Jodo
The Art of Japanese Stick
Fighting
The Jo is the Japanese short fighting
staff; and Jodo is the WAY of the staff.
The meaning of Way to the Japanese is like TAO to the
Chinese... It's a Way to self discipline, a Path to spiritual
progress etc. Much more than just a martial art. So, if you
like, Jodo is the Tao of Stick Fighting.
The five-foot Jo is nothing to be sneered at (even though it's
actually a few inches shorter than that). It is a fair match
for a Japanese Samurai Sword, and in Ancient times it was not
uncommon for Japanese policemen to disarm and arrest swordsmen
using nothing but a wooden Jo.
Learning to use a Jo properly takes years of practise, and is
normally done by students who are already advanced in other
martial arts, such as Aikido or Kendo. (Notice, they are both
Ways as well). The well-rounded martial artist would add Jodo
to his skills as well.
Another art which is similar to Jodo is called Aiki-jo - and
that is done by some Aikido students using a Jo as both an
offensive and defensive weapon. For of course, just like a
handgun, it can be either.
Next: Kendo - the Japanese
Way of the Sword
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