Black Belt at Home Blog
I get asked, quite often how to pick the correct Bo Staff for training. Let me go through a couple of quick tips:
- Get a BO that is about your same height or a couple of inches shorter. If you are 5′ 8” – I would recommend a 5′ 6” (five and 1/2 foot) staff. This is just a couple of inches shorter than you.
- Do NOT get a BO that is taller than you. This will make it difficult to perform sweeps, wrist rolls, spins, and low strikes that require bringing the tip of the Bo close to the ground. It will be a very frustrating training experience.
- A Broomstick/Pole will also work for you. You do not have to have a specially created weapon just to practice some movements. The Bo is essentially just a long stick; generally hardened and heavy in the past when it was used for actual combat. A broomstick of lightweight pole that is around your height could work. But the WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION will generally not be as favorable as a crafted Bo.
- Beginner’s Practice – I recommend a white wood lotus Bo – like found here: You can really buy this from most martial arts suppliers.
- Competition Level – Graphite Bo. Graphite is a very lightweight, flashy, and durable staff. If you are doing competition/extreme/tricking bo staff techniques and forms, you should use graphite. Like found here.
- For traditional and combat type training – Oak Bo. If you are learning traditional bojutsu and training realistic combat staff moves, I would recommend a hardwood, like oak. Ash is also good. This is a nice and affordable oak bo.
- DO NOT get a Two-Piece Bo. These are uneven in weight due to the screw on apparatus. I do not recommend.
Thanks for the straight forward, practical advice
Of course! Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions about the Bo.
I’ve been trying trying to get someone to help me I’m self taught and I was wondering would you recommend a 6’3 staff to a 6’5?
Hi, As in, your height is 6’5”? In that case, I would get a staff that is 6’6”. But, if you have a custom staff, as long as it is within 3-4” inches of your own height, you should be just fine.
I understand you suggest not getting a Bo taller than the user, I was wondering if there was a “grey area” to this rule, for example, im 5ft 11 and my Bo is 6 foot, as the only other’s I could find where 5ft and I felt that far to short. would this pose any issues, or would it be possible to still train with it effectively (im completely new to using Bo’s so i will literally be learning from the floor up no matter what)
A 6′ will be perfect in your situation. It is almost the exact height as you and will bode well for all types of training.
Hi I was wondering, i just bought a bo staff that is 5′ tall. I am around 6′ tall and was starting up in self-taught lessons but was wondering if it would hinder any of ability to use it, because of the height.
Thank you
Hi Kelley, I would have recommended a 6′ tall staff in this case, getting a staff your height is a great option. It will not really hurt you, but you will not get to practice full-reach and full-extended strikes in the art. If you can somehow use that as your indoor practice staff, or train with it for sometime, and whenever you have funds to get another staff, opt for a 6′.
Hello, I am trying to write about a character who wields a bo, but I can’t find any resources specifying the weight of a bo. I know there are many types and different woods, but can you tell me an approximate weight? And do you happen to know how heavy the staffs were when they were used for actual combat?
Hi, Yes a real combat bo would weigh around 3-4 pounds. They can be made from various types of wood. Japanese white oak, red oak, and ash are some popular wood varieties. Bo(s) wielded for combat were usually made of stronger, hardier, and higher-tensile strength wood.
Thank you very much!
Hi, i am looking for a staff that is light and durable. I was looking at the graphite ones but heard it is very fragile? What should i do?
I am not a huge fan of graphite staffs. They are not very strong and can more easily chip and have breakage. If you want a very light staff, get a white wood lotus bo. Or, if you want a more realistic bo for combat or traditional training, get an ash or oak staff.
But you recommend a graphite bo in the blog post….?
Hi Stephanie, I originally wrote this post back in 2012. Since then, I have seen more value in training with a heavier staff for traditional and realistic combat purposes. I just edited the post. Also, I would recommend that you reference this article: https://www.blackbeltathome.com/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-bo-staff/
Hi, my boyfriend is self taught and likes to play around and he’s pretty good. I wanted to get him an actual Bo Staff for his birthday, he doesn’t fight with them e just does tricks and things like that. I’m not sure on his exact height, I think he’s just under 6ft. Do you have any recommendations of durable and ones he can practice with? Thanks.
