Proving Why the Jō (Japanese Staff) is So Strong

[@letsasksekisensei]

🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp 2025: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop ⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ Sign Up HERE (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei 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 (kzbin.info). ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style ❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future) 🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍 🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101 *🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set 🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069 🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533 🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189 🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781 🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501 🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons: Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up? A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons. Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback. Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use? A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length. The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training. Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style? A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all. The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing. 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻 sekisensei.com/ 🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵 Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi) Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@paulgray3013]

Thank you both Shogo, and Seki for the fantastic videos. 🙏 Do you have a syllabus or way I can study from England?

[@unkatom]

So nice to see the Jō explained in English and not have it be an Aikido Jō!

[@zanir2387]

I have a question: can i use both a sai and a katana combined?

[@Yama_no_Kitsune]

I love the fact that they took the time to mention: "this are our techniques, there are other styles, older, different, but this are ours." It is a good mark of a school not to preach "ours is the one and only truth." :)

[@Belznis]

Being a noob, I just want to ask, but would the katana break the staff by cutting. They kind of answered it, but those attacks he made were quite risky. Then again, I guess having a tool is better than not having one at all.

[@Yama_no_Kitsune]

@@Belznis I have seen other youtubers, like Skallagrim, discuss the chances of a sword cutting a staff and it is so and so.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

​@@Belznis If you have an improvised staff made of who-knows-what softwood, it might happen. However, a staff that is intended to be useful as weapon are usually hardwoods, so the only time there is a real risk of a sword cut blasting all the way through in a single cut is if you attempt a static block against the edge of the sword (particular if the angle is close to 90°). In particular, don't attempt an well-braces, overhead cross block (jūmonji-dome) against a downward sword cut (shōmen-uchi / shōmen-giri). That block works find against another staff or a typical spear, though. Shadiversity also did some tests a few months ago against a well-sharpened sword, and it did blast through on one of the tests that was set up in a way that would be similar to the jūmonji-dome block.

[@russellnolan9212]

There can be masters that talk badly about other styles to make theirs look better.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

​@@Belznispersonally I have cut on sticks with many kinds of swords. If they are a good hardwood that isn't too dry, not braced allowed to give a little when hit they are generally will get a nick or little chunk taken out but not anything close to being but in half. Yes eventually the still can be cut through with repeated cuts, like how one chops down a tree. But with a walking stick if you have to use it in self defense you only need to survive one fight which is likely going to be decided quickly. If the stick takes to much damage in a fight you get a new one. If you have an emotional attachment to the stick that saved you then carve it into something or give it highlighted spot nest to your sword collection. But basically it's about saving your life once in one fight more than being a weapon one would have for years & use in battle after battle. In modern times I've walked daily with the same stick for about 10 years & owned it 20. It's American hickory & definitely could hold up in a self defense situation. Fortunately in the modern world it's unlikely anyone would be attacked by a sword so against pocket knives & other comment items even less damage would be expected.

[@margodphd]

My 11 year old self was very proud of "inventing" broomstick fighting style. I feel slightly validated in many techniques, this video is like a very educational, warm hug.

[@Theorof]

The idea of maintaining contact and pressure is really important in many unarmed martial arts like judo and karate. The fact that Seki sensei mentioned it really informs us that it's very practical.

[@KarstenWade]

When Seki sensei showed the wrist-to-wrist run along the arm, it's similar to a few aikido techniques for self defense against weapons. I remember hours of doing similar hand and foot moves for getting inside the defense of a katana/bokken, off the line of the attack, and using your opponent's energy against them.

[@anas-432]

@@KarstenWade it makes sense that all the samurai martial arts have similar style, also they are very practical and short, meaning it easy to learn to apply.

[@lukenukem1575]

@@KarstenWade aikido is probably the closest unarmed martial art to Jodo, you see alot of movements in each of them :)

[@travissmith2848]

The humble stick. A staff has been used by many cultures around the globe even when more shiny and more devastating weapons became available. Not only were they still used, but could hold their own. Even today the baton is a common enough weapon and it is nothing more than a rather short staff. This is almost the kind of class I'd recommend many, but particularly young women take. The same techniques can to a large degree be used with a folded umbrella allowing for self defense without needing a weapon as such.

[@Ghalion666]

Never bring a knife to a gunfight. But you can bring a staff to one! =p. Seriously though i have a friend who took martial arts starting with a staff, then he tried sword. He wanted to be good with the staff but he said he kept whacking himself with it by mistake. (He wasnt very good at martial arts in general, it was just a kids fancy when he was a teen)

[@scottrackley4457]

"There's nothing like a nice piece of hickory."

[@42Mrgreenman]

Yeah, the simple jo staff is a serious weapon IRL, not only is it basically a walking-stick, but you can augment it and basically make it a mace if you need it and conceal it to carry it almost anywhere...and there are SO MANY techniques for both...

