Jodo

Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo

Jodo (the Way of the staff) has roots in the Japanese martial arts that go back many years. In the latter half of the fifteenth century, Muso Gonosuke Katsuyoshi, a student of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu, founded the Muso Shindo Ryu, a school that devised the dynamic art of jo-jutsu. The legend tells that Gonosuke was the only person that could ever defeat the famous swordsman Myamoto Musashi or according to another legend to finish in a draw. After that Gonosuke became an instructor to the Kuroda clan in Kyushu, where the tradition of Muso Shinden Ryu is still living.

Seitei Jodo

Seitei Jodo, similarly to Seitei Iaido, is a modern form of jodo, created in 1968 under the auspice of the All Japan Kendo Federation . The twelve kata and twelve basic techniques (kihon) are derived from koryu (old style) Shindo Muso-ryu and are regarded as the best gateway towards the old style techniques.

To practice Jodo

Jodo is a martial art, which can be practiced by all, regardless of their age. The practice of the jodo kata’s helps one develop a keen sense of distance, zanshin, kiai, a feeling for the partner and a strong mind and body.