The Shaolin Cudgel For Martial Arts — Weapon Training Manual

The Kung Fu Shaolin Cudgel, which is also known as the Staff or Bo in the martial arts, is the first and foremost weapon taught in any martial arts school. Techniques learnt from using this weapon create a foundation for learning all other martial arts or Chinese kung fu weapons. This is why the cudgel is known as the “father of all long weapons”.

The Cudgel was originally used by the Shaolin monks to carry water buckets across their shoulders. During combat the monks would remove the long wooden stick from the buckets to defend themselves and thus the long wooden stick became an instantaneous weapon.

The Shaolin Cudgel for martial arts training will improve your upper body coordination and strengthen your shoulders, arms and wrists. The techniques are easy to perform and can be readily adapted to self-defence, as the cudgel is an extension of your arms. Some movements of the cudgel technique are similar to movements in the bare hands striking method. For instance, the downward strike of the cudgel technique can be traced back to that of the bare hands hammer punch.

In keeping with this tradition, Master Richard Tsui-Po offers you a new spiral-bound text book with detailed and accurate explanation of all the essential techniques you need to know in order to master this weapon.

You’ll learn:

• the five main blocking techniques of the southern staff– the circular block, leg block, vertical block, outside block and the horizontal block
• the seven striking techniques of the southern staff– the downward strike, straight thrust, uppercut, figure eight striking, overhead clouding, diagonal strike and the horizontal strike
• essential drills that improve your power with the staff or Bo, improving your control over the weapon while also improving your strength
• the routine : a step-by-step photo guide of the staff routine consisting of 16 steps — students of various ages and physical condition find it easier to learn this Shaolin weapon with this short form. This routine provides a solid foundation of the essential techniques of the southern staff. When practiced properly, the routine will help you improve the coordination of your upper body while strengthening your shoulders, arms and wrists.
• two person staff versus staff applications — In addition, a two person staff-versus-staff application set is illustrated. Learning the self defence applications of the staff also develops mind and body control, coordination, fluency, reflexes, timing and accuracy.