The staff (Gun Shu) is a weapon in modern wushu, though there are also traditional staff styles such as Southern Staff and Monkey Staff.
Athletes who train in staff usually also practice broadsword. Since 2001, these two wushu disciplines have primarily been performed by men. This change was due to the expectation that wushu would become an Olympic event by 2008. To prepare, the International Wushu Federation decided that women would compete in straightsword, spear, and taiji, while men would compete in broadsword, staff, and nanquan.
The reasoning behind this division is that broadsword and staff forms feature more aggressive, powerful movements and require a more muscular build. In contrast, straightsword and spear emphasize flexibility and smooth, circular techniques. Most female wushu athletes have traditionally preferred spear and straightsword anyway.
The gun (staff) is a wooden stick nearly as tall as the athlete—from the floor to around eye level.
Movements in staff routines are generally aggressive and powerful, though many modern forms also include soft and flowing elements.
Acrobatic jumps, such as the Wushu Butterfly Twist 720 into a split landing, should be performed while holding the staff. These advanced moves are typical of modern wushu staff forms.
Make sure to learn basic wushu techniques and jumps before starting with staff-specific movements.
The front twirl is one of the first techniques you should practice when learning staff.
