Hanbō
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2011) |
Thehanbō( bán bổng, "half-staff" ) is astaffused inmartial arts.[1]Traditionally, thehanbōwas approximately threeshakuor about 90 centimetres (35 in) long,[1]half the length of the usual staff, therokushakubō( "sixshakustaff "). Diameter was 2.4 to 3 centimetres (0.94 to 1.18 in).[2]However, depending on the school the length and diameter varied.[2]
As with anyweapon,bearers would often find one best suited to their build, opting often for one that comes up to about waist/hip height.[citation needed]
Usage
[edit]Hanbōjutsu,the art of wielding thehanbō,is a focus in several martial arts including theKukishin-ryūkoryūclassical school of martial arts, andKukishinden-ryū,one of the nine schools ofBujinkan 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 thisryū-hautilize pulling or hooking and possess one rounded end, they invariably function the same as ahanbōin 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.
Thehanbōcan 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 Hatsumisays that one who wishes to be a swordsman should first masterhanbōtechniques, 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 akatana.
See also
[edit]- Bō
- Budō
- Bujutsu
- Jō
- Tamboor Tanjo
- Quarterstaff
- Stick fighting
- Bujinkan
- Hontai-Yoshin-ryū
- Kukishinden-ryū
References
[edit]- ^abMasaaki Hatsumi;Quintin Chambers (1981).Stick Fighting: Techniques of Self-Defense(paperback).Kodansha International.p. 9.ISBN0-87011-475-1.Retrieved7 February2011.
- ^abMol, Serge (2003).Classical weaponry of Japan: special weapons and tactics of the martial arts.Kodansha International.pp. 91–94.ISBN4-7700-2941-1.Retrieved7 February2011.
Further reading
[edit]- Lowry, Dave(1987)"Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff"Black Belt Communications, p. 25.ISBN0-89750-116-0
- Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook (1991)"Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan"Tuttle Publishing.ISBN0-8048-1684-0
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