Training in Boki-Ho (traditional Japanese weaponry) improves flexibility, concentration, timing, reflexes and eye/hand/foot coordination. It is a great way for both men and women to improve their physical coordination and flexibility, while having fun and learning about different cultures and customs.
During each session, students will have the opportunity to manipulate both weapons (Bo & Sai’s) in various offensive and defensive ways. Through challenging drills, partner work and pre-designed patterns, participants will gain confidence and positional awareness in their ability to fluidly and assertively handle the traditional weapon.
You will learn weaponry:
- Theory: Historical background of the ‘Bo’ (6’ staff) and the ‘Sai’s’ (3 pronged forks);
- Selection: Selecting appropriate weaponry size for body type and environmental conditions;
- Etiquette: Properly hold, conceal, walk and bow when in possession of your weapon.
- Warrior mind set and visualization
You will practice:
- Proper weaponry warm-up: Manipulating the weapon safely and skillfully;
- Striking drills: Proper striking methodology, movement and target selection;
- Defensive drills: Proper defensive deflecting, shielding, escaping and transitioning tools;
- Partner drills (Kumite): Escape/counter drills from various attacks;
- Individual patterns (Kata): Pre-set patterns against imaginary opponents will assist you in manipulating the weapon properly and assertively.
Other class information:
- Classes are given in French and/or English;
- Classes are open to both teen (13+) and adult men and women;
- No past martial arts experience is necessary to learn weaponry manipulation;
- No Karate/Judo uniform requirement – just wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- The Japanese traditional weapons are furnished by our club to each participant.
Educational modules per class – an overview
Module 1:
Warm-up
- Manipulating the weapon safely and skillfully;
- Stationary and in movement manipulation;
- Offensive/defensive manipulation.
Module 2:
Offensive and defensive drills
- Proper defense movement, deflecting, parrying, blocking, etc.;
- Proper offensive striking, maneuvering and target selection;
- Distance and angle control;
- Where and how to strike using the traditional weapon;
- Combinations: mixing defensive and offensive strategies.
Module 3:
Partner drills (Kumite)
- Partner and presentation etiquette when performing ‘Kumite’;
- Escape and counter drills;
- Pre-set attack and counter-attack patterns with a partner;
Module 4:
Individual patterns (Kata)
- Presentation etiquette when performing patterns (Kata);
- Individual offensive and defensive patterns done with selected weapon.
Questions about our traditional weapons course
Who organizes this weaponry course?
- YOU ORGANIZE the traditional weaponry course.
- WE TRAVEL TO YOU, THE CLIENT, in order to share our expertise.
- Sessions can be given at your school, home or community centre.
- Private and small group sessions can be set up in our studio if the need arises.
How can i join an organized group for a course?
- YOU CAN JOIN an organized group. If a community centre, school or corporation is organising a course and they open it to the public, then joining them is no problem. We will gladly refer you to the appropriate location and contact person to join that group.
- Look at the ‘Events coming up’ on this site to see what is being organised or contact us at your earliest convenience:
- Telephone: (438) 392-4683
- Email: gmanoli@videotron.ca
Can I organize my own traditional weaponry course?
- You can organise your own traditional weaponry course given over several weeks.
- The 1.5-hour classes are given over an 8-10 week session.
- You can customise the length of the course (shorter or longer) according to your budget, needs and goals.
- We can cover the ‘Bo’ (6 foot staff), the ‘Sai’s’ (3 pronged forks) and the ‘Katana’ (Samurai sword).
- For a group course, you need to gather a minimum of 14 participants. You can gather less people, but the cost of the course will vary according to the group registered.
- Once the organizing party contacts us in order to set up a course, we will discuss:
- Your goals and objectives for the event.
- Types of traditional weapons you want to study.
- The number of hours / weeks you want to dedicate to the sessions.
- The dates you want to hold the event.
- Number of participants you think might be attending.
- The participant’s age (13+).
- Cost for the event, collection and invoicing.
- Room size required depending on the number of participants.
- Student preparation and dress code.
- You can also contact your local Community centre, ‘home and school’ association or work organiser, requesting them to set up the activity.
- We bring the ‘Bo’s and Sai’s’ but students must furnish their own ‘Katana’s.’
Courses for small groups or private 1-on-1 sessions
- Private, 1-on-1 training sessions for one person or a small group of participants (maximum 6) can be arranged for your convenience.
- We customise all our sessions to suit the client’s needs and goals.
- Mr. Manoli gives private and small group sessions to men, women and teens.
- Mr. Manoli also specialises in Karate, Judo/grappling as well as children’s bully-proofing and Street-Smart training.
Other useful information about the courses
- No past martial arts experience is needed.
- You do not have to be in great shape to do this. Just have the desire to learn.
- You don’t need a large room or space to set up a course.
- Participants should wear loose comfortable clothing: Example: joggers, T-shirt and comfortable shoes.
- Mr. Manoli is also available for speaking engagements, workshops and courses on the following topics:
Women & teens:
- Hands-on Self-defence workshops & courses.
- Assertiveness training for rape and assault survivors.
- Date rape prevention workshop.
Teens & Children:
- Don’t Bully Me! Parent-child workshop, private sessions or courses.
- Street-Smart parent-child workshops, private sessions or courses.
About mr. Manoli and his team
Mr. George Manoli, is one of Montreal’s leading authorities in personal safety education. He specializes in no-nonsense ‘hands-on’ attack simulation training, Karate and Judo.
Mr. Manoli holds a Black belt 7th Dan in Koshiki contact Karate, a 6th Dan in Kenkokan Karate and a 1st Dan in Kodokan Judo. He started his Karate training in 1973 under Grand master Masayuki Hisataka 9th Dan Karate, 6th Dan Kodokan Judo. George Manoli has successfully represented Canada at 3-world Koshiki contact Karate Championships reaching the winner’s podium at all three events (Japan, Venezuela & Australia). In 2015, he received his black belt in Judo from the Quebec Judo Federation after 9 years of rigorous training.
He has a Bachelors degree in physical education and a level 2 National Coaching Certification with over 35 years of teaching experience. He has written 3 personal safety manuals and is the founder and trainer of four dynamic simulation oriented programs outlined on this site, which emphasize Adrenal Stress Training. He is an expert lecturer on:
- Women’s self-defense and date rape prevention;
- Bully-proofing children and teens;
- Street-proofing children via abduction and luring simulations.