Monthly Archives: March 2008

Today we were introduced to our first weapons. We learned the first kata for the bo. The bo is a wooden staff. This, and other weapons, evolved from farming implements, or at least, tools that the Samurai allowed the peasants to keep. Real weapons were not allowed. So the farmers defended themselves with what they had and the staff was one such weapon. With the staff they could deflect the Samurai’s swords by striking the flat of the sword blade. We learned some bunkai for the bo. We also practiced basic kicks and sparring again. On a personal level, I managed to get in some 270 degree turn practice in and I am getting much better at it.