Buugeng S-Staff

A Buugeng is a type of s-staff and is a technique and art that involves the manipulation, isolation, and spinning of an “S” shaped toy or staff that is utilized in very unique visual performances.

The craft of Buugeng could be added to the category of juggling or contact juggling but is highly differentiated and is more like a distant cousin that involves tranquil like dance motions.

Translated in the literal sense, the Japanese word Buugeng means weapon or martial arts illusion.  Watching the craft performed is very characteristic to watching a martial arts weapons performance.  The fluid motions performed by the juggler are often very tranquil and are highly original.

The s-staff art form has not been around for a very long time but is increasing in popularity across the globe.

A Buugeng is a type of S-Staff but not all S-Staffs could be considered a buugeng which has a rather defined shaped to it. They are very similar but are not one in the same.

Buugengs come in many varieties including different types of materials and various sizes.  Traditionally they have been made of wood and often have stripes running the length of the S shape to give an enhanced distorted illusion effect.  In addition to wood they are made with different materials and come in many formats including but not limited to plastics such as silicone, aluminum, LED lit, fiber optic, and Fire toy types.

There is also a version or format which many refer to as a Trigeng or Triplegeng which is very similar but has three arm hooks or branches that extend from the center point where the performer holds on to and manipulates the object from.

There are three broad categories that this art might get categorized into involving techniques such as the roll, the pass, or isolation juggling.  In performances you will typically see them handled in sets of two, one for each hand of the performer.

As with many skill toys presented on this site there is not necessarily a set in stone way that it has to be wielded.  Originality, fluidity, and clever technicality surround this budding community.

Please take a look around and see what Buugengs are all about.  Enjoy the intriguing oddness that surrounds and makes up this incredible performance technique.