety. Some martial arts suppliers also offer staffs in multiple sections that can be adjusted. So don’t feel stuck with the original size – listen to your training and modify accordingly!

  7. Any other tips?

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    When selecting length, don’t just consider your height alone. Factors like arm span and proportions can affect what feels balanced. Stance and personal style do too – some like more stability, others favor quick speed. Or ask your instructor what they’ve found works best for most students. Ultimately go with what allows you to move through techniques confidently with control. And remember – skill beats size every time, so focus first on practicing with whatever staff you choose!