[@vivianevans8323]

I love this channel not least because of the visual beauty all the katas with the different weapons convey - like beautiful, lethals dances. But above all I love watching Seki Sensei showing his joy in demonstrating the different katas. Please keep this channel going!

[@ThePreacher2232]

Yes! Seki sensei's joyful smile is like a kid in a candy shop. It brings me joy every time you see him teach someone something new. You can tell it is his joy and passion. Its just so authentic.

[@wesleylee4962]

I respect the "Practicle," no flashy, energy wasting. A long fight is very dangerous as there are more chances of injuries.

[@quintork4100]

as a child i was drawn to the martial arts,itried wu shu,but felt more at home with japanese styles,i joined a karate dojo in london spent three years training,one day a man came to the dojo and started training kendo within a year i decided to just train sword,sensei mansfield will always be the closest i had to a father.when kendo became an olympic sport he stopped teaching kendo!his sensei in japan was getting old so he moved there for ten years ,to learn as much as he could!and when he returned he just taught jo and iai ,the jo is a truly universal weapon,way,art this simple stick is so powerful ,i am so lucky to have been brought up with the values of budo within a wreckless,teeenagers mind and body,bless!great channel thank you x uk

[@madbug1965]

On nice thing about the jo is that you don't have to worry about cutting yourself with it unlike a sword. You can focus all your attention on different ways to defend and attack.

[@Milkman688]

I love the Jo. The Jo never lies. It will show you weakness/holes in your technique.

[@堀高士-p5y]

関先生の体捌き・足捌き・杖の扱い方が良く分かります、とても勉強になります。

[@fablerh2476]

Very interesting and confirms my opinion about the short staff. Cool thing is: that’s one of the few “weapons” you can carry in public because you can disguise it as a cane. Learning how to wield a sword is cool, but for self defense in the street the Jo staff has a lot more to offer.

[@Rhythmicons]

Most places have laws against carrying blunt objects like this. Using one will surely run afoul those statutes.

[@oddoneout1835]

Gonna deprive a man of his cane huh.😕

[@Rhythmicons]

@@oddoneout1835 They get to define the intent.

[@superman5150]

@@Rhythmicons what about using a crutch for a broken leg? Is that not a blunt object in the right hands?

[@neohubris]

@@Rhythmicons you can carry a walking cane any where you want, we all have knee and back issues. You can even carry a walking cane onto an airplane. another option is an umbrella

[@zoranhome]

Seki sensei has such simple, gentle way of explaining things, and you can feel the love and passion for his art in every word and move. I may not ever train in this beautiful skill, but I truly enjoy every video. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@jjs3890]

These demonstrations, explanations and techniques are brilliant. Paired with positive and ego free attitudes make this a pleasure to watch.

[@chriss6971]

It's great how you all put the weapons and techniques into historical and cultural contexts.

[@TsurugiLover]

I actually spent a summer learning aiki jo techniques and I absolutely fell in love with the jo staff. It's always so cool to learn about other techniques with it. Thanks for the video!

[@russellnolan9212]

To western folks who might not be familiar with bamboo sticks, they can be very tough, and of course, it grows very quickly. I see the practicality of where it came into being, but it must be practiced! Thank you masters and presenter.

[@Skiamakhos]

Jo are usually Japanese oak. They're pretty tough. I have a few around my house in case of intruders.

[@gaius_enceladus]

Yep, never underestimate the staff! Simple but very effective.

[@ninpo9]

Im 25yrs Ninjutsu, used many weapons but Jo my favourite as also used in survival to get thru foliage/laders/carry kit etc & saved my dog life when ran into a bog I used it to save dog. Can still train in old age with weapons but sports arts cannot & weapons are also tools. Love these clips & kobudo. 🥷

[@killzinshadows3767]

I'm not shure if this would be possible with Japan's sword laws. But I would love to see Sensei Seki be given a European long sword for a month , and see his thoughts and what katas and techniques he could come up with for the unfamiliar weapon. I understand Japan has very particular laws on swords so it may not be possible, but I feel alot of people would be very interested in this .

[@FFXI_Addict]

For functional kata practice, a sword made of red oak mimicks the weight of metal quite well. That wouldn't break any laws.

[@killzinshadows3767]

@@FFXI_Addict Great solution!!!! I like it👍🏻👍🏻

[@the_allucinator]

A Zweihander hehe. There are HEMA training swords which are blunt and might not be illegal

[@dylanlawrence5261]

Agreed, maybe one of the plastic training longswords would be legally ok in japan. When i bought mine it came shipped as a "toy" sword

[@KenpoKid77]

​@@the_allucinatorIt's not so much about the sharpness of a sword in Japan, because you can have an iaito, which is blunt. Plus, they use live blades for cutting and demos all the time. The bigger issue would be the type of steel used. In Japan, a sword, sharp or blunt, can only contain Tamagahane steel. Any other type of steel used, and it's considered a weapon.