I would get him a 6 ft. staff. I really like the tapered ash training staff from century. It is durable, strong, and not too heavy, but not too light. https://www.centurymartialarts.com/bo-staff/century-tapered-ash-training-bo-staff-natural
I’m 5’11 – so far I can only find 5’6″ and 6′ staffs, should I go for 6′?
Yes, definitely the 6′ staff.
Hello,
I’m 5’1” looking to get a tapered 5′ bo staff but am unsure of material. I’m putting on a flashy performance that includes a lot of spins so I want to make sure it’s light weight, but not easy to damage. I’d appreciate any insight, thanks.
A graphite or white wood lotus bo would probably work well!
Hello,
I’m 5’7 (ish) and am looking into getting a Bo to start training/learning but hope to one day do spins and tricks. Im torn between a graphite and wood lotus? which do you recommend and would the 5’5 be a good height?
Thanks 🙂
I would get a graphite staff, and yes 5’5 is a good height!
My grandson does weapons at karate and the bow they had me buy is 6 ft. He is 9 years old and is 53 inches tall also he has a graphite but it is clearly to tall he struggles but does ok with it. I want to stay at the light weight because its only used for demo and compatitions. what do you recomend?
I would get a a 4.5′ white wood lotus bo. https://www.centurymartialarts.com/bo-staff/century-tapered-white-wood-lotus-bo-staff-chesnut
I’m 5’5” and I have a 4’ bo is that too small?
I would definitely get a 5’6” bo, or at least a 5′ bo.
would an aluminum staff be good?
Probably, I have never used one. It depends on the weight. A staff that weights about 1-2 lbs. is a range in most cases.
Hi, I am around 177 cm tall, what length Bo would you recommend?
I would get a 6 foot bo (182 cm).
my daughter is 7yrs old and I was going to make her one out of bamboo as she is a beginner and will follow your ratio in reguards to height any thoughts
I would make one at 4 feet.
I have been training to learn fire knife dancing and I want to move into Kobudo. Thanks for the suggestion of using a different stick with the right weight. My fire knife is evenly centered so I think it will be good enough. I’m excited to get started with a Bo staff and other Kobudo weapons!
http://www.tanakas-martial-arts-academy.com/
I had a question, I am a beginner bo staff trainer, I was doing some of the free videos from your course, I was looking to purchase the course hopefully starting the course. I was wondering what were the weight recommendations for a bo staff. I am using a dowel from home depot, was looking to get 1 or 2 staffs, I wanted to get one for bo staff skill training and a weighted one for strength/cardio training, what weights/materials would you recommend? Thank you in advance!
Hi James, I am glad that you have been traning with us, and hopefully you can get the course soon. The best general purpose training bo (in my opinion) is the ash training bo that century offers. For a strength staff, although I have yet to use it (I need to get one), this heavy steel staff could work out well. Thanks!
Hi Michael, I am looking to join your Ultimate Bo course and am a complete beginner. I am confused about what height and type of Bo to buy. I am 1.73m tall and I don’t know what height is best. Also I’m not sure whether I should use a White Wood Lotus bo or an oak/ash bo? Or even a graphite? I am basically going in blind and would love your advice. Thanks.
Hi Chloe, I would get a 6 foot bo (1.83m) that is oak or ash. 🙂
I’m learning some bo staff as a hobby and am currently using a broom stick that is pretty short, I’m 68 inches tall and can only find 72 inch staffs, would that be an ok size or is it too big? I’m learning at home and practising daily, (No sparring partners or anything like that) what type of bo would you recommend, like toothpick, wood, graphite, tapered, etc. Thanks so much! P.S. I also plan on getting your DVD! 🙂
A 72 inch staff will work, a 4 inch difference will not hurt you, especially with the traditional type of bojutsu that we are practicing. Have fun with Ultimate Bo!
I am a begginer but i wanna do things that are better with graphite, do you reccomend getting an graphite or white wood lotus?
I would get a white wood lotus, or an oak or ash bo.
So im currently 5ft 7 and i can only find 5 and six foot bo staffs so should i round up or down?
If you want to train in traditional bojutsu (such as what I teach through Ultimate Bo), get a 6 foot staff. If you want to do more competition style tricking and extreme spins, tosses, etc. – get a 5 foot staff. Thanks!
