Deluxe Hickory/Ipe Jo Staffs 48-54" x 1"

This listing is for Hickory/Ipe Deluxe handmade Wooden Jo Staff. This is an upgrade to a common bamboo or rattan staff. The Jo Staff is a traditional Okinawan training tool used in Kobudo style martial arts. These particular staffs are 48 to 54" inches in length which is a standard length for jo staffs. These staffs have a constant diameter of 1" which Is the standard thickness for a martial arts jo staff and is excellent for all uses.  The materials consist of beautiful hickory on either side and an extremely heavy dark Ipe wood down the center for added straightness, beauty and weight. Hickory is the heaviest available indigenous North American wood. Ipe wood is twice as hard as Hickory on the wood hardness scale. The laminations of the various woods increases the strength of the wood by having the grain structures reinforce one another.  This jo staff is recommended for all possible dojo uses as it is stronger than solid Hickory. It combines the best impact qualities of hickory with the extra heft and weight from of Ipe in the center of the staff. It is about the toughest available combination of woods and is beautiful and functional. They are the highest quality staffs I make. They are amazing for any use including kata, dojo use, and tournament use due to its inherent beauty. The discounted varieties, are made with the same high quality heavy wood, however, have some feature making them not suitable for contact, such as wavy grain or a pin knot.  Hickory can come in lighter tan sapwood colors, light brown or darker brown heartwood, or sometimes a mixture of both dark and light on the same stick called 'calico hickory'. These variations are aesthetic only and do not affect the integrity of the wood at all. It is finished with several coats of Linseed and Beeswax oil, which gives it a permanent shine and protective layer while allowing the users hands to slip effortlessly up and down the staff, which is required for proper technique. For all shipping information, including shipping times, costs, and carrier information please click here. Thanks! -Adam *If you have any questions or would like to request a custom order please send all correspondence to scrapwoodmartialarts@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The user assumes and accepts any and all risks and responsibilities in handling any purchased staffs. To maximize safety please adhere to each of the following rules. -ALWAYS inspect each staff carefully, before and after each use. -ALWAYS use proper safety equipment and precautions when handling any staff with regards to yourself and others. -ALWAYS administer proper care and diligence in storing and maintaining your staff.