Stick Management and the Challenge of Staff Blocks

Blocking with a bo staff presents a unique challenge distinct from intuitive responses: efficient movement of the staff's length to intercept incoming strikes. The primary difficulty lies in stick management, comparable to maneuvering a battleship due to the staff's size and momentum. Like striking, blocking with a staff involves significant carryover principles that must be mastered for effective defense.

The Umbrella Block

The umbrella block translates directly from stick blocking techniques and provides comprehensive coverage by utilizing the staff's entire length to intercept strikes. This block works effectively regardless of grip width, as the full staff length can be positioned to defend against incoming attacks from various angles.

The Roof Block and Grip Considerations

The roof block encounters significant functional problems with a wide grip, as crossed arms create slow, counterintuitive movements when quick responses are needed. While a narrow grip mitigates arm crossing, it introduces reduced control and leverage issues that compromise the block's effectiveness.

Inside and Outside Blocks

The inside block functions well with a wide grip but suffers from reduced speed and power generation when hands are positioned close together in the ong guard. The outside block shares similar crossing-arm problems with the roof block; instructors may recommend substituting it with a reverse backhand technique for improved efficiency.

Low Blocks and Lower Body Defense

Low inside and outside blocks employ a figure-eight swinging motion to defend either leg, but require genuine commitment and forward drive to be effective. Practitioners must avoid leaning forward during these blocks, as dropping the staff too low creates vulnerability to head-level follow-up strikes.

Directional Variations and Efficiency

Both inside and outside blocks can be executed with the staff tip oriented upward or downward, with the choice depending on the most efficient motion path from the staff's previous position. This directional flexibility allows practitioners to minimize wasted movement and maintain continuous defensive coverage.

Foundational Block-Strike Sequencing

Beginning practice combines single blocking actions with single strikes to develop fundamental staff management and positional awareness. This methodical progression mirrors battleship maneuvering principles, helping practitioners learn to control the staff's momentum and positioning.

Chaining Multiple Blocks

Stringing together consecutive blocks develops both defensive effectiveness and efficient movement patterns necessary for sustained combat. Practitioners must learn to transition smoothly between block types while maintaining proper spacing and staff control.

Integration of Offense and Defense

Combat training requires practitioners to fluidly alternate between blocking and striking sequences, as actual sparring and fighting involve unpredictable combinations of offensive and defensive actions. Shadow boxing practice with the staff develops the coordination necessary to link multiple blocks and strikes together seamlessly.

How To Block With A Bo Staff

Badger Jones

Bo Block

2 min read·9 key moments·PT5M32S video

Key Takeaways

•Stick Management and the Challenge of Staff Blocks
•The Umbrella Block
•The Roof Block and Grip Considerations
•Inside and Outside Blocks

Nobody wants to get hit with a staff, but keeping that from happening isn't so simple. Here's how to do it, the techniques, the potential problems, and the way to train to build a solid defence. For more about blocking with a stick, I'd recommend you check out this video from my Stickfighting 101 series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okJctW2Xv5Q

Related Techniques

Bo Strike Bo Sweep

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about bo block?

This video covers stick management and the challenge of staff blocks, the umbrella block, the roof block and grip considerations. It provides detailed instruction from Badger Jones.

How long does it take to learn bo block?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.