Dragon Staff
PropA large staff (typically 150-180cm) with shorter perpendicular rods extending from both ends, forming a cage-like structure. The symmetrically distributed weight creates rotational inertia, causing the staff to roll continuously across the body.
History
Derived from the Chinese Fei Cha ("flying fork"), a trident-like weapon. The modern dragon staff was created by Gora Krisztian around 2002-2004, debuting at the 2005 European Juggling Convention in Ptuj, Slovenia. Originally called a "10 headed staff" before Gora renamed it.
How it works
Unlike a regular staff, the dragon staff is almost always in motion. The spokes create gyroscopic stability, so the staff wants to keep spinning. You guide it across your body — arms, shoulders, neck, back — using contact points rather than grip.
Getting started
- Start with a practice dragon staff (rubber/silicone tips, aluminium core)
- Learn basic rolls before anything else — the staff needs constant motion
- Many contact staff moves do not transfer directly because of the spokes
- Expect to get hit by the spokes a lot at first
Key moves
- Steve — a signature roll pattern with named entry and exit points
- SNS (Shoulder-Neck-Shoulder) — the classic body roll sequence
- Fishtail — the staff tips back and forth on the palm
- Halos — spinning the staff around the head while maintaining contact
Where to buy
- Gora — 8 Headed Dragon Staff — Hungary, the original inventor
- Gora — Contact Staff Flower (dragon adapter) — Hungary
- Firetoys — Threeworlds Fire Dragon Staff — UK/EU
- Firetoys — Threeworlds LED Dragon Staff — UK/EU
- Pyroterra — Lumi Dragon Staff FT2 — Czech Republic, LED pixel
- Oddballs — Gora Fire Staffs — UK