Practice Diary-11/13/2009 Jodo

Hello, this is Asuka.

In our Butokuden Dojo, we practice Jodo before our Kendo practices, for about 30 minutes.

Jodo is often called ‘The way of the stick.’ This martial art uses a short wooden staff, called a ‘Jo’ or ‘Tsue’, to defend oneself against an attacker using a Japanese sword.

First Tsukidue Practice

We started Jodo a few months ago, and now we are practicing some Katas, such as Tsukizue and Suigetsu. It is very interesting for us Kenshis because we can learn a different type of Seme from Jodo. When we do Hikiotoshi-Uchi, we strike the Jo. You would be surprise the power of impact when our Sensei hits the Hikiotoshi-Uchi! You would feel that your sword was blown away by the Jo even though he didn’t hit strongly. Our Sensei said, that you should strike from Kensaki to your leg.

We can use this technique in Kendo, when we do Seme and make opponent lose his balance. It is the first time for me to use this technique when I practice Kote-Men.

Now we can not take Jodo promotion exam here in the USA. I hope will be able to test in the USA soon.