Legend has it that Muso Gonnosuke invented the first set of forms for using a jo (a wooden staff of approximately 4-
Jo practice has become refined and systemised by the ZNKR as Seitei Jodo, which is taught at Hagakure Dojo in addition to our iai syllabus.
Jo practice is split into two main sections: individual/paired kihon waza (technique) and paired kata (forms) simulating actual combat between jo and bokuto.
There are five levels of jodo kata development:
- ZNKR –
set of 12 kata formulated by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation) - Omote-
first series of traditional school, 12 kata
- Chudan-
middles series of traditional school, 12 kata - Ranai-
extension of middle series, 2 kata
- Kage-
secret series of traditional school, 12 kata