17 Basic Bo Combinations - Kobudo Kihon

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These 17 Basic Bo Combinations are a set of kobudo kihon or basics. Kobudo is the use of traditional Okinawan Weapons including the rokushaku bo (6′ staff). These 17 basic bo combinations are composed of different sets of combinations of bo blocks and strikes. A downloadable PDF Reference Sheet is available below the following step-by-step breakdown photos.

[Note: The photos below are freeze frames from the live action practice video so they are not as perfect as if they were specifically posed photos for each move.]

17 Bo Combinations

Do these combinations on both sides, stepping forward right then left into kumite-dachi (unless otherwise noted) with normal hand switches only.

Down, Up, Down Combinations

1) Down, Up (same side), Down

2) Down, Up (same side), Down, Side, Side

3) Down, Up (same side), Down, Row, Row

4) Down, Up (same side), Down, Side, Side, Up, Down

Side Nagamine Combinations

5) Side Strike, Nagamine Strike

6) Nagamine Strike, Side Strike

Nagamine Strike to rear in Zenkutsu-dachi

Thrust Combinations

7) Down Strike, Thrust

8) Slash, Thrust

9) Soto Uke, Thrust

Soto Uke stepping back left in R Neko-ashi-dachi

10) Thrust, Soto Uke

11) Sand Flip, Thrust

Sand Flip stepping forward into Neko-ashi-dachi

Head and Foot Combinations

12) Fuso Strike, Down Strike

13) Ankle Sweep, Foot Poke

Ankle Sweep stepping forward left into L Neko-ashi-dachi

Nagamine / Groin Combinations

14) Groin Strike, Nagamine Strike, Groin Strike

Upward Groin Strike in Angled Shiko-dachi

15) High Block, Nagamine Strike, Groin Strike

High Block stepping back left into R Zenkutsu-dachi

Back Front Combinations

16) Jab Back, Thrust

Jab Back stepping back left to R Neko-ashi-dachi

17) Jab Back, Thrust, Side, Side

Jab Back stepping back left into R Neko-ashi-dachi

17 Bo Combinations PDF Reference Sheet

The following PDF reference sheet is a single condensed page to use as reference while learning and practicing the 17 bo combinations. It is useful to help you remember what all the moves are until they are committed to muscle memory or for review to remember them after returning to the drill if it hasn’t been practiced in a while. I had created this reference sheet when I was first learning the drill myself. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

Download 17 Bo Combinations PDF Reference Sheet

17-Bo-Combinations-2-3-23

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