Types of Hapkido Bo Staffs

Series Summary

Hapkido is an eclectic Korean martial art; its name means “the way of coordinating energy” or “the way of coordinated power.” Hapkido is ultimately used as self-defense and combines other skilled martial arts with common attacks. There is a historical link to Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, but the overall history of Hapkido is shrouded in confusion due to animosity between Korean and Japanese cultures leftover from the Great War. The main focus of Hapkido is footwork and body positioning used to employ leverage. In this form of martial arts, strikes, locks, and throws are the focus, as well as pressure points.

In this free martial arts weapon training video series, learn how to use a Hapkido bo staff. Master David Herbert will demonstrate Hapkido staff techniques for striking the stomach, eyes and groin, combination attacks, defense and escape maneuvers, and even how to fight staff to staff. Learn how to properly use the Hapkido staff as an effective self-defense tool and a powerful martial arts weapon.

Video Transcript

"On behalf of Expert Village, my name is Master Dave Herbert with the World Martial Art Center in New York City. I'll be demonstrating some hapkido staff techniques. The 3 oldest weapons known to man are the stone, the club, and staff. There are various kinds of staff. The staff can be anything from 9 feet long to 2 feet long. Hollow like bamboo, light, solid like red oak, very hard, flexible. It could be long, it could be short, it could have a hook like shepherd staff, and of course it could be a mop stick or a broomstick or anything that has some length. It could be perfectly straight, but of course, it can have lots of curves and knots also. One thing about the staff is that because of the range, it's a two ended weapon, but the opponent cannot tell which end if coming first. The advantage also is when you have multiple opponents, unlike a sword or knife that you have to focus on one person, you have range in front and behind at all times."