As we progress from the stances, and how we move in them, now we must move into the proper ways to hold the staff.
The first, and most important part to remember about grips with the staff is that they can move up and down the weapon. It has no edge, and thus no area of it is off limits for the hands. In many of the images below, you will see that the staff has dedicated grip positions, but many of the pictures will show the staff held outside of those grip areas. The divisions of my staff are intentional, and I will not show you what they are for. To being, we must first have a staff, and divide it into 6 equal sections. As this form is designed around the 5ft staff, each of these sections will be 10in each. It is helpful, in the beginning of training, to section off the staff, so that location of these divided sections are more readily seen.
Many of the positions will consist of what it called a 3-2-1 Grip. This means that the leading hand is in the center of the staff, with 3 sections outside of it. The center of the grip, the area between the hands, is 2 sections wide, with the trailing hand at the last mark on the staff, with 1 section exposed. This grip design offers more balance in the weapon, and gives more reach to the forward strikes, while still maintaining a tail section with which to counter strike, if the opportunity arises.
The second is called the 2-2-2 Grip. This is the hands equally spaced, 2 sections on each end, and 2 sections in the middle. This is a more middle-range grip, and while it is faster in application of multiple strikes, it does lower the advantages of the length of the weapon.
The 3-2-1 and 2-2-2 Grip layouts are not all there are, but they are the most commonly used in the Jedi Staff Form. There are some positions that are limited to only one grip format, but those are very few, and we will not be using them very often.
Be aware, grip changes are common in staff work, and as the training progresses, there may be times when the instructions include instructions to switch from 3-2-1 to 2-2-2, or vice versa.
Polearm Grip
The Polearm Grip is made with both hands gripping the staff, lead hand at the center and back had near the end, with both thumbs facing same direction. Grip should be firm, but not tight, and centered on the bottom two fingers (ring and pinky), leading with the index finger for aim.
At times, it is also common to point the index finger along the shaft of the staff, but this can become a dangerous habit, and should be avoided.
Reverse Polearm Grip
Reverse Polearm Grip employs the same spacing, only in reverse. The lead hand is near the end, whereas the back hand is gripping the staff in the center. The grip leads with the pinky fingers facing outward, and the grip is held with the index finger and thumb, with some support from the middle finger
Reinforced Polearm Grip
The Reinforced Polearm Grip is the same as the Polearm Grip with one exception. Rather than tucking the staff under the elbow, and onto the hip (as shown in image above), the staff is held along the raised forearm. This is most often used for a reinforced block to the head region, or a straight jab
Staff Grip
The Staff Grip is used more for rapid back-and-forth striking, and is typically used in the middle range. It is not a grip employed often, because if an opponent has gotten this close, the advantage of a staff is mostly gone.
One-Hand Grip Short
The One-Hand Short is often used in passive transport or presentation with the weapon. It can be employed quickly with an upsweep, however, making this a uniquely deceptive grip.
One-Hand Grip Long
The One-Hand Long is most often a presentation of arms, and acts as a warning to an opponent that you will not be made a victim easily.
Sword Grip
The Sword Grip is a natural evolution from the One-Hand Long, but also employs the range of the weapon best, offering a controlled two-thirds of the length of the staff, to keep an opponent at distance, as well as offer extra leverage with each strike. It is very similar to the Polearm Grip, except in this, the back hand is placed far more prominently to aid in maneuvering.