Saturday, April 19, 2014

Q IS FOR QUARTERSTAFF

MURDER BY QUARTERSTAFF

A Quarterstaff is a fighting stick: a long heavy wooden stick tipped with iron, formerly used in hand-to-hand fighting. 

I only found one murder where the use of a quarterstaff was even mentioned, but as a weapon, it would do the trick. I guess today, since we all own baseball bats we need not buy a quarterstaff!


Stick fighting or the use of the quarterstaff date to the 15th century Europe and England and was even taught to boy scouts during the early 19th century. It was omitted from the handbook due to health risks. However, here is a copy of what was in the handbook:


The following is in regards to the case I uncovered where a quarterstaff was mentioned:

"Duffy was very interested in martial arts. He trained with swords, knives, a quarterstaff and a garrote, and was much taken with the martial art of Zen Budo, which he believed dictates: "Leave no witnesses." 

You can read about these horrific killers by following this link:

Does it surprise you that these weapons were created before the gun, or that we have new and more vicious versions?


If you want to join in on the fun of Arlee Bird's blog hop The A to Z Challenge just go HERE!

7 comments:

  1. I've never heard of a quarterstaff.
    Thanks for the vocab lesson!

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  2. I always wondered what a quarterstaff looked like. Now I know. And now I must research. The never ending quest for knowledge. :D

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  3. Erm, the 29th century Yolanda? Didn't know you had a time travel machine.

    Robin Hood and Little John fought with quarterstaffs when they first met. I wouldn't think many had access to them these days though.

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    Replies
    1. Ha, ha, Jo - you caught me! My secret is out of the box! Thanks for pointing that out!

      Reproductions are available, with new and more modern styling!

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  4. Hi human,Yolanda,

    Most odd, I'm subscribed to your follow by email but it isn't showing up. Anyhow, on "Q", I actually show up.

    Baseball bats, cricket bats and a quarterstaff, what a triple combo of um, fun.

    Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Easter, my dear human friend.

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny, the friendly host of the Alphabark Challenge! :)

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  5. I like the quarterstaff and I can see how it would have been developed. Since man first set himself up against another he has had to improvise. I remember in my 'anti-riot' training in the early '70's being shown how to use a baton.
    It never ceases to amaze me when I see all these policemen or soldiers banging folk on the head repeatedly with a baton. Why?
    One good jab in the gut, or the ribcage and your adversary is going nowhere fast, except maybe the ground, and then possibly a sick bay.
    The quarterstaff in the right hands would be a formidable offensive or defensive weapon.

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  6. A quarterstaff would take a lot of upper body strength to deliver a fatal blow. I think of big muscular guys in Sherwood Forest....

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