[@TheCCBoi]

I love the smooth flow of attacks.

[@Will-ir3bi]

I don't think that I will ever be able to stop commenting on the humor and goodwill that you gentlemen share and spread. All of you , especially when working/playing together create a new world that keeps on propagating and more and more of us are drawn into that world and creating our own as we become part of a more wonderful whole . I hope that you feel this way too , in fact, I know that you do. Sharing wisdom and joy are the Heart's truth. And you're sharing yours. Lux et Veritas (Love the truth) and Excelsior ( Ever Upward) ♥️🖖🙏!

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

As a long time student of Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo (originating in the early Edo Period), there are a lot of similar principles here - also taught in SMR is Uchida Ryu Tanjo-jutsu (post Meiji origins), which is approximately the same length as your short Jo. (the SMR Jo is of an intermediate length at 4.21 shaku - in the old days, this was about the height from the ground to the armpit, and is about 2 palm-spans longer than the standard bokuto used in training.) We have just been introduced to Tendo Ryu Jo-jutsu, and it does represent an e-bu whose blade has been broken off the naginata. Originally the same length, 5 shaku, as your Jo, our Jo are now fitted to one's height - effectively, I actually use a rokushaku 'bo' for my TR Jo training. It is very enjoyable for me to have this change to compare & contrast these weapons arts. Keep up the good work!

[@letsasksekisensei]

Thank you for leaving a comment! Seki sensei is an instructor in Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo, and 7 th Dan in Jodo too!

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

@@letsasksekisensei Seems that we share several practices. He so much reminds me of several different budo sensei that I have learned from over the years.

[@TrueFork]

Do you ever attend ZNKR jodo events, and do you get any comments about using a non-standard length jo there?

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

@@TrueFork For the record, Yes I have attended ZNKR Jodo events, and I have always only used standard length weapons. I have used my non-standard (longer than standard) length weapons in our local dojo during SMR training for the illustration of proportional lengths and associated demonstrations.

[@TrueFork]

@@raymondsosnowski9717 thanks for the clarification, I was just wondering if there'd been a change in their stance

[@kingfish4575]

Yes! Been waiting for this one.

[@GerinoMorn]

I spent youth doing among other, aiki-jō, and it has became my favourite melee weapon from the moment I got my hands on an authentic, well crafted jō. It's so much more than just "a stick".

[@somerandomoldguy4940]

Really loving this content. I have only studied Toyama Ryu/ Nakamura ryu but I have always wanted to a koryu art.

[@Ween4ever]

I’m watching this a yr after it was posted since it happened to pop up. I’ve been practicing Jodo as well for only 7 or 8 years and I learn a different style, but also learn koryu and sometimes Tokyo style. Mostly we have to do Sei tei to grade, though I’m not all about the paper of grading. I love learning the short sword, using the Jo, and my Senseis explain the history and importance of fine details as well. I found this video to be extremely interesting!

[@lonewolf5896]

Such a humble master.....arigatou..

[@Ween4ever]

Commented as a reply to someone. I’m heading to another seminar soon and can’t wait to learn even more from the ones from Japan and France! I am grateful that my Senseis cover the history and tactics of fine movements. They use both long/short O and long/short teaching and I love learning when they decide to teach us some! Thank you for this video!

[@stevekillgore9272]

Thank you, loved seeing the short jo highlighted

[@CottonTailJoe]

I am glad that you are addressing this subject, it is an amazing aspect of the arts that goes un-noticed.

[@eliabeck689]

I love that everything here is explained with body dynamics. It's super cool to see how little changes in position can make such a big difference on the result!

[@Turnabout]

Seki Sensei's eyes are quite interesting, particularly in this video. When he is holding conversation and/or instructing, his eyes are kind and understanding. One can tell that he is not only projecting an aura of wisdom, but also watching his student's reactions. He retains the same look when he is trying to draw someone into the ruse with the kimono, and that seems deliberate. But when he is demonstrating sword or staff technique, his eyes change. His look is more cold and focused. Fascinating.

[@anas-432]

I love how seki sensei explains the history of the weapons and how it was used in war time.

[@johnp9298]

I respect and appreciate your skills and that of your teachers. With that respect when you said the length of a long Jo is the same as the distance of your arms spread respectfully varies. The spread of your arms is usually the same as your height. A taller person would have a longer Jo then. I expect your viewing this from a shorter person perspective.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Hitting a stout stick with a sword usually takes a chunk out, but you're not taking a jo to battle it's you're walking stick. If you have to use it to defend your life it will likely be a quick fight, with 1 or 2 oponents & once you are safe you get a new stick. You can do things to mitigate the damage; parry a sword on its flats or spine for example. Or quickly pull the stick towards yourself when the blade is making contact to help absorbe the energy. Ultimately it's a tool.