Hi Michael. I am going to subscribe to your Ultimate Bo programme. However I would need your opinion before I do it. My requirements are NOT to do some tricks, workouts or win competitions with the Bo staff. I need it purely for self defense. I am quite often out in the nature or wandering around in developing countries. I have been attacked several times by herd of dogs and also by bunch of ghetto criminals, they are just waiting for someone passing by. As each country has different rules for carrying a weapon, the Bo staff appears quite universal outdoor and also is support for long distance walks. Is your program effective for this purpose? I am 188cm, 88kg. I have already ordered one Bo staff from Amazon, red oak, 183cm long, 3,2cm thick, straight, no idea if it will suit my needs, what you think? As I say, it will be not training staff. Thanks in advance! Karol
Hi Karol, Wow, I am sorry to hear about the previous animal and thug attacks. Yes, the Ultimate Bo program has a very well-developed combat bo section, as well as a “real self defense” section that we are always expanding. These techniques were originally used by traveling warriors or commonfolk in need of protection, when traveling on foot was quite necessary as a part of daily life. A good walking stick can save your life in many ways. That staff should suit your needs for now. You might end up getting a higher quality staff made once you advance in your training, one that is less likely to break and that will stay with you over a long journey. Hope to see you on the other side soon!
Hi Michael. Thank you for advice. We’ll see us in the training sessions. Regarding the high quality staff, which material you mean? Do you have some favorite staff vendor/model for such use case? Thanks and merry christmas! K
I have some Ultimate Bo students that you will meet in the GMAU Bo community that discuss their handmade or ordered staffs. They have mentioned black locust or hickory. They have mentioned dowelsondemand.com and also steel or aluminum staffs from karatemart.com – which I can attest, are extremely strong. Here is a video where I do a strength test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPY10JX2fXA&t=12s
Turns out I’m actually 5.2 how long should my no be sorry for the inconvenience but please get back to me because I’m gonna buy it this week
Turns out I’m actually 5.2 how long should my no be sorry for the inconvenience but please get back to me because I’m gonna buy it this week thank youuuuu
Turns out I’m actually 5.2 how long should my no be sorry for the inconvenience but please get back to me because I’m gonna buy it this week thank you and I appreciate it
A 5’6” staff would be good. I like to use a staff that is my height or just a little bit longer.
Doesn’t that make it harder to use
Also it turns out that wasn’t my height so I’ll get back to you when I find it
Hi, I am 6’1″ and was wondering if a 6′ bo be the best choice for me?
Yes, I would get a 6′ bo.
Hi, I’m 5’9 and i just ordered a tapered hardwood bo that is 5’5″ (on its way), I already have a 6′ with no taper but i can’t perform well with it (not sure if it’s the height or lack of taper). Is the 5’5″ too short? Also, would the 6′ with a taper make a lot of difference or do i just need to use it more. (my kata has a varied pace and has a few figure 8 twirls in there, the 6′ straight feels awkward twirling)
If you are doing a kata with a lot of twirls/spins/tricks the 5’5” bo will be better for you. For general traditional and combat style training, I would actually use the 6′. The tapered or non-taper does not affect combat bo very much.
Hi I bought your dvd and I plan on learning it. I’m 5.35 feet tall and I bought a 6 feet tall bo staff. Is the size alright?
You should be fine using it. A 5’6” bo might be a little more comfortable. However, for most techniques a 6′ is going to be just fine. Have a great time training with me!
Hi there! I’m new to all this and was looking into purchasing a bo. I’m 5ft 6, would you recommend a 5ft? Or a 6ft. Thanks in advance
Hi Rebecca, I would get a 6′ staff if you plan on learning traditional bojutsu or Ultimate Bo. If you mainly want to do tricking/bo tricks/spins, get a 5′ staff. Have fun training!
Hello,
I am 6’2″ without shoes and 6’3″ with them. Is the 6′ bo staff the best size for someone like me? Thanks!
Hi Chris, I would use a 6′ staff. Thanks!
I’m 4.5 feet tall how long should my white wood lotus bo staff be and should it be tampered
I would get one that 5′. Yes, tapered is fine.
I’m a beginner so could you also give some advice (if it’s not to much trouble) I’m really excited about getting the right one thank you
But wouldn’t that scape against the floor and make it difficult
Turns out that’s not my height either I’ll find out then I’ll text you I’m very sorry
I’m 5 foot how long should my go be
I’m 5 foot how long should my bo be
I would get one that is 5′ as well.
