Martial Arts Weapons Kung Fu Three Section Staff

[Rhampage1]

Nice forum

[codename280]

never saw or heard from that weapon b4

[RecklessDrift]

If i tried that i would hurt my self.

[Rock4Eva91]

Awesome dude im a martial artist 2nd degree black belt and we are using that weapon for our form but were not near as good as THAT GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!

[MarmarAkaSeiryu]

nice man very nice was this freestyle? i have a form with similar movements.

[clintleung]

@MarmarAkaSeiryu Thanks. Yes, freestyle form although it has changed since then.

[TheGumtree01]

great demo

[2smoothProductions]

Wow. Thats actually amazing.

I've been wanting to learn some sort of martial art for a while and staff styles have taken interest lately, What is the easiest style to learn? Cheers for any help.

[NonCommunityChannel]

@2smoothProductions If you are interested in staff styles of martial arts, I suggest starting out with twirling drumsticks or something similar. Not as a way of fighting but just to get the basics of twirling and such. Practicing nunchaku can help you as well if you are aiming for learning three-sectioned staff. Nunchaku helps you learn how to "wrap" and "twist" your weapon around yourself. If you are thinking of enrolling into a school, you should also learn outside of school. Eg. Watch movies.

[Ming1975]

Very Smooth!! Well Mastered!!! Thanks for the demo!!!

[hrdcorr]

That was awesome!!

[WrexsouI]

That's awesome. Guess what. My name is Clint too.

[clintleung]

@WrexsouI Pleased to meet you.

[putty2812]

change the music too no limits by 2 unlimited and he would be a majorette

[xxxBeast87]

I also train with the three section but am having a really hard time with the move where you bend over and spin it behind your back. How do you do you do that?

[clintleung]

Took me a long time to do it. Wear a helmet.

[JPlesley]

you could also use a paded staff, still hurts but not as much

[TonyOmega]

Well Executed : ^)

[eteune]

great moves clint, i know how difficult the 3 section staff is, nice control

get closer to the camera next time, then we can see the moves more clearly, you look too small in the video, too far away

the music, uhm, yeah, where's the shark :)

play something faster and more dynamic to complement the moves more

my two cents

well done!

[clintleung]

Thanks. A new video will be shot this summer, improved form and yes, better music too

[Hrethcaratch]

Wow... that's all I can say...

[The60yardMagnum]

LOL to the music

tadatadatada *the shark's coming to eat u*

[DarkDragon187II]

Listening to the music on this video sounds like Jaws is going to eat that guy.

[grawful]

wow. you're the best ever at that stuff.

[slashernunchuks]

awesomes moves

[femoman]

three section staffs are one of my fav martial arts weapons....besides swords, of course.

Good demo. I recognised alot of the techniques. They do look effective

[StoneGateFilmStudio]

sounds like jaws music lol

but you have skill that's wassup. :]

[KintarosTiger]

Wierd music. But at least, I know how a 3-section staff is used. I was always curious how one could wield a 'three-piece big nunchaku'. And now I know. Thanks!

[OGxMusicxMax]

The way you use it is completely different from a nunchaku, its much better at utilising distances and manipulation of all three pieces at once then a nunchaku, which is more direct

[shaolinkungfu666]

yeah, learning it was a pain in the ass with no teacher, but trust me there is worse. i am currently learning double chainwhip via an instructional dvd. i find that with solid weapons the choice of the order in which they are learned is completely up to you, whereas the flexible ones seem to follow a strict order of complexity (nunchaku, kusari-gama, three-section, chainwhip, then rope dart/meteor hammer with some exceptions.)

[crimsondagger1]

If I remember correctly this like many other "Weapons had a humble beggining. I may be confusing this with another one. But was it not orriganly simply used for threashing grain?

[clintleung]

Nunchuks were. Three section staff was probably a result of somebody using a broken piece first.

[baguazhang1]

The most common story I've heard for the three section staff:

A royal guard for an emperor of China had a favorite staff which he used for many years. One time in training the staff was shattered into three pieces of similar size. Instead of resigning to use a new staff, the guard commissioned the three pieces to be joined together with chains, and the inventive martial artist trained to become proficient with this new weapon design.

At least that's how I heard it.

Peace.

[kratoslevit]

yer ive heard the same but ive also heard the big sweeper broke and got turned into it, but i prefer your one cos the big sweeper dosent look like it could turn into a 3secstaff

dont u jsut luv kung fu stuff and martial arts??

i do XD

[mollergui]

nice demo, better traing with heavy ones, is better for user

[genmholt]

Good stuff... Best Tri Staff demo i have EVER seen

[ximmelv]

Nice.

