Jodo
杖道
Shindo Musō-Ryū
神道夢想流
Jodo is the study of the application of a 4 foot wooden staff using effective body positioning and techniques to defend against an attack from a sword. Training involves the study of Kihon (basic movements) both Tandoku (solo) and Sotai (paired) and Kata forms comprising both attack and defence movements.
The Kata are the basis of a system of training that offers significantly challenging yet rewarding study. The movements are often simple but can be very difficult to master. Ongoing practice builds the skill and understanding needed to perform each kata with precision and control.
Jodo origins & background.
Jodo has its origins in 17th century Japan with the founder Muso Gonnosuke, a master of kenjutsu (sword) and bojutsu (6 foot staff). Legend has it that he developed the Jo as a weapon to successfully overcome the famous swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. The art of Shindo Muso Ryu (SMR) Jodo subsequently became one of the combat arts of the Kuroda Clan based in present Fukuoka until the 20th century when it was transmitted throughout Japan, and more recently the world.
Jodo training at Kuroyama Budokai.
Study at Kuroyama Budokai principally involves the ZNKR Seitai Kata and Kihon. For more advanced students, deeper study of Iaido is achieved through the practise of SMR.
Other weapons which are taught in conjunction with the jo are - Uchida ryu tanjo jutsu (short stick), Kasumi shinto ryu kenjutsu, Isshin ryu kusari gama jutsu (sickle and chain) and Ikkaku ryu jutte jutsu.
The Shindo Muso ryu is too dangerous for freestyle and is practised with a partner with a bokken, but well trained practitioners bring a focus and fierceness to their training which is mirrored in all old school weapons traditions, due to the life and death nature of their beginnings. These together with combative distancing, cultural understanding and upper body strength are the reasons practitioners of other styles seek out traditional weapons training.
Kaminoda Tsunemori sensei
Jodo has its origins in 17th century Japan with the founder Muso Gonnosuke, a master of kenjutsu (sword) and bojutsu (6 foot staff). Legend has it that he developed the Jo as a weapon to successfully overcome the famous swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. The art of the Jo subsequently became one of the combat arts of the Kuroda Clan based in present Fukuoka until the 20th century when it was transmitted throughout Japan, and more recently the world.
The original Seitei Iaido curriculum was developed as a subset of Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, a 17th Century Koryu (a term for Japanese martial arts that predate the Meiji era). In 1968, the 25th headmaster of the school, Shimizu Takaji, developed a more compact form of the art, called Zen Ken Renmei
What is involved in Jodo training.
Jodo training involves the study of Kihon (basic movements) both Tandoku (solo) and Sotai (paired) and Kata forms comprising both attack and defence movements.
The Seitei Kata are the basis of a system of training that offers significantly challenging yet rewarding study. The movements are often simple but can be very difficult to master. Ongoing practice builds the skill and understanding needed to perform each kata with precision and control.
Why study Jodo.
As with other Budo arts, Jodo is designed to preserve the ancient combat techniques, but with the aim of helping the modern student to achieve control over mind and body through repeated practice. Training develops timing, spatial awareness, coordination, posture, decisiveness, and focus.
What "style" of Jodo do we train.
Study at Kuroyama Budokai principally involves the ZNKR Seitai Kata and Kihon (basic movements). For more advanced students, deeper study of Iaido is achieved through the practise of Shindo Muso Ryu Koryu.
Who are the Kuroyama Budokai Jodo Instructors.
Our Principal Instructors are:
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Damon Schearer - Rokudan (6th Dan)
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Brendan Kee - Rokudan (6th Dan)
Our Assisting Instructors are:
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Andrew Thompson - Yondan (4th Dan)
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Lee Walsh - Sandan (3rd Dan)
Who are the governing bodies for Jodo.
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International Kendo Federation (FIK) is the internationally recognised world-wide federation of national Kendo, Iaido and Jodo.
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Australian Kendo Renmei is the FIK recognised organisation in Australia. It is also recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) to develop Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Australia.
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ACT Kendo Renmei (ACTKR) is the AKR recognised affiliate organisation for the development of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in the ACT.