Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Long Staff (Côn)

What is Long Staff (Côn)?

The Long Staff, or "Côn," is a traditional weapon used in various martial arts, including Vovinam, which is a Vietnamese martial art. The Long Staff is typically a wooden pole that can vary in length, but it is generally around 6 to 9 feet long. It is known for its versatility and can be used for striking, blocking, sweeping, and thrusting techniques.

In Vovinam, the Long Staff is used to develop strength, agility, coordination, and precision. Practitioners learn specific forms (kata) and techniques that involve complex movements and combinations, which help in improving their overall martial arts skills. The training with the Long Staff also emphasizes proper stance, balance, and body mechanics, which are essential for effective self-defense.

The use of traditional weapons like the Long Staff in Vovinam not only preserves the cultural heritage of Vietnamese martial arts but also provides practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of combat principles that can be applied with or without weapons.

Related Article: Exploring the Traditional Weapons of Vovinam

Self-defense is clearly my focus in this book. What is it? It is the recovery from stupidity or bad luck—from finding yourself in a position you would have given almost anything to prevent. It is difficult to train for because of the surprise element and the possibility of being injured before you are even aware of the conflict. The critical element is to overcome the shock and surprise so that you can act—to “beat the freeze.” Self-defense is about recovery. The ideal, however, is to prevent the situation altogether.
Rory Miller

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Wushu
Wushu is a modern exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
W
Triangle Step
The Triangle Step, also known as "Triangle Footwork" or "Saam Gok Ma" in Wing Chun, is a fundamental footwork pattern used to enhance mobility, positioning, and balance.
T
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
Kata
Kata is a fundamental component of traditional Karate and other martial arts, consisting of a series of choreographed movements and techniques performed in a specific sequence.
K
Muay Boran
Muay Boran is an ancient martial art from Thailand, known as the predecessor of modern Muay Thai. It encompasses a wide array of techniques used for both self-defense and combat, with an emphasis on striking, clinching, and grappling.
M
Economy of Motion
Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.
E
Systema
Systema is a Russian martial art that emphasizes natural movement, relaxation, and adaptability.
S
Chang Quan
Chang Quan (长拳), also known as Long Fist, is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts characterized by its extended, flowing movements, wide stances, and dynamic techniques.
C
Dohyo
A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.
D
Capoeira Regional
Capoeira Regional is one of the two main styles of Capoeira, the other being Capoeira Angola.
C
Tekko
Tekko are traditional Okinawan weapons that resemble brass knuckles or knuckle dusters.
P
Canne de combat
Canne de combat is a French martial art that involves fighting with a cane or walking stick.
C
Northern Praying Mantis
Northern Praying Mantis (北派螳螂拳, Běi Pài Táng Láng Quán) is a traditional Chinese martial art that is renowned for its intricate and agile techniques, which mimic the movements of the praying mantis insect.
N
Fei Lung Kung Fu
Fei Lung Kung Fu (also spelled Fei Long Kung Fu), which translates to "Flying Dragon Kung Fu," is a style of Chinese martial arts that emphasizes fluid, dynamic movements and powerful strikes.
F
Brass Knuckles or Knuckle Dusters
Brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons designed to fit around the knuckles.
B
No Items Found