I do not understand what you are saying with the bo disarm. The way I am visualising what you describe would have you in front of the attacker, and grabbing the staff near the centre would seem to offer less leverage than the person holding it?

Or perhaps it is simply that I am presuming the staff wielder to have at least some competence in using the weapon?


Mick

Mick,
Sorry about the late reply but been busy and away. But yes, generally defensive when roughly facing an attacker, who is trying the common circular strikes aimed at head or torso. I wondered about the leverage thing as well, but trying such things in the dojo (and this only being an indication at best) found that immediately applying the twist after grasping the bo generally led to assailant having little control over it. It seemed as if the bo pivoted on the hand closest to the body, but the extended hand providing power and guidance for the bo strike could not exert such leverage immediately. And I think that the pulling or pushing while twisting is also intended to offset the leverage issue which could result in wrestling for control of weapon if not tackled properly.

The "defense formula" provided earlier is contained in Kankusho, where one steps up feet together, right hand above the head left hand in front (the grab) - attack is downward strike with the bo. Then reversing the hand positions following a circular motion (the twist) while stepping into kokutsu-dachi. Finish with pulling the hands down, your elbows in, then stepping forward "thrusting" the bo (the push). This last push I think is finally breaking the opponent's hold on the bo, not as is often thought, an injurious thrust after a successful steal, from the pull down. As for the jump immediately afterwards, I think its just a performance thing, unless there is something Bagua about it - they like lots of body twists and turns.

As for the Empi "steal" it fits the first part of the formula, but not the latter parts, I'm still thinking about that; it's a puzzle. And finally, one of the problems with the "formula" is that it is a formula - a skilled bo user would probably know how to cope with it, as you suggest. Perhaps that's why the usual solution to dealing with a weapon, is getting a better one.

JohnT

Why would the concept of even trying to take a weapon from another even be considered?

So that if someone tries to hit you with a stick you take it off them and beat them over the head with it. Just like if they try to kick you, you rip off their leg and beat them over the head with it.


Mick

I would not like to try such a disarm against someone with any experience with a bo. Of course it could be that I simply don't grasp what you're saying.
On the other hand though it is perhaps more likely a club weapon would be held in a baseball grip...


Mick

So these disarming moves we're being taught, meaningless?

I don't know, what are the disarming moves you're being taught?


Mick