Hi Blake,
It sounds like you began training at the same age I did. I can definitely tell that martial arts is a way of life for you then, rather than just an activity. I was also drawn to weapons (bo and nunchakus first), as my core style did not offer anything within its syllabus. I think learning the bo is a natural extension of empty hand martial arts such as Chito Ryu, but it ends up taking on a mind of its own, when you get into the complexities of weapon movement, distances, footwork, holds, and all of this in relation to what weapon your opponent is or is not holding.
And, it is really a lot of fun to show of your skills in the dojo, I know how that is. Have a great time training, I’m here if you need me.
-Michael