Training Staff

The Training Staff is the result of years of martial experience and modern innovation, offering practitioners a virtually indestructible alternative to traditional wood. Developed under the guidance of Cold Steel president and lifelong martial artist Lynn C. Thompson, this staff brings the strength of advanced polymer construction to one of the oldest and most versatile training weapons. Designed with an octagonal Okinawan-style cross section, it provides superior grip, durability, and comfort for extended practice in any martial discipline.

Rooted in a legacy of polearm mastery

For generations, staves and polearms have been core tools of traditional martial systems — from Japanese bo and jo training to Southeast Asian arts like Krabi Krabong. Lynn C. Thompson, drawing from his own training with masters such as Guro Ron Balicki, recognized the need for a training weapon that could withstand heavy contact and outdoor use without the wear and tear of wood. This synthetic training staff was created to bridge that gap, blending the feel and form of a traditional staff with the strength and resilience of modern materials. Its octagonal design not only mirrors classic Okinawan weapons but also improves grip alignment and control during thrusts, sweeps, and conditioning drills.

Built for serious training and longevity

The Training Staff is crafted from high-impact polymer that resists warping, cracking, and splintering — even under intense contact. Its durable construction makes it ideal for pell work, partner drills, and full-power conditioning practice. The octagonal cross section offers both comfort and precision, promoting secure handling even during long training sessions. Whether used for bo, spear, or staff-based systems, this synthetic training staff stands up to the most demanding workouts and is built to last a lifetime.