mike 165
White Belt
Hi,
I am getting back into martial arts after a long absence (Tae Kwon Do). I have a lot of work to do to get back to being proficient.
Having said that, I've recently developed interest in the Jo staff. Still in the early beginner learning stages, but I started with a 4 ft poplar rod at my local hardware because it was cheap and I didn't know if I would retain an interest.
In looking online, I have seen a couple of references from different suppliers to a "combat" Jo. These are invariably 1 and 1/4" thick as opposed to the standard I am seeing of 1".
I want to learn the form, but I definitely do want a Jo that is fully capable of contact/defensive use.
I found a wooden closet rod that is 1 and 5/16" diameter, and made of some type of very dense hardwood, and cut that down to 4 ft. It is heavy and solid, but is causing me zero issues in handling, although I'm pretty sure it is slower to wield than a thinner staff.
I would appreciate experienced advice.
I am getting back into martial arts after a long absence (Tae Kwon Do). I have a lot of work to do to get back to being proficient.
Having said that, I've recently developed interest in the Jo staff. Still in the early beginner learning stages, but I started with a 4 ft poplar rod at my local hardware because it was cheap and I didn't know if I would retain an interest.
In looking online, I have seen a couple of references from different suppliers to a "combat" Jo. These are invariably 1 and 1/4" thick as opposed to the standard I am seeing of 1".
I want to learn the form, but I definitely do want a Jo that is fully capable of contact/defensive use.
I found a wooden closet rod that is 1 and 5/16" diameter, and made of some type of very dense hardwood, and cut that down to 4 ft. It is heavy and solid, but is causing me zero issues in handling, although I'm pretty sure it is slower to wield than a thinner staff.
I would appreciate experienced advice.