I purchased 2 staffs for me and 2 for my kids.  They were all low end staffs so we could get started.  My review is that the cheapest of the cheap are very heavy.  The slightly more expensive ones are pretty decent.  So, I will get a better review to you!  The gist of it is, even the cheapest Bo staff is great to practice with when you are a beginner!  The heavy staffs are not necessarily bad because the weight helps train you.  Ok, I will get the in-depth review your way soon!

My mission continues.  I have been finding out what I can about Bo staffs and just made my first purchase today.  I bought 4 Bo staffs and will probably have them delivered by the end of the week.

I'm really tall so I would have purchased one that was over 6' but I've yet to see a place that has the machinery to make one so I got a 6' staff.  That seems to be the longest Bo staff on the market.

So, when I get them, I'll review my purchases.  Excited!

Me and the two boys just tested for our Purple Belts.  Wow, how time flies.  Here's where we're at with our Bo staffs:

• Me - have the aluminum one the school lent me (happy that it's sturdy and free).
• Oldest - loves the gray graphite bo staff (it really is light).
• Youngest - has grown out of the wooden staff (mentally at least) because it's to bulky and heavy.

Summary:  I really think the cheapest of the cheap wooden bo staffs are just too heavy.  I do not recommend them even for kids just starting out.  The graphite is vastly superior.  I think there just has to be some budget talk that surrounds this topic.  Right around this time, you're very likely going to be buying sparring gear too.  For me and the two boys, that's 3 sets of gear.  Good luck rationalizing that one let alone the added expense of good weapons.
 
I have this website and still haven't given back the aluminum bo staff lent to me by the school if you catch my drift.  Wouldn't change it for the world though!  More at you soon!  Ok, until next time!

I've had a chance to practice lately.  What I can tell you is that it's hard to look fluid and smooth.  The experts make it look EASY!

I've learned a few basic moves, the 9 lines and a few cool looking tricks (almost).  The deal is, if someone looks legit with this weapon, it's because they have practiced A TON!

Hey, if you're working on improving your skill here's a suggestion.  Have someone teach you a handful of moves, then practice them over and over.

I am.  I think it's paying off.  Just yesterday I was in front of the entire school showing off my moves for what seemed like forever (30 seconds or so).  Although it was a bit embarrasing, I got through it looking somewhat professional.  Next time, it's going to be even better.  Thanks for reading my bo staff blog and I'll catch up with you later!

Recently, I took a look at a martial arts supply ordering catalog at my martial arts school.  Am I the only one that has a hard time deciding on something as important as a competition bo staff purchase?

When it comes to a difference in price from $30 - $100 or more, it requires more than one look at a catalog.

At this point, I've borrowed an aluminum bo staff from the school and I am able to take it home.  I purchased a used tapered hardwood bo for my youngest son and a nice used graphite staff for my oldest son.

Both together used don't even come close to what I'll very likely be spending on mine.

So, just to quickly recap.  I am somewhat new to the martial arts.  Despite the fact that I have always thought myself a ninja, I have nearly just begun my journey.  The first hiccup was choosing a weapon to buy.

I decided that the coolest thing in the world was the bo staff so that's what I want.  I quickly realized that it was a lot harder to find out what the best staff is and where to get it. 

That's when I decided to turn to the people that know best - YOU!  I'm hoping to discover what the best staff is for me and my family members.  I've already asked my instructor if I could leave my staff at the school and he said yes.  So, my thought is to get a bo staff for home and another that I will leave at the school.  That way I don't have to lug it back and forth.

What do you think?  Please chime in and give me any advice you can think of... Thanks so much!