Origins of poi and staff
Where They began
Staff
The origins of staff have been around for thousands of years used by many different countries as a form of martial art, such as - Arnis sticks - Philippines, Hanbo - Chinese, Jô - Japanese, Kurunthadi - India, Shillelagh - Ireland, Tambo - Vietnam, Tonfa - Japan, Yawara - Japan, Simbat - South East Asia.
The most popular Shaolin Kung Fu ’tool’ was the staff. A long stick that had a variety of uses and purposes. It is a multi-purpose implement that can be used for many things other than self-defence. Energy Entertainments use the staff as a form of expression of ones emotions to share with the rest of the world.
Poi
The origins of poi can be traced to the Maori people of New Zealand. Poi were used by both the men and women and had many significances. Maori men used the poi to improve their strength and co-ordination during battle, whilst the women practised poi to strengthen their hands for weaving, and sometimes used them to lull babies and children to sleep with the hypnotising patterns of the long poi. They were also used to imitate sounds of nature such as waves, the wind, and birds flying. They were and still are a great form of self expression.