Going to use this for reference on attack animations for a character using a three section staff.

[kkaze87]

my staff is very heavy. should i just keep at it. coz when i use my friends one- his is light, so it feels like i'm going way faster.

i'm self taught, watching youtube, li zhing from fight science and stuff.

[clintleung]

Depends what you want to do. Folks who move into lighter models do so for competition. I train with both heavy and light models. If you have no intention of ever stepping into a tournament floor with this weapon, probably no reason to go into light then.

[Coyotetraceur]

What is the Original Name of this weapon?

[clintleung]

three section staff

[Coyotetraceur]

That's the name the Original Creators gave it?

Doesn't it have, some kind of Asian Name?

[clintleung]

In Cantonese, it's known as a sarm jeet kwan

[libriano91]

In mandarin it's called san jie gun,literally meaning three-section-staff.

[zawmintu]

yay a decent video!

how long are your sticks / how heavy are they

[clintleung]

Staff is about my height - custom cut for me. Very light weight for competition.

[zawmintu]

hmmm

nice

where have you competed?

will you compete in the next competiton in houston?

-it gets kinda boring when all i compete against are noobs / people that are doing other section weapons... it doesnt feel like i am getting the most out of my competitions

[clintleung]

I've competed in the NBL, NASKSA, WSKF, WKA and WOMAA circuits as well as many countless local events. I've been to Texas several times to compete years ago (they were NBL events). Now, I am focusing only on international events with WKA and WOMAA.

[zawmintu]

got any web links to the competition sites?

in your opinion, are there usually anybody else out there during competition that are "good"?

[clintleung]

Go to the website shown at the end of the video and then look at the articles section. Then go to the links page for martial arts and you should see some competition sites. Lots of competitors way better than I am but then again, they are younger ;)

[TheGirlsInColor]

This is the best I have ever seen. Like the music!

[taichifist]

I loved it! Outstanding!

[delmar1985]

a very unique yet brilliant weapon

[madtiger111]

Music sucks.

Martial arts great.

[Calamity05]

that dude is insane w/ that shit, i could do maybe half of that shit, but that part where he is flippin that shit behind is back is SICK!!

[TheChristianFairy]

Is this weapon used in other martial arts like Tae Kwon Do? TKD is my style and I don't know any kung fu, but that weapon looks cool!

[clintleung]

It's basically a Chinese weapon.

[mebaja]

First ask your, instructor. Second, ATA(American Taekwondo Association) offers training in the three-section staff.

And clintleung, aren't the martial arts for all people. Regardless of where the weapon originated, or what style uses it the most, as long as the weapons are treated with respect I think people from any discipline can learn them.

[clintleung]

Of course. That's why many Chinese kung fu schools as well as tae kwon do schools also teach nunchuks, which is basically a Okinawan weapon. The original question to me was about the origins of the weapon. In this case, the three section staff and its techniques were created in China.

[VineryGT]

I'm thinking about getting a three section staff, but should I consider getting normal staff first? I love the ominous music goes really well with the video.

[clintleung]

Some techniques are easier to try on a normal staff first

[Rocco129920]

the three section staff is easily one of the hardest weapons to learn... I would suggest learning with a pair of nunchaku first, but that's just my oppinion.

[clintleung]

problem with nunchaku is that they are much shorter and the techniques are quite different. Rather than moves involving the underarm, and often single handed techniques with nunchuks, the 3 section staff is a two handed weapon with more similarities with a staff.

[nejikid]

1 question, im gonna get a 3sec. staff, should i get it in wood or foam padded?

[clintleung]

I would get the wood one so you can train with the weight. Then wear pads.

[SeijiiNakamaru]

I have a question as well... It seems like Kung Fu is the style that came up with the 3 section staff, but i'm sure it had other origins... Is there a martial art that focuses on only a 3 section staff?

Example: Kendo with swords

[clintleung]

No. The original of the 3 section staff was that a monk had broke a long staff by accident and came up with a new weapon with the parts.

[SeijiiNakamaru]

Ahh. I heard he was a bodyguard. I'll just follow your explanation though.

[kswdragon74]

yeah he was a body guard before comming the first Emperor of the Sung Dynasty

[OlmUnit]

just a question, what is the recommended length of each section, i made one with my dad and each is 4' long...lol something tells me its a little bit too big.

[clintleung]

Up to you. As long as the fig 8s can be done without hitting the floor.

[MrMulleto]

the one ur using looks fairly light OR made of something softer than metal...is it? i have tried some stuff before, diffcult due to weight and "hardness" (miss and dont wake up for a couple of days) wish i had a nice SOFT one to swing around,

[clintleung]

Not a softer one since I have been wacked in the head several times. But it is a lighter one.