[@CarlDWardJr]

Jo is my favorite tool but I have never seen these technics. Thank you and they really are Koboku!

[@peatybirchgroover]

Arigato Sensei!

[@kanetao]

I learned some new staff concepts! Great video.

[@davidyoung745]

I’m so impressed by the practicality, and how generously sensei shares his knowledge. Really wonderful stuff. そして、もししょごさんやせき先生がいつか北海道に来るようていがあたら、ぜひ教えて下さい。喜んであないします。

[@glsmisfit]

I'm excited I love staff

[@AnthonySell]

Thank you for sharing this. Having studied staff methods from other cultures, I find this material endlessly fascinating.

[@ren7a8ero]

Kobudo is wonderful!

[@DocSanders]

Every time you speak I learn. ありがとうございました。

[@glennnanod3160]

Love these informative and enlightening posts on an interesting Japanese sword art.

[@rolandgdean]

I LOVED training with Jo in my old dojo...it was my favorite weapon. Being almost two meters tall, my Jo gave me enough reach to hold with someone wielding a Bo. Being a wood worker, I made my own at 3 shaku long since it's just a simple design but, I would use harder and heavier exotic woods with VERY straight and tight grain. Against a sword, very hard woods can even GRAB THE BLADE by receiving a strike and allowing the blade to hang in the wood slightly...it's not a lot but sometimes all you need is a split second in your favor to win. Also, if you use a Jo to PARRY a strikes off the side of the blade, if you can time it that way, your Jo will take far less damage. Many people think that you need to cut deep into someone to stop them...many of those people have never been hit in the face with a stick...lol.

[@canadafree2087]

What woods? Ironwood?

[@rolandgdean]

@@canadafree2087 I made one out of Padauk. VERY hard and the wood is naturally blood-red in color. Purple Heart is another one that is very hard and heavy and the BRIGHT purple wood is very nice. One made from Katalox would be beautiful, especially if I made it from along the sapwood line...the contrast would be brilliant. Plus, with the harder woods, they can be made in smaller diameters without sacrificing strength.

[@canadafree2087]

@@rolandgdean Thanks, we only have one martial art supply place here and it is the usual Japanese Oak, nothing fancy.

[@ZenDoggie]

I don't practice Japanese martial arts, but I always learn something from Sensei and your videos because his principles, explanations, and techniques are always so excellent. Thank you!

[@thespacebanana1307]

Stick fighting is the purest form of armed combat in my opinion

[@erkwild2000]

Thanks!

[@stevenmessina220]

I practice SMR and this is so interesting, thank you for sharing Seki Sensei

[@deanmcintyre4334]

Jo originally meant cane? Fascinating because shillelaghs were Irish walking sticks(canes) that were also used also used as stout clubs. When my great great great grandfather came to America in the 1800s he carried a shillelagh everywhere and only spoke Gaelic

[@Filbie]

So fast and elegant, love it

[@akademia_kenjutsu]

absolutely great

[@thejanitorssweeps5883]

Great new content thanks for all the years and different subject matter

[@stevefrench1356]

Thank you for sharing and helping us understand the importance of Japanese culture

[@gabe7362]

I bet the older gentleman there would main kali sticks if he ever played cod modern warfare Edit: you have yourself an awesome sensei

[@Christopher_James86]

Discovered you videos today! Love them thank you for spreading this knowledge and techniques !

[@the36thchamber89]

More content about Jo and Bo would be greatly appreciated!

[@johnchipmanseishinaikido1531]

Outstanding content and background on each technique.

[@reginaldwelkin]

When he defended against a strike to his left, I expected a left-handed defense. It was interesting that he did what amounted to a right-handed defense of his left side. Fascinating!

[@kaijukoopa1248]

This was a great lesson, thank you

[@arthurcab]

Thank you so much for putting this out there. I'd love to see some of the jujutsu katas of Asayama Ichiden Ryu in future videos!

[@Eliel7230]

I really liked this lesson ! Thank you all for sharing. I will study these moves and practice.

[@Vespuchian]

The examples of the short Jo remind me a lot of European singlestick techniques, from the same era. Makes sense since both are the same basic idea of a 'fighting walking stick'.

[@vesaliusnotdead]

this channel is GREAT

[@-westman3619]

I just commented about wanting to see jo content recently and it's right here! This is amazing 😭

[@letsasksekisensei]

We hope you enjoyed watching!

[@mikