When it comes to staff techniques, for our generation, the first thing that often comes to mind are the classic Hong Kong martial arts movies. Older examples include Gordon Liu’s portrayal of San Te in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, while more modern examples feature Jet Li as Wong Fei-hung and Donnie Yen as Nap-lan Yun-seut in Once Upon a Time in China II, as well as the Ip Man movie series, where the " 8 Trigrams Pole" makes an appearance.

In these films, the protagonists showcase spectacular long staff fighting scenes. During times when civilians were forbidden from carrying weapons, the long staff became the most accessible long weapon. As a traditional Chinese Martial Arts saying, “A spear strikes in a line, a staff strikes in a field." In terms of weapon characteristics, the long staff techniques are considered a foundation for spear fighting. Even without the piercing ability of a spearhead, the long staff remains an effective weapon for controlling and striking opponents.

We’re excited to have Coach Sheng-Hsia Hsu from Chang Hong Chinese Martial Art Academy joining us to share the Southern Shaolin Hung Gar staff techniques. Southern Shaolin Hung-Gar style staff fighting utilizes long “Rat-tail” shaped staffs with tapered ends. The length of staff is generally between 7 and 9 feet, with the tip held at the righthand side. It is a highly characteristic system with wide variations, from basic strikes that remain in contact with the midsection for leverage, to far-flung sweeps, swirls and snapping strikes.