quarterstave

A quarterstaff is a long staff made from wood, typically about 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) in length, and often about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm) in diameter. It is generally straight and unadorned, though some historical examples may have been reinforced with metal bands or tips. The name "quarterstaff" is thought to derive from the practice of carrying the staff in four quarters, or perhaps from the idea that a quarter of a man's height was added to the length of a simpler staff.

The quarterstaff was a common weapon and tool used for self-defense and combat across various cultures throughout history, particularly in Europe. Its simplicity and the readily available material made it accessible to people of all social classes. Training in quarterstaff combat emphasized a combination of striking, blocking, and thrusting techniques, utilizing the full length of the staff for reach and leverage. It could also be used for non-combative purposes, such as a walking stick, a tool for crossing streams, or to assist in carrying loads. The quarterstaff's effectiveness lay in its versatility and the skill of its wielder.