Jodo- The Way Of The Stick

[Alan Armstrong]

Jodo, The way of the stick.

The way I view it, is that it involves everything from a small twigg to a tree and most everything in between, such as swords and knives; including Samurai and twirling.

What advice would you give to someone interested in learning Jodo.

[sensei8]

First thing is that one must realize, and respect, that the Jodo is NOT a Bo, and not even close. Sure, there are similarities between the two, however, they're different. It's not a baseball bat, so it doesn't need to be swung!!

Students tend to mistake the characteristics of the Jodo with its cousin, the Bo. How it MIGHT move, and forget really quick, how it DOESN'T move. It's both offense and defense, much of its movements come from the Yari and Naginata. It's effective against many MA weapons, especially the sword, imho. However, if one doesn't like getting up and close and personal with a sword, then the Bo or Naginata, might be best suited.

Bo's are typically 6 feet long, and a tad over 1 inch thick. Whereas a Jodo is typically 3-4 feet, and the thickness of a broom.

If memory serves me, practitioners of Jodo earn no ranks because there are no ranks. There are 12 basic movements, these movements are combined to create 64 techniques, which like anything in the MA, takes time...3-5 years, and perhaps more.

Kill points are taught, in which, the Jodo can be an effective means of protection. However, learning the kill points is never the intended focus, nor should it ever be. Punches and strikes are used, albeit, the focus is on the Jodo primarily.

What I've always loved about the Jodo is that it can be that irritating fly that just bugs the tar out of one opponent unceasingly. It can reach targets that the Bo and/or Naginata can't as easily.

A fantastic companion of the Bo/Naginata, but one best enjoy getting close to the target which shouldn't be so difficult because the Sai, Tonfa, Kama, and Nunchaku, and other similar Kobudo's require close proximity of said target.

Taste and see that the Jodo is pretty good!! That's what I love about Jodo...it's not fixed....it's spirited!! I'm sorry, I just love the darn thing!!!!

Imho!!

[Alan Armstrong]

Gotta love the diversity of Jodo, which appeals to me immensely.

(Warning Jodo is highly addictive)

Here is an over view look at Jodo.

Jo Staff Basics

Jo Staff kata 1

Jo Staff kata 2

Now with plenty of practice

[bushido_man96]

I've worked with the Jo a very little bit, in my time in Aikido. I do like it, and find it quite different from many styles of Bo/Quarterstaff. I think there is lots of value in learning to use it.

[Spartacus Maximus]

One thing the Jo has compared to the Bo, is the greater variety and versatility in locking, jamming, throwing and holding techniques because of its shorter length(better leverage at close range). The shorter length also makes it easier to wield and carry without reducing the intimidation factor.

This is probably why its use is favoured by police forces in Japan for street officers and riot/crowd control units. They are required to become proficient in basic Jo-do for their jobs and on duty they can be seen holding a Jo made of the heaviest hardwood. Some even have reinforced ends. The Jo is in addition to all the regular equipment they are required to wear/carry.