6 Jō (Staff) Swinging Exercises You Can Train at Home

In our Shunjō videos, Seki Sensei always makes the techniques look very easy. However, for beginners, handling a Jō is very difficult and very different from using a katana. At first, you must start from the Suburi practicing swinging to get used to handling it. You might think, “Oh, ok, there’s a couple of warmup exercises, nice.” No, just Suburi, there are about 20 different kinds.
So today, Seki sensei, the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 400 years of history, will introduce the first 6 Shunjō Suburi that beginners must train. These Suburi can be trained independently at home, so it’s the best way for anyone interested in Jō training to get started. Also, it’s the requirements for the Dan promotion exams of our online Shunjō class, so I hope our members can watch this video many times to review the basics. By the way, tickets for the 3-day training camp in Japan held by Seki Sensei and Let's ask Shogo are now on sale! Check out our Patreon page for more information!
*The content of our videos is based on the teachings of Asayama Ichiden Ryu and personal studies/experience | There is no intention of denying other Ryuha styles, theories, and cultural aspects
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Everything that Shogo uses for their katana training is bought at this shop… Shogo still uses the first training katana he bought in 2016 and is still in good shape!
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#katana #jo #staff #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@letsasksekisensei]

▼Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime. On the other hand, even if you already belong to a different dojo or Ryuha, as long as you’ve clarified it with your Sensei, you are free to join. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO7op2Ol8eepK8 | This is an example of our lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2nCYal6obtgbqc) ▼Seki Sensei's Official Website▼ sekisensei.com/ ▼Where you can meet Shogo in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi▼ A 120-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts! Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en A video of Shogo visiting this experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6KldHR5aZetd68 ▼Please support this channel through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo The management (filming, editing, etc.) of this new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely Shogo’s voluntary work. If he is not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, we will try our best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo. ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Katana, Dōgi Training Gear, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything that Shogo uses for their katana training is bought at this shop… Shogo still uses the first training katana he bought in 2016 and is still in good shape! ▼Welcome to the Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/H2QObLwiO1LnghsJRmVPEwjoin Your support will help us to do more activities in the future, and to achieve the ultimate goal of reviving the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu when we had 7,000 students nationwide. -Priority reply to comments (video requests are welcomed) -Monthly membership limited video ▼Check out our merchandise▼ my-store-db9e71.creator-spring.com/ Get our shirts, hoodies, towels, etc. with the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Crest The Asayama Ichiden Ryu's crest is the family crest of the 19th headmaster, Takeishi Sensei. The design represents two arrows which are believed to ward off evil. ▼What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk ▼Seki sensei's Ultimate Dream▼ "To revive the golden age of Asayama Ichiden Ryu with 7,000 students nationwide" Asayama Ichiden Ryu was once the number one Ryuha in Japan during the Edo period (1603~1868), with more than 7,000 students throughout the country. Seki Sensei hopes to restore as much of the glory of this era as possible while he himself is the 22nd headmaster. Please help and support us in this endeavor. ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here | We will not reply to emails

[@rolandgdean]

Jo was my favorite training my sensei would teach us. It’s a VERY effective weapon. Once a small boy tossed me (1.93m tall) over three shaku into the air just by using proper technique. It was due to my energy because I thought to myself, “This boy is small and I’m giant. I’ll just TAKE this thing from him and freeze his attempt.” Soon after, as I looked up from the flat of my back with sensei looking over me, I realized I’d learned a valuable lesson about leverage and proper technique.

[@AlphonsoFrett-xz6pi]

I appreciate the Jo staff

[@JohnBullard]

The focused power in the tip of the jo is amazing, and shattering rock or bricks is quite easy. Anyone can develop tremendous accuracy with practice.

[@LeBellmont]

This feels like the most accessible self defense. A cane or something of similar length is more likely to be available than a full walking stick/sword nearby. haha Thank you and arigato Seki Sensei

[@TheCCBoi]

I love the Jo so much, it’s so rare to see it on KZbin.

[@KateJohn2013England]

Everone should have a go at this 😊 It's practical and a good way to keep fit and good fun 👍 Master Seki is brilliant 👍Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate

[@iLLeag7e]

I can't say enough nice stuff about this channel. They upload very frequently. Every video is excellent. The video production is pretty flawless. They do a perfect job catching the perfect angles to show how this stuff is done. Seki Sensei is the perfect Master Splinter for us to learn from in this crazy new KZbin age. As far as martial arts content goes, Lets ask Seki Sensei is AAA youtube fair, really good stuff. Shogo is lucky to have such an awesome sensei to learn from and build with, and Seki Sensei should be proud of this Shogo kid

[@thehobo00]

You guys really should do a follow-up on the video you made where Sensei tried out a longsword! A few videos have been made as responses by some great HEMA channels like Matt Easton and Skallagrim, and it'd be great to hear Sensei's reaction to their videos and the explanations they have for certain things, such as how Sensei didn't like the grip being in line with the guard (this is because in HEMA you guard with the edge of the blade, not the flat). You'd probably get tons of views if you did make a video like that, too, because it's a very unique perspective on something that has a very dedicated community!

[@naruomi9477]

It’s actually very rare to see Japanese staff videos on KZbin. Good job 🎉🎉

[@KaptainCanuck]

The rokushakubō (the actual name for the 6' staff) is Okinawan. Japanese arts used the hanbo (4') and jo (3"), allegedly, but not the rokushakubō. It was adopted from Okinawa-te

[@Proidysweet]

Wow! This video is among my favourite. I recognize staff's power, it's OP!

[@DarkShaman667]

There is sooo much detail! I would have to watch and analyse this video over and over, just to get one exercise right.

[@igorkuz3816]

Greetings from Lithuania. I really enjoyed your videos using a short stick (Falcon Stick). Could you make a video on how to use a short stick if you are attacked with a knife or attacked by an enemy without a knife (for example, he wants to grab you or hit you in the head). Sincerely, Igor.

[@AlexanderGent]

Nice to see someone else utilising the Jo on both left and right!

[@benjaminsente7430]

Thank you so much for your competent demonstration Seki San !

[@Whitman1819]

Thank you Sensei!

[@johnchipmanseishinaikido1531]

Very nice flow and function. Please keep these coming..

[@spideyrolan]

mesmerising

[@peteflute2817]

Oussss, he is the best in Japan, 🙏👊

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@filipkubicek5451]

Hello, could you please do video on how to fight with nodachi? Thank you very much

[@ZACHANDJACKSZACHSMAFIA]

I practice stick martial arts of many kinds. Many types of sticks are created from the wood in my backyard. -Zach

[@JohanLind]

I'm only familiar with the Aikido version of the Jo suburi (i.e. jo 31 kata) and these exercises are somewhat different although I also see some similarities. Thanks!

[@addictedtoblades2]

Very nice brother, thanks for showing me ❤

[@user-vb5sl3my3m]

Fantastic information thank you for sharing 🇬🇧☸️☯️

[@AlphonsoFrett-xz6pi]

I train in Aikido and judo The more I train in Judo the more I want to learn Jo staff

[@tedrex8959]

Thank you, this was really interesting to me as I am disabled and require a walking stick to get around.

[@tfjzz]

your lessons are subarashii! thank you! subscribed

[@swpi]

Freaking awesome!

[@insidious_rl]

Jo staff is my specialty and i love it. Its funny how its my best but the specialty of the style i made is a sword lol. With the jo staff i prefer it to be on the long side incorporating alot of wide swings keeping both distance and flow

[@DaVeiy13]

Starting my training with this considering I have a broom at home until I get my equipment. Thank you for your videos, its all I needed to get me back into martial arts. Had to leave Karate after learning my technique and sensei left then the next one told me my techniques were wrong teaching a different style.

[@blackswordsman6216]

Nice

[@warrikata]

if anyone wants a good shoulder and arm workout, this does it!

[@MrLolx2u]

I have a new idea tho... How about a western cavalry saber that's curved or a cutlass vs a katana and let Sensei try the cutlass/cavalry sword and see how he judges it comparing it against a traditional katana as the cavalry sword doesn't allow double handed techniques. Also, some historical fact: After the Meiji Restoration period and the collapse of the Bafuku, the Japanese military was very westernized and after the whole Satsuma Rebellion, katanas were fallen out of favour as suddenly making blades like a katana was painstakingly hard to arm a ever swelling army of conscripts thus what the Meiji military officials did was implement the western cavalry concept and merge it with Japanese blademaking techniques. So it has "sanmai" blademaking techniques but with the ornate furnishings of katanas but instead hilts like western military sabers of it's time and this culture of "Japanese military saber" happened till somewhere in the 1930s where the "Gunto" was made to bring back the "Samurai warrior" culture prior to WW2. So with Japanese military officers already using such blades and proficient with such techniques during the 1880s-1930s, it will be fun to see Sensei trying kenjutsu techniques with a cavalry saber going toe-to-toe with a katana. Also, that did happen in "The Last Samurai" so it'll be even better to see how Sensei uses the cavalry saber to his advantage with Japanese swordplay style.

