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Staffs and stick weapons have a long cultural and practical history — from martial arts training halls to stage fights and historical reenactments. Whether you’re practicing bo staff forms, learning escrima, adding a quarterstaff to a collection, or simply buying a rugged walking stick for hikes, there’s a UK market full of options. The trick is knowing where to look, what to compare, and how to pick a piece that fits your goals without breaking the bank.
Think of a staff as any straight pole used as a weapon or tool: bo staff (about 6 feet), quarterstaff (often longer or thicker), escrima sticks (shorter, roughly 24 to 30 inches), and even cane-style sticks used in self-defence. Some are meant for training and padded practice, others are decorative or functional. When shopping, be clear whether you want a hardened hardwood, lightweight rattan, synthetic composite, or a foam-covered trainer for safety.
Different tasks demand different sticks. A 6-foot bo is ideal for traditional Japanese and Okinawan practice; a 5-foot or longer quarterstaff is true to English tradition and heavier for impact training. Escrima sticks are short and fast for Filipino arts, while folding or telescoping training sticks are practical for travel. Cosplay and stage props often mimic real weapons visually but use safer materials like foam or rubber.
The bo staff is typically 6 feet long and balanced for spins and sweeps; the quarterstaff is usually thicker and may be 6 to 8 feet for strong strikes; escrima sticks are 2 to 2.5 feet and designed for rapid hand-to-hand flow. In other words: bo for flow and range, quarterstaff for power, escrima for speed. Pick based on the martial art, your height, and how you intend to train or perform.
Shopping online gives you breadth: general marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay UK host many brands and secondhand pieces, while specialist martial arts retailers focus on quality and gear suited for training. Additionally, outdoor stores and LARP/medieval suppliers cover walking sticks and historically styled staffs. If you’re comparing price, specifications, and user reviews, using a comparison site can speed up your search and highlight the best deals.
Start with large marketplaces (Amazon UK, eBay UK) for selection and buyer protection. For training-grade gear, look at martial arts shops that stock rattan, hardwood bo staffs, and padded trainers. Outdoor retailers such as Decathlon and Cotswold Outdoor often stock sturdy walking sticks and trekking poles that double as practical staffs. For historical or decorative pieces, LARP and medieval suppliers are your best bet — they offer authentic-looking quarterstaffs and custom options. Don’t forget local dojo pro shops; small specialist stores sometimes carry premium brands and will advise you on length and weight.
Buying in person gives you the chance to feel balance, grip, and weight. If you can visit a martial arts store, a sporting goods shop, or an independent bladesmith who also crafts staffs, you’ll get hands-on experience. Local specialists can often fit the staff to your height — a 6-foot staff may be perfect for someone 5 feet 10 inches tall, but you may prefer a slightly shorter or longer staff depending on technique and reach.
Medieval fairs, LARP gatherings, and martial arts demos are goldmines for trying gear before buying. You can test different materials like rattan versus oak, see how a padded trainer behaves in contact, and ask makers about custom lengths in inches or pounds. Plus, bargains appear at event vendors if you like browsing and negotiating in person.
Material determines feel, weight, durability, and price. Hardwood beaten and sanded to a smooth finish gives a traditional, solid feel but can be heavy. Rattan is light and flexible — ideal for training since it absorbs shock. Synthetic composites and tubular aluminium are weather-resistant and often used for travel or tactical-style sticks. Foam-covered trainers are essential for safe partner work. Always consider whether you want a realistic weight or a lighter trainer for longer practice sessions.
Measure in feet and inches: typical bo staff lengths are 6 feet (72 inches); escrima sticks are commonly 24 to 30 inches. Diameter affects grip and swing; many bo staffs are about 1 to 1.25 inches thick, while quarterstaffs are thicker. Weight affects stamina: a heavier staff develops strength but can tire you quickly; a lighter one supports speed. If you’re unsure, start with a standard 6-foot rattan or hardwood staff and adjust by an inch or two based on height and preference.
Safety first: even a training staff can injure if misused. Train with protective gear, especially when practicing contact drills. Legally, the UK has strict rules on offensive weapons, so think twice before carrying any weapon-like staff in public. For training, keep observers at a safe distance, and always follow your instructor’s guidance. If you’re buying a decorative or historical piece, keep it at home or in secure storage unless you have a legitimate reason to transport it.
