bo? shoto?

what are these weapons you speak of?

In answer to your question; The Shoto is the "boken" for the short sword or Wakazashi. Some schools like ASU affiliated ones practice techniques with both shoto and boken. The Bo (or Roshaku bo) is quite simply the japanese version of the quarterstaff (more of less). Roughly 6 feet long ans depending on your style anywhere from 1-1.25 inches in diameter. Again I know that ASU has some Bo Kata but I know little of them. The bo has an advantage of a realy big Ma-ai I love it though is is a chore o the shoulders. I've done little with the shoto but it is quite obviously a rather good weapon for close in work.

As Tony says above, ASU does use shoto for some training purposes, mainly for two sword practice. It's also used sometimes just on its own, too. Takeda sensei in Japan uses the shoto as part of his approach to teaching some aspects of aikido including connection, leading, and extension.

I haven't seen many people use the bo. ASU does have the "patrol kata" that are based on having a bo but it's more frequently practiced with a jo. Some students of Hikitsuchi sensei in Shingu practice bo kata like bo ikkyo and bo nikyo and treat it as part of their aikido. I've been taught bo nikyo (with a jo) a while back, but heck if I can remember much of it any more. Oh well.

-- Jun