Japan Karate Federation

1. To grasp the Bo properly, place it across your open palm.
2. Then, beginning with your little finger , wrap all four fingers around the shaft.
3. Fold your thumb over you forefinger as you would in a karate fist.

1. Using both hands in the basic grip, place them about shoulder width apart and centered along the length of the Bo.
2. Hold the Bo across your body at a 45-degree angle, the palm of your upper hand facing the ceiling, the palm of your lower hand facing the floor .
3. The Jun-Nigiri is used primarily for striking and other offensive movements.

1. Using both hands in the basic grip, place them about shoulder width apart and centered along the length of the Bo.
2. Hold the Bo across your body horizontally, both palms facing the floor .
3. While primarily a defensive position used to block or keep out of an opponent's range, the Gyaku-Nigiri may sometimes double as an offensive hold.

1. Using both hands in the basic grip, place them next to each other toward one end of the Bo.
2. Hold the Bo as you would hold a baseball bat: at an angle, the palm of your upper hand toward the ceiling, the palm of your lower hand toward the floor .
3. This position functions both offensively and defensively and may be used against multiple opponents in a wide swinging arc.

1. Hold Bo vertically before you, one hand even with your forehead, the other at waist level, both centered along the length of the Bo.
2. Do not use the Basic Grip but, keeping both hands open, grasp the shaft securely with only your thumbs, forefingers and palms.
3. Both palms should face the ceiling .
4. Basically a defensive position, the Hasami-Nigiri allows smooth, easy movement in almost any direction.

STANCE

Kiotske (Attention)

1. Heisoku-Dachi - Heels and toes together.
2. Bo in right hand, palm faces backwards. Bo vertical, behind your arm.

1. Musubi-Dachi - Heels together, toes apart.
2. Bo in right hand, palm faces backwards. Bo vertical, behind your arm.
3. Bow forward at 30-degree angle.

1. Heiko-Dachi - As left foot moves to Heiko-Dachi, right arm moves horizontally in front of body.
2. Right arm continues to rotate until it once again is beside your leg.
3. Palm goes from facing backward to facing forward.

1. Heiko-Dachi - Bo is vertical in front, left hand at your hip.
2. Left arm comes up in front of forehead, left hand grasps Bo with palm facing out.

Copyright(c) 2001-02, Daryl Welch, All Rights Reserved