Northern Chinese Staff and Jogo do Pau

One interesting theme that we find in martial arts is that martial arts applications converge to some extent when presented with the same problem.  For example, if you wish to do a shoulder throw from a given position, it is likely that the shuai-jiao guys, the judo guys, the aikido guys, (and everyone else) will agree on common elements of the throw.  Not everyone will agree as to the utility of the throw, or if it is the most effective technique for a given situation, but if the throw must be done, then there are only so many ways to do it well.

The same thing applies in staff.  Staff play seems to be divided into three general types: spear type (involving lots of tip work, small circles, and thrusting), cudgel type (involving large swinging motions with either one or two hands), and double ended wherein both sides are used equally at shorter ranges.  At one point Sifu Henry Gong told me that the latter two could be called Sun and Moon staff in Chinese martial arts thinking, but, sadly, I don't recall which was which, and I've not found references anywhere on the internet.

While it is not so astonishing to find similar staff play across Japan and Korea, or across all of China, it is more striking to find such similarities between Chinese and Portuguese staff.  Yup.  You read that correctly.  Traditional Portuguese staff play, also known as Jogo do Pau, exhibits all the techniques of Northern Chinese cudgel play.  

Fig 1: Common blocking in Northern Chinese Staff, and similar block, with application from Jogo do Pau.

The origins of Jogo do Pau are debated even within its community with some feeling that the art was home grown in Portugal and in Galicia, Spain, (there are only so many ways to accomplish a goal) while others feel that it has Indian origins coming from the voyages of Prince Henry the Navigator and his successors.  

My interest in the art is more than simply running down its origin.  To my mind whether it came from India, China, or Portugal is immaterial.  What is interesting to me is that there aren't simply a few techniques in common, but rather the vast majority of techniques.  They even practice form.  Even more so, the Jogo do Pau players are versed in technique from day one.  They learn the practical application of their art through drill (not two-person form as in China).  They even teach multi-person staff defense.  I often feel that while 2 person forms are valuable, the lack of practical weapons training in Chinese martial arts is to its detriment.  Instructors either don't teach applications (because they don't know them), rely only on 2 person form, or make up drills as they go.  Perhaps such drills exist in secret (!!!) and only the chosen few in Chinese martial arts get them.  I'm not sure.  

What is clear to me is that in the many Jogo do Pau drills there are examples of the usage of *our* techniques.  These guys are not shy about sharing their knowledge and have a plethora of drills that can benefit the aspiring Longfist staff practitioner who wishes to better understand his/her forms.

You can find earlier links in this blog to some of our drilling. (More to come!)  A very clear and not terribly fancy compilation of northern staff techniques can be found in the 32 staff form.  I've included a link to this video below so that you can get a sense of the technique. 

Fig 2: 32 Staff play done in contemporary Chinese longfist styles.  Note the general techniques.

 How about those Jogo do Pau videos?  Here is a brief collection to get you started. 

Fig 3: Demo of Jogo do Pau technique, form and free sparring.

Fig 4: Some quality father (?) son time.  Note the competence of this young kid.  Also watch what happens when his dad's/instructor's staff breaks.

Fig 5: From a documentary on Jogo do Pau.  This has English subtitles.

As a final note, in this last video, you will notice the practitioners wearing sashes.  I doubt this really has significance with respect to the origins, but it is similar to what many Chinese martial arts practitioners wear.  

Enjoy, and good luck in training.