In Bak Fu Pai Kung Fu The use of the staff is integrated as the first weapon because it is a base weapon that is a gateway to all other long weapons. We use a wax wood staff that is held at one end, and naturally tapers down toward the main striking end of the staff. Though we have other staff forms in the system, Bak Fu Pai adopted the Li Family Staff as its main staff because of the superior techniques proved worthy of system integration. Below is more history about the origins of the staff.
Rod or Club (Gun, ) (Tiao-Zi, ) The Gun, or Tiao-Zi in the West and North of China, was generally made of hard wood (e.g., birch or oak). The Gun was often immersed in wood oil to increase its strength and resilience. Occasionally, long rods were made of brass or iron, and were either solid or hollow metal. The former made a heavy and powerful weapon, whereas the latter was designed for lightness and speed. Both types had the distinct advantage of being invulnerable to bladed weapons. The circumference of the long rod was such that the thumb and first finger of its carrier just touched around it. The length of the Gun differed from the North of China to the South. A Northern martial artist carried a long rod that reached the base of his wrist when his arm was extended over his head. The Southern fighter’s long rod reached only to his eyebrows. This is why it is called “Equal Eyebrows Rod” (Qi Mei Gun, ).
There are three popular kinds of long rods. The first and most common kind consists of a straight piece of rod. The second kind, called “Water-Fire Rod” (Shui
Huo Gun, ) has metal caps covering both ends of the rod, but neither end is sharp. The third rod, called “Rod Spear” (Gun Qiang, ) has one tapered end that can be used for piercing.
The long rod dates from at least the period of Huang Di and probably earlier. It is one of the most convenient and easily utilized weapons. Long pieces of wood can be found anywhere, both on the road and at home.
The most common techniques for Gun are brushing, sweeping, striking and thrusting upwards through the opponent’s crotch. Sliding the rod through one hand to utilize either end brings the long rod alive.