Training in the short staff consists of learning and practicing twelve basic skills, divided across five categories as shown below. Training consists of demonstrating the skills solo as well as paired with a partner with a sword.
For each of the skills, anyone demonstrating the skill will need to pay attention to six characteristics:
- What is being demonstrated?
- What is the intended target?
- What is the starting stance?
- What is the very first move?
- What is the required footwork?
- What is the required handwork?