Store staffs in a dry place, ideally hung horizontally or in a rack to prevent warping. Transport them in a case or wrapped in cloth — metal or showy fittings can attract attention. If you’re travelling to a class, place the staff in your car or a closed carry bag, and avoid walking through public spaces with a visible weapon-like item. Being discreet protects you and prevents misunderstanding with authorities.
Your intended use should drive the purchase. Training gear needs durability and safety features like smooth finishes or padding. Display pieces prioritize aesthetics: carvings, metalwork, or period details. Cosplay and stage props must look authentic but remain safe; opt for foam or soft woods and test how they perform under choreography. If you see a tempting ornate quarterstaff, ask whether it’s solid hardwood or a light resin with decorative elements — looks can be deceiving.
For martial arts practice choose rattan or hardwood trainers in regulation lengths; for historical European martial arts, heavier oak quarterstaffs capture the tradition; for Filipino stickwork use 24 to 30 inch rattan or cane sticks. Cosplay often benefits from lightweight foam or hollow composite staffs to avoid unnecessary strain during long events. Think about how many hours you’ll be holding the staff and choose accordingly.
Maintenance doubles the lifespan of any staff. Wooden staffs may need occasional oiling with linseed or mineral oil to prevent drying and cracking. Rattan should be kept dry and clean; wipe it down after sweaty training sessions. Metal fittings, if present, can be tightened or lightly greased to avoid rust. For foam trainers, inspect the outer layer for tears and patch small holes to avoid exposed hard cores.
Small cracks in wood can be filled with wood glue and clamped; deeper damage may require professional attention. Grips can be improved easily with athletic tape or rubber grip wraps, measured in inches to match your hand span. End caps protect the tips and extend life; carry bags and cases protect finish and make transport easier. If you practice outdoors, a finish that resists moisture is worth the extra cost.
Prices range from budget-friendly packs of escrima sticks to bespoke handcrafted quarterstaffs. Decide whether you need a high-end piece or a reliable starter. For beginners, a 6-foot rattan staff under a moderate budget is a great first choice — it’s forgiving, light, and often cheaper than hardwood. If you plan to train long-term, invest in a quality hardwood or custom staff that will match your growing skillset.
Secondhand gear can offer great value. Look for even wear and no structural cracks. When buying used, test the staff for straightness and flex; a warped staff can throw off technique. New items provide warranties and clean condition but cost more. Comparison shopping across marketplaces and specialist shops helps you spot seasonal discounts or bundle deals, and reading buyer reviews gives real-world insight into durability measured in months or years of practice.
Comparison sites let you see price, specs and seller ratings side by side. Use them to shortlist candidates by length, weight, and material, then read user reviews for real-life performance. Reviews will tell you whether a 6-foot staff actually measures true, if grips hold up after months of practice, and whether a “premium” label is worth the price. It’s like test-driving several staffs without leaving home.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, double-check measurements in feet and inches, ask the seller questions about material and finish, and consider a protective bag or end cap as an add-on. If possible, try one in person or buy from a retailer with honest return information — you want to feel confident that the staff matches your reach and feels balanced in your hands.
Avoid choosing a staff just because it looks cool; ergonomics and balance matter more. Don’t ignore paired training equipment — padded shields and gloves reduce wear on the staff and protect training partners. And remember: practice good etiquette in public spaces — a staff is a training tool or display item, not something you should swing on the street. Keep it safe and respectful, and your training will stay constructive and fun.
With so many options across UK marketplaces, martial arts shops, LARP suppliers, and outdoor retailers, there’s a staff or stick that will match your budget, training goals and aesthetic tastes. Take your time, compare specs in feet and inches, and don’t be afraid to ask an experienced instructor or a knowledgeable vendor for their opinion — a bit of guidance goes a long way.
Conclusion: Buying a staff or stick weapon in the UK is a rewarding journey when you know where to look and what matters. Choose the right material, length in feet and inches, and retailer, and you’ll have a loyal training partner for years to come.
