Japanese Bo

By Crusader1307

These were the Japanese equivalent of the European Quarterstaff. Used in religious communities in Japan (for self-defense), they date back to at least the 7th Century. By the 14th Century, The Bo was a standard form of “training weapon” for Japan's many Pole Arms. Poor Farmer conscripts without money for weapons, would be issued The Bo. Made of regional woods, a Bo ranged from 10 to 15 feet. With Japan's 15th Century occupation of parts of the Island of Okinawa, The Bo was transplanted among the local populace (and develop into a highly stylized form of weapons use).