Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense

This book is exactly what I was looking for in the way of an instructional book for the bo. It has numorous guide photos throughout the book, so that you can see what you are doing in the excercise described.

Basically an excellent introduction to bo staff techniques. Without a doubt the best book on the subject available for some one interested in actually getting started with the bo rather than reading about it.

Sensei Demura is considered by many to be one of the leading authorities on Tradtional Kubudo (the study of weapons). And while this book is a little dated, it still represents some of the best information available on the traditional uses and style of Okinawan Bo. If you are looking for flashy spins - look elsewhere - this book simply contains solid, basic information on the use of the bo. The book contatins basic blocks, stances, and strikes as well as a few techniques. If you're a fan of Demura Sensei - then you must own this book. After many years, it is still one of the most important works on this subject.

This book contains everything one needs to know about Bo fighting, Kata, stances... etc. VERY informatant.

Demura Sensei presents a well-organized primer in the use of the rokushaku bo (six-foot Okinawan quarter-staff). The book is organized into Introduction & History, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced techniques, and a final section devoted to a bo kata. All basic stances, blocks and counters used with the bo are covered in the first sections. Many of these are similar or identical to standard open-hand karate techniques. Descriptions of subtle differences are well-explained. Combinations and working with a partner are covered in the latter sections of the book. Overall, the photo sequences of this acknowledged bo master demonstrating his art are very good, with the exception of the final bo kata pictures, which are very dark. This is an excellent reference.