[SeijiiNakamaru]

I have a suggestion, have you tried foam padded ones?

I'm new to the whole 3 section staff, since I just got mine today, and mine is foam padded.

I'm sure they have some foam ones out there as heavy as you want, but you might have to order it. I got the last one at the martial arts store close to me, so it worked out perfectly.

[clintleung]

I probably would have if I started all over again but I'm past that stage. If I have difficult moves I want to try out, I'll simply wear a helmet and some pads.

[0liM3RRY]

can anyone tell me or post a vid o how to do the spin move that starts on 1:06 i can do the move before it but i cant change into that one if u can cud u send me a message on my youtube space thanks

[clintleung]

It's a forward double figure 8 that changes into a reverse single figure 8 in the other direction.

[ForzaAquila]

Oh btw you know that spin which you did starting from 1:01 is that hard to do? Because I've always wanted to do that with a normal staff. Is it easier with a normal staff or a three section staff, or a two section staff = = ?

Btw did you make your three section staff or did you buy it? And if you made it from what did you make it out of?

[clintleung]

I find everything with this weapon hard to do which is why it's so rewarding.  I did not make it as it's a wushu grade one from China.

[ForzaAquila]

what's a wushu grade one?

wait did you take part in those chinese martial art schools where there's like 500 students all lined up perfectly who do the same moves? those academies are so awesome.

drools.

[clintleung]

Wushu grade means special light weight versions for forms competition

[SeijiiNakamaru]

I'd say any move would be easier with a normal staff, but when you hit your target with a 3 section, it would most likely go faster and wrap around the target, possibly hitting it more than once.

[ForzaAquila]

are you clint leung? Because then you're crazy man, keep it up.

[andyman7878]

You're right, I've heard them referred to as "butterfly poles" I believe one was used in the film "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" amongst many others

[xWilliamLaux]

hey can this staff turn into an actual staff, like connecting all 3 setcions to make a staff? because i saw this video with one that can turn into an actual staff so can this turn into a actual staff?

[clintleung]

Heard of something like that. I saw a two section staff like this once - a long section and a short section that connects.

[Xdrifthero]

no that's a 3 section staff that has screws at the end of it and they connect each other to make a bo staff they invented it for the convience just in case u need either one

[clintleung]

There is a two section staff too - I believe one of the larger MA supply retailers carry them as a specialty weapon.

[phenompiano88]

i haven't had much chance to practice the 3 section flail, but i hurt myself quite alot when i swing the weapon hard, any tips on how you stop a weapon like this from hurting urself after you swing it?

[clintleung]

Yes, whenever I start with new moves, I would wear elbow and knee pads plus a helmet. It might seem over the top but it sure prevents the bruises.

[ethiruvengadam]

Its good but i was thinking maybe if u were in a hall the movement of the weapon would have a little more visable

[TaijiProtege]

that kick may have been weak but a 540 kick is unrealistic, it just too slow and too easy to doge or defend against

[clintleung]

I've already taken out the kick in my present form. Future videos (after the winter up here in Canada) will not have the kick.

[TaijiProtege]

nag it was actually a reply to the other commentors no offesnse to you, how are th winters in canada

[clintleung]

None taken. Winters around here can be minus 25 Celcius (zero celcius is freezing temp). So that means it's pretty cold!

[golightly313]

im making my own three section staff, watching this intrests me

[Liist]

Easier said that done, if you even make it work, it might break if you hit something (or someone) with it.

You can get a good quality three section staff for less than $50.

[troop3rst3v3]

cool, but the music threw me off though

[battousai992]

u be more deadly if u learn 540 kick, that kick in beginning has no like power

[clintleung]

I know. I've since taken out the kick altogether so it's all weapon now. I'm too old to learn a 540 especially after two knee surgeries.

[SpanieDeeTongTing]

very very cool 5 stars and in favorties

[t01880]

This is pretty cool. The music for some reason kinda reminded me of Jaws.

[ultimatevids]

very nice

[lkmeg]

cool

[AznPryde68]

its so hard starting off with "soft" weapons like the 3 section staff....

you gotta learn how to like, use a staff, a whip, and the nunchakus just to use the 3 section staff. ...if u do learn this first though, u will probably be good at the staff, the whip, and the nunchakus though =)

[Sancria]

Nearly broke my wrist once practicing it. Oh and hit myself in the elbows, knees, head and of course, the classic groin shot.

Get a sword, it's a lot safer :)

[Fezandsword]

or you could use throwing knifes.

[drdookie515]

did you ever crack your self off the scenes.

[clintleung]

Hit myself in the head, face, elbows and knees many times.