Should it be tapered because I’m a beginner
It could be tapered or untapered, they are both fine.
So is it still possible to spin a bo that’s a little bit pallet than you and still make it easy to use the bo
U say that u shouldn’t use a bo that’s taller than the user however u said that u feel more comfortable with a bo that’s a bit taller than u so could the users bo be 2-3 inches taller in comparison to the users height and if it is ok could u still manipulate the bo to its full potential even if it’s 2-3 inches taller than u so could u still perform spins strikes and blocks with the bo
You can do most techniques with a staff that is around your height. If it is 2-4 inches taller than you, some twirls and spins could be a bit harder; but for the most part it is fine.
I’m a beginner and I was wondering about the practical use of the portable bo that extends or a regular bo for learning?
I mean, a portable bo that extends outward isn’t that great for a realistic application (like actually fighting), but it can be used for training. If you are going to train in one place, I would get a normal wooden bo, but the extendable bo is not a bad option.
Does weight apply to using a Bo?
If so, what would you recommend for someone who is 5′ 4″ and 115 lbs?
I would get a 5’6” staff.
I cant find a bo staff that is 5’5-5’7
You might have to get one that is 6′ or 5′.
Question for you. As a single father trying to teach my daughter the basics myself. I dont have much in the way of funds for a nice staff. Would a dowel from a wood store work? If so any idea on the thickness, and or a treatment to make it more durble? Probably a stupid question, but i thought idd ask. Thanks!
A wood dowel is an excellent way to get started. Here is a video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXNl7ZY-GIk
Hello, I am 5 ft 7, I am interested in traditional bo staff training, which height would you recommend?
You could get a 5′ 6” or a 6′ staff. I would personally recommend a 5’6” staff.
Are there any other online shops besides century martial arts you recommend to purchase a Bo staff from? They are sold out of all the ones I want.
Karatemart.com is also a good option
Hey I really want a metal bo staff kinda like Robin from Batman. I found a steel one and I have no experience but it looks so cool. I have a video here I wanted to ask if you could check it out. https://www.karatemart.com/steel-bo-staff
You can just skip to the steel staff part. I really have my heart set on getting one. I’m 5’11.25 or basically 6’ and want to get a 6’ one. Any thoughts? I fear you’re gonna advise me to get a lighter one before I try it.
Hi Sam, So…if you are a pure beginner, I would definitely start with something lighter. Just grab an oak bo and also the steel bo from karatemart in the same purchase. After a while, you could try the steel one. Even as an advanced practitioner, I have some challenges with the steel bo due to its weight. I have it myself. It is a very sturdy staff, and it can be a great conditioning staff.
Hey dude I have a question:
Do you recommend a retractable bō stick for combat because I am planning to buy one and I Want to know if it will be effective.
These are not very effective for actual fighting/combat.
But are they effective in protecting yourself?
Not really.
Hi! I plan on getting a new bo staff, (mine was thrown out by some people and I’m not happy about it). Anyway, I plan on getting Century’s Tapered Ash Competition Bo Staff. I’m about 5’10, and the only options closest to me are 5’5 and 6 foot. I plan on using it for tricks and competition like routines. What size would you suggest I get?
6′
Hi Michael, I have just started shotokai karate similar to shotokan and we mostly use bo’s for kata. I am 5,4 what size would you recommend for me and could you recommend me a type of wood as well? I did karare many years ago but have starred again so im pretty much a beginner again (orange belt). Thanks for the help!
Hannah
Hi Hannah, I would get a 5’6” staff and something like oak or ash would be nice. Have fun!
Considering I was looking at Deathstroke’s style of bo staff, I decided to take interest towards wooden blades and bo staffs to train which. My question is, is there any that are mooore..Affordable, towards someone whom has no job per say?
You can buy a wooden dowel at a hardware store for really cheap. Or, I actually found a really nice limb that was smoothed out on a hiking trail last week and it is now my favorite new staff. Anything is really possible.
Hello,
My son is 9 and has been in karate a year now. When he started learning the bo staff his sensi said the bi is supposed to be at least 5in taller than the user?? Is this wrong?
There are many different perspectives on this, depending on the style of bo training that is being taught.
Would you recommend a rattan staff?
What would be the best length Bō for competitions (as in weapons division)?