Q&A for How to Fight with a Bo Staff

You can start at any age, as long as you are responsible enough not to use what you learn to hurt others.

If you are strong, about your height. If not, slightly shorter than you. However, make sure your staff is strong yet light. Oak is best.

It depends on your purpose. If you want to practice spinning the bo staff, a shorter one is better, because you won't hit the ground so often. If you want to spar, a longer one will give you a little range advantage.

First, practice proper technique slowly. As you continue to practice, your speed will naturally develop.

Wood is usually the best. It will give you almost the same power as metal, but at a lighter weight. Polymers are also not a bad idea.

It can be as tall as you if you want to do sparring, but if you want to spin then I'd suggest using a shorter one so it won't hit the ground.

Find a gym in your area or a class to find a sparring partner.

Yes. A spear is merely a staff with a pointed end — just be careful you don't hurt yourself or someone nearby. It won't be as effective as regular spearfighting, but it'll work.

Keep practicing with one hand. It comes naturally with time. One way of doing it is rotating your hand, then as it goes to the base of your palm, let go and quickly twist your wrist the other direction to catch it before it hits the ground. Just keep repeating this action and you'll get better at it.

Yes, any type of staff really. But to start, I would recommend the foam staffs, or even traditional wooden ones.

Yes. It's your preference. Just find a strong stalk of bamboo or thick but light maple branch.

Try going to a field trip to find a tree that you think is best for you. And oak is better if you want to focus more on traditional bo-staff. If you want your bo staff to be light but still a bit strong, then go for the bamboo.