Wooden weapons of varying length have been both ceremonially and combatively used by humans since earliest times. Although the staff lacked prestige compared to the magnificent Japanese sword because of the fact that anyone could make and use a staff, the Bushi (warrior) never neglected the study of the staff because of its obvious effectiveness. Just like the Jo has its smaller size for its advantage, the Bo also has its bigger size for its advantage in its own respect. The standard staff weapon for the Bushi was the Roku Shaku Bo (six foot staff).

The size of the Bo gives its user the advantage of keeping distance from his attacker. As a defensive art, Bojutsu centers the tactics by which an attacker armed with blades and other weapons, can be easily and effectively dealt with, when using correct technique. One of its most notable characteristics, apart from its length which helps keeping the distance, is the power of its blows which can break metal blades and shatter bones. Systematic combative use of the staff is known as Bojutsu (Art of the Staff). The Bo, like many other ko-budo weapons, has earned its respect in Budo for very obvious reasons, mainly being: its simplicity and yet effectiveness. Correct posture, body movement, footwork and staff handling and gripping are again, also very important in Bojutsu. In our Ryu the Bo is also blended with Jujutsu waza.