[chinashima]

Awesome i need to give this one a try :P

[michaelroyburke]

This person is indeed very skilled, and the routine is indeed very beautiful. I suppose my trepidation towards this weapon comes from seeing an evidently more novice practictioner blast himself to great injury in the eye doing a similar form.

[michaelroyburke]

It's pretty, but in a fight I'd rather have a police baton. I'd be worried one of the sections would ricochet back at me once I smacked someone.

I'm amazed at the skill displayed by the practitioners of this weapon, but even more that such a complex implement would have evolved in the first place.

[bingqi]

fast enough. it takes skill to be fast with the 3 section staff, and this guy is doing a pretty good job, although there are ppl who are faster

[banmido1234]

ur moves are great but they are a bit too slow try practising more this is a really cool weapon

[derekpua]

cool.... i wanna learn this .. lol but do u have to learn other styles of kung fu b4 advancing to weapons?

[vash862]

it is better if you learn forms and get used to them before using a weapon because you will do the same things in normal forms and in weapon.i use a three-sectional staff and am glad that i know othe forms because it would have made it alot harder if i didnt/

[kidwithwhiterag]

How long/inches is the waxwood? just one piece by itself

[clintleung]

Each piece is about 24 inches and 3/4 inches in diameter

[Rowined28]

cool great exellent

[Rowined28]

cool but can he go faster like jet li

[kikkomanpwnz]

fourms are not about speed.

[clintleung]

A new form is planned later this spring which will be an improved version of this 3-section staff form.

[clintleung]

One of the standard practices of Asian martial arts films is that they always speed up the footage during martial arts scenes. When some of these same actors, like Jet Li, was videoed on the competition floor, things look a lot different.

[nlmantis]

Furthermore I made my own 3-section out of waxwood and it doesn't break like the ones you buy in the store.. (at least the MA stores here in Toronto)

[nlmantis]

Cool video, good skills, obviously a solid martial arts background..

If you're looking for suggestions (maybe not) I'd say experiment with long range striking also, using it as double kali, grappling moves and don't look at the ground when you pass the weapon behind the back.

[themungoman]

Where can you buy these and for how much? Also this seems to be the best Martial Arts weapon as it can hit any area and attack at long range and close range. Very good video.

[meateatingmonk]

Awsome!

About two years ago I made a three section staff, trying to add something new to my arsenal of techniques, but I didn't do very well at it.

I think that, for starters, it was too heavy. I made it out of some very dense tropical wood.

Well, anyway, because of it's weight, it had to be swung very hard in order to do most of the techniques.

I'm thinking about getting a new one...hopefully out of lighter wood.

[richardisgay]

use arnis sticks(philipino fighting sticks) ...there made out of rattan...light and ther harder than wood... just detach the chains from ur old 3 section and attach it to the arnis sticks...

[meateatingmonk]

thanks!

[clintleung]

Why don't you just go and buy a wushu style three section staff made of white wax wood like the one I and other competitors use?

Clint

[meateatingmonk]

I live in a very small town in Montana. We don't have any Martial arts store within a hundred miles of here. And, besides, I thought it would be fun to make my own.

[alexfluu]

me either, thats why theres internet ^.^

[DrewPanda]

i like the helicopter move that you were doing. I find it hard to do with a staff, but I couldnt imagine the diffuclty it is to perform the fancier moves of twrling the 3 section staff.

[jamesbuhls]

Awesome techniqe; your stances are great. I have a lot of trouble finding the right stances for my creative form... probably because I'm a tkd guy doing a chinese weapon. How did spin the weapon around your neck? I don't see how to do that.

[clintleung]

Thank you for your comments. The technique around the neck is like a wrap around and one also spins the body to finish the move as the weapon unwraps from the neck.

[PatrickCanlas]

Lol. Awesome xD The music was kinda' getting on my nerves though O_o

[phenompiano88]

Oh icic, yeah i can see that its a really challenging weapon to use. but the video's real good. Keep up the good work. Hope you can show us more cool moves.

[phenompiano88]

that looks really cool and stuff, i just made a 3 section staff and i'm trying to figure out how to use it without any guidance except for the stuff i see on TV and internet X)

[clintleung]

It's one of the most challenging (but most rewarding) weapons to use. I still haven't begun to touch what's possible with it yet.

[BigRobbo]

very nice, I have been looking for reference vids to help create a form for tournaments, very nice.."martial arts 4 life!" all the way man!! :)

[theforgottenkarl]

bravo im showing this to my sensei maybe he will teach it at our school

[clintleung]

Yes, that's me. I was also the model for the little figures in the Martial Arts For Life t-shirt design.

[piffi123]

wow cool video!

are you that in the video?

nice done!

''Diver ;)