At Ironcrane, these flow sequences are typically taught to students as part of basic familiarization with Bo movement.  At one time, introduction to Bo training was coincident with learning the weaons forms (usually at Brown or Black Belt levels).  Over time it evolved that perhaps a more effective approach would be to ensure students had solid grounding in basic Bo sequences, before attempting to learn complex fighting forms.

On Okinawa, this seems to have been the traditional approach.  In approximately 1995, the Okinawan approach trans rooted to the Isshin Ryu schools in British Columbia, and before long migrated south into the Pacific Northwest.

The first sequence is a portrayal of what was transmitted to us by our respected friend, Sensei Michael O’Leary of Abbotsford Isshin Ryu Karate Do (British Columbia, Canada). 

The Isshinryu grip is opposing palms (sort of like when you hold a baseball bat, with your hands 18-24” apart).  Since much of Bo and long staff work at Ironcrane is Hap Ki Do derivative, the use of bicycle grip (both palms facing down) shows up frequently (though is rarely ever used in Isshin Ryu), we adapted their sequences to the bicycle grip, smoothed out some flow points, and added a strike flourish at the end of each sequence.  This is a bit more complex, but familiarization with both patterns, and then incorporating smooth transitions (be sure to visit our Bo Page for more insight into transitions) virtually assures mastery of the Bo fundamentals.