The Bo
Used by many martial arts practitioners, the Bo is a long wooden weapon or staff. It is an essential weapon in such martial arts as Kung Fu, Karate, and Kuk Sool Won™ from Korea.
In general, the bo measures approximately 180 centimetres, or 6 feet long, and is made of hardwood with a natural give. However, other materials are used as well, particularly bamboo. The material depends on the type of martial art and what the practitioner is required to do with the bo. Some materials are more suited to combat, while others are easier to use for demonstrations. In either case, most bo are made from some sort of natural material. This is vital to contribute to the sensation that the bo is “alive”.
The bo can also be metal or metal plated, but this is rare.
It is good to periodically wipe the bo down with a damp and soft cloth.
Storage
Because it is naturally flexible, the bo will warp when stored vertically. It is recommended that it is stored lying flat along the wall (to keep it out of the way). It can also be stored on a rack, or suspended from 2 cords, each cord tied about 50 centimetres from each end.
What to keep the bo in
Keep the bo in a bag, preferably of natural material. Vinyl is not recommended as is does not allow proper ventilation of the weapon. It should also be placed in a cool and dry location, away from direct sunlight.
More information about how to use the Bo