My use of the staff went beyond the normal length, It is 8 ' 6 "
can anyone give me info on the use of in acient times

Could you give us a little more info? What style, what system, things like that? I use staffs of differeing lengths depending on the form and drill sets. What Is refered to as long staff in my art can mean 5 foot to 10 foot lengths depending on application.

Here we go. I am sure you will find a lot of good opinions on this subject here. I love staff and stick work. PEACE