[@thomasfloyd6714]

I'd love to see A reacts to samurai Champloo and rurouni kenshin live action

[@xiezhao9075]

Hey, would it be possible to make a video on how armor impacts sword stances?

[@fernandohiram]

Great videos! Aways! Can you please talk about the Jo size? It looks smaller than aikijo.

[@liambyrne3748]

Idea for another Seki Sensei reaction video: Two vs. One: Steel Longsword - Sparring Showcase. Three experienced HEMA practitioners sparring 2 vs 1. Would be interesting to hear his views on this.

[@fvlse_]

What would are jo staffs typically made of? Is a different wood used for a training jo vs a real jo?

[@letsasksekisensei]

They are typically made from White Oak!

[@fvlse_]

@@letsasksekisensei I appreciate that you respond to comments despite the massive numbers you produce.

[@agent_m8869]

Thank you very much i love the last swinging exercise, upon some thinking all 6 Jo Swinging Exercises can be link together in any combination am i correct?..🤔🤔🤔

[@saikham4266]

สวัสดีครับอาจารย์🙏

[@johnvelas70]

I am relaying a question for a quadriplegic friend. She would like to know what the ettiquette is for (not)bowing when you meet an elderly Japanese man? She can tilt her head upward but not down, and wants to be polite since he and his wife are inviting her to dinner.

[@INFINITYYYYY]

Can we get same tutorial but for 5 shaku Bo?

[@Maryland_Kulak]

What is the length of the shunjo? It looks like 3 shaku. We would call this a hanbo (half of a rokushakubo) in Bujinkan. Our jo is 4 shaku. The shunjo is waist high; the jo is armpit high on average people.

[@nijiru4448]

From a previous video, the shorter jo is 3.2 shaku.

[@Eri587]

If possible could you make a video talking about why the katana tsuba is so small? One point of criticism that the katana gets is that the tsuba doesn't provide good hand protection, can you explain why the katana is like this and what Asayama Ichiden Ryu does to avoid attacks to the hand despite the lack of a good sword guard?

[@Matthew-zb3iw]

he seems to use movement and parries to avoid attacks to the wrist/hand, taking advantage of the agility of the Japanese sword compared to its HEMA counterparts with more robust crossguards.

[@TulkOrkan]

Is this applicable to the longer Jo staff?

[@KaptainCanuck]

Take note that a "jo" (it is not "jo staff" just as it is not "bo staff) is about 3'-5" and is also called a "hawnbo" (riot stick)

[@peppybocan]

Funnily I did all these suburi as part of Aikido dojo too...

[@dannydagerous]

hello

[@garyhendrick4391]

Sensei, why is your Jo so short? I was taught using a Jo that is just below shoulder height

[@letsasksekisensei]

We use two different lengths of Jo staffs. This one is the shorter one, really the length of a cane.

[@t3rcx]

At 6:14 Seki-sensei becomes Zatoichi.

[@airsoft9077]

Would be a cool video maybe to react to for honor. Obviously its focus is not realism but hey.

[@ryufight7987]

Are my eyes 👀 deceiving me . But the jo in this video looks shorter than the usual jo staff . ?

[@letsasksekisensei]

Yes, our shorter Jo is about a Hanbo!

[@ryufight7987]

​@letsasksekisensei, thank you for the response ❤

[@canadianninja1756]

Would love to see your guys' reactions to the video series "Fiore Di Battaglia" (Italian for "Flower of Battle") by Polish KZbin Channel "Akademia Szermierzy", specifically parts 2 and 3 which are the "Guards of the Sword" and "Plays of the Sword" respectively. "Fiore Di Battaglia" was a medieval fighting manual written by Italian knight and fencing master, Fiore dei Liberi (born: Fiore Furlano de Cividale d'Austria, delli Liberi da Premariacco) around 1404-05. Not only does the manual discuss sword fighting but also unarmed combat (especially grappling). The nice thing about the videos by Akademia Szermierzy is that they show us pages taken from the manuals as well as real-life demonstrations of each technique. This helps us understand what each move is trying to accomplish.