Jodo (way of the wooden staff) is a well hidden jewel in the world of martial arts it consists of prearranged kata (forms) of the Jo (wooden staff) vs the Bokken (wooden Japanese sword). There are three distinct training areas of Jodo which are:
- Kihon (Basic forms)
- Sotai Dosa (Paired forms)
- Kata (Jo vs Bokken)
Jodo does not rely on strength or fitness. It can be learnt by anyone committed to practice. As the student trains they become more agile, confident and focused along with improved fitness from the physical exercise.
The program focuses on the Kata from the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) Jodo curriculum which is the most practiced form of Jodo today. Developed in the late 1960’s, ZNKR Jo is derived from the Jo techniques of Shindo Muso Ryu. This traditional school was founded around the end of the 16th century by Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi.