Rokushaku Bo (Koun)

The Matayoshi Kobudo system places great emphasis on the use of the bo, an implement said to be derived from the tenbib, which was a wooden staff that was slung across the shoulders in order to transport buckets of water on each end. The most popular type of bo is the rokushaku, which measures six feet in length and 1 1/4 inches thick at the center, tapering down to 3/4 inch at the ends.

This is known as Rokushaku Bo, Roku means six, shaku is a measure of about 1 foot in length. Hence the Bo staff is about 6 foot. This weapon is the most commonly used weapon in Okinawan Kobudo systems.

The first staff was probably a long tree branch, used as a walking stick and used to protect oneself against wild animals and bandits. It is known that Okinawan fishermen used long poles called kushaku Bo to navigate their boats around the roots of mangroves where oars proved ineffective. Stories are also told of the Bo being used to scale castle walls. The Bo was inserted between the stones and used as a step.

Farmers placed a staff, measuring from five to nine feet, across the shoulders to carry their loads. Baskets were hung from each end of the staff for carrying everything from fish and farming harvest, to human waste. Thus when faced with confrontation the Bo could be disengaged from the load and used as a defensive weapon.

The Bo tapers from the centre of about 1½” to each end of approximately ¾”. It is made of a hard wood, generally red oak. The taper maintains the fulcrum of the Bo at the centre, keeping it balanced and easier to handle. It also provides more tensile strength, making it more flexible and lass prone to breakage. This taper also facilitates powerful whipping of the Bo during striking and blocking.

In comparison the Chinese staff, Kun, is not tapered. Here the balance at the centre is not essential as the Chinese system involves handling the Kun more from one end or the other. Kun can also measure eight to nine feet in length, and has been with the Character of Okinawan people since the beginning of the 18th Century, e.g. Shushi No Kun.

Early practitioners of bu-jutsu used a variety of Bo shapes. When fighting the multiple edges prove effective in breaking the opponent’s weapon and delivering a deadlier blow. Many cultures throughout history have used the Bo staff, e.g. the English during the time of “Robin Hood”. However, none have the refinement of effectiveness, power and art as seen in the Okinawan systems of Bu-jutsu.