The Jo

 

Although quite an inoffensive and humble-looking weapon, the Jo has been described as the ultimate fighting weapon because of its versatility, especially in the hands of a skilled user when it can be quite lethal. Traditionally, the jo is made of hardwood, such as Japanese oak, normally measuring 4 feet and 2 inches with a diameter of 7/8 of an inch. It is not unusual, to find these dimensions vary - depending on several factors.

Moso Gonnosuki was reported to be the inventor of the jo. In the early 16 century, Moso was a samurai whose favorite weapon was the Bo (a six-foot staff). Moso's fighting skills with the Bo were well known as he defeated foe after foe. Then one day he met Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan's greatest swordsmen. The following battle was long and hard but Moso was defeated.  Miyamoto spared Moso's life, who promptly retired to the mountains to contemplate. During this "meditation" period, Moso developed the shorter staff and adapted his bo techniques to suit his new weapon, the Jo. When Moso felt ready, he left his mountain retreat and once again, confronted Miyamoto, challenging him to a duel. This time it was Moso who was the victor and he too spared Miyamoto's life. Since then, the jo as we know it, has been credited to Moso Gonnosuki.

The Jo has since proved itself a weapon in its own right especially as it was very effective against the sword. The Jo can be used for jabbing, blocking, and trapping an opponent's weapons as well, as striking vulnerable points. What made it so effective, is that both ends can be used by rapid hand changes or turnovers, etc. Its versatility as a fighting weapon made it the favorite of the warrior class and ordinary people. The warrior's influence and connection with the sword played an important part in the development of the Jo and therefore techniques and etiquette are very similar. Various fighting techniques have been retained in the Jo arts of Jo-Jitsu and Jodo.

Uyeshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido, discovered the Jo to be the ideal tool to utilize with his Aikido. Techniques differ in insomuch, that movements are much more flowing and softer, than in Jodo and Jo-Jitsu. The idea is to use the Jo as an extension of Aikido principles rather than a "weapon", which gives it more freedom of movement. This unique method of using the Jo became known as aiki-Jo. Practitioners of kendo, karate, and jujitsu are some of the arts that often use the Jo to supplement their training, to enhance, their techniques - each art adapting the Jo to suit their particular needs. In Aikido, the Jo is used for similar reasons but it has become more than just a tool, because of the spirit in which it is used.

Most weapons training use kata (set forms), as a discipline for developing their skills and the Jo is no exception. There are not many "official” forms for the Jo but in Aikido the long form known as "Kata no Sanjuichi" is one, that is recognized internationally as the standard. There appear to be some minor differences from region to region but generally, this form contains many of the basic strikes, etc. required of the Jo. There are many other Forms such as the "Five-Elements Kata" which is a modern form, particularly practiced, in Europe and is used to express the relationship between the "Five-Elements" of life and the Universe. Although the two forms mentioned above appear very contrasting in their display, they still share the essence and spirit of aiki.

In the practice of Jo-tori (Jo taking and disarming), many techniques are similar to ken-tori (sword disarming). This similarity is of profound significance because it helps the student to understand the relationship between the Jo and the sword. Understanding the relationship serves the student to gain fulfillment in the deeper meaning of Aikido, to understand the philosophy of Kushindo, and to be motivated and inspired.

Choosing a Jo should be the same as with a sword. One takes considerable care when spending money on a sword, it needs to "bond" with our spirit. Because the Jo is a lot cheaper in comparison, we should apply a similar consideration. Jo's do vary in shape, size, and weight, thereby affecting the control the individual has. Shop around and compare different Jo's, till one feels right for you, and get a case for it! Once you have obtained your Jo - it should become part of you. You have a responsibility to give it "life" by spending hours, feeling every part of it, getting to know every bump, chip, and the very grain of the wood. Eventually, Jo will feel alive and charged with your energy - an extension of yourself. Every time you use it the rapport between you and Jo strengthens until the proverbial oneness is achieved and experienced.

No one else should pick up or handle your Jo without permission or abuse it in any way as applied to all personal weapons. The Jo must be treated with respect at all times - otherwise one is not fit to use the Jo, never mind owning one!

Just as in other arts, regular training in suburi and Kata helps one to develop spirit. Watching displays, etc. one senses the power generated by the Jo, so it is hardly surprising that the Jo has gained many followers from the various other arts. It is up to these followers, by their actions and attitudes to retain the spirit of the Jo and the essence of budo.

A word of warning! do not carry an un-cased Jo or practice in a public place. The obvious reason would be the safety aspect, the chance "accident".  Also, transporting un-cased weapons, no matter how innocent they may look, quite often stirs the interest of the local constabulary. In this day and age, with the increase in violence, it is not surprising that any weapon is labeled as "offensive". Do not risk provoking the law - make sure all weapons are well wrapped and secured in some way if no "custom" case is available, therefore denying those who condemn martial arts the opportunity to utilize such incidents to shame the martial arts in the public's eye.