What is the correct length for a Hanbo?

MSTCNC

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Hello! And, greetings from Raleigh-Durham, NC! :ultracool

Looking to get some information confirmed regarding the proper size for a practishioner to make a custom-length Hando cane.

Recently, and for the life of me I can't find the link, I read online (yes, I know, consider the source) that the proper length of a "personlized" hanbo was from the hip-bone of the pratishinoer, down to their ankle-bone.

Some of my training will include use of a Hando (or similar weapons), and I'm taking one if my step-daughters old Bo to make one from. It's NICE, sturdy Chinese Red Oak; so, I think that it will turn out nicely in the end.

Thankk you in advance for any positive comments and/or advice!

Yours In The Arts,

Andrew
 

Chris Parker

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It depends on the line itself, really, but typically 3 shaku (roughly three feet/90cm) is considered standard. Mainly as Han Bo literally means "half staff (rokushakubo/six foot staff)", so half of that is three shaku. Some lines have it slightly longer, but that's the typical. For a Westerner you may decide to go a bit longer (maybe up to three and a half shaku), but that's about it. The hipbone to ankle thing? Not something I'd come across.
 
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MSTCNC

MSTCNC

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Thank you for your response, Sir!

A friend operates a Budo Taijutsu dojo here in Durham, and he studies under Soke Hatsumi.

I'm planning to train with them some, as my schedule will allow.

On me, 42" (three and a half feet) is hip to ankle; but, I'm also 6'5"! That ength is just long enough for me to use as a walking stick, too...

Just didn't know if there was any truth to what I'd read... or if it was a load...

Thank you again for helping to clear that up!

{salute}
 

Chris Parker

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As with anything, check with them first. Some dojo allow different (personalised) lengths, others tend to offer adaptions to kamae, but keep the weapons standardised (such as my own).
 
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MSTCNC

MSTCNC

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Thank you again, Sir! I will certainly check with Shihan Karl. I'll be there next on Thursday evening, and will find out then his preference for me.

{salute}
 
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MSTCNC

MSTCNC

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Shihan Karll was fine with the hanbo I made. Here's the finished product...

292590_3160158562773_1229554344_32230561_173644490_n.jpg


I was sure to rough the ends up with sandpaper, and to epoxy the tips on with something made for a strong wood to rubber bond. More than anything else, this was for training safety considerations.

Pretty happy with the end result. And, I re-purposed an old staff that was no longer being used; so, I have a GREEN WEAPON! :ultracool

P.S. Out of respect, I don't normally lay a weapon on the ground like this; but, it was a good contrast for the picture. {salute}
 
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