The Bo is a long tapered staff weapon used in Kobudo (the traditional Okinawan weapon art). The bo is usually just short of 6 feet long and is utilized with several types of striking and thrusting techniques as well as blocks. The bo is held with two hands for increased control and power. Each of the three sections of the bo can be used to strike and/or block.
Two main reasons that the bo is tapered in Kobudo is that it makes the weapon harder to ensnare, and that the smaller ends add to the pounds per square inch in thrusting and jabbing techniques.
Traditionally the bo is made of oak or another hard heavy type of wood, but now there are bo available in a variety of materials. Traditional practitioners still tend to prefer the traditional materials for their increased weight and durability.