Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (Paperback)

~ (Author) "As with many weapons of ancient heritage, the exact origin of the bo, kon or straight staff is obscure..." (more)
Key Phrases: Master Chinen, Master Miyazato, Master Sueishi (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Demura, who studied under Taira Shinken, covers stances, striking, blocking, combinations, sparring, and an entire kata. Demura is considered among the finest bo experts of the modern age. Fully illustrated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (May 1, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500199
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500197
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #315,899 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer on the Okinawan quarter-staff, October 19, 1998

By A Customer

Demura Sensei presents a well-organized primer in the use of the rokushaku bo (six-foot Okinawan quarter-staff). The book is organized into Introduction & History, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced techniques, and a final section devoted to a bo kata. All basic stances, blocks and counters used with the bo are covered in the first sections. Many of these are similar or identical to standard open-hand karate techniques. Descriptions of subtle differences are well-explained. Combinations and working with a partner are covered in the latter sections of the book. Overall, the photo sequences of this acknowledged bo master demonstrating his art are very good, with the exception of the final bo kata pictures, which are very dark. This is an excellent reference.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent begineers book, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning the bo. It shows every basic movement in a clear, precise manner. It contains information on all attacks, blocks, stances, and grips.

The only downfall of it, is that it lacks in forms (katas). It shows one form at the end, but unfortunately the form is very boring. Having a couple more forms would have made this a 5 star book.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Bo, July 11, 2001

By	"mr_maximus" (Lincoln, NE USA) - See all my reviews

If you are a lone practioner of the martial arts and are interested in learning the BO, this book is for you. The pictures and descriptions are easy to follow and provide a good foundation for many of the techniques that come naturally with weapons practice. I gave this book 4 stars because I think the final kata is too long for any beginner and the pictures are much too dark. The first 90% of this book is a 5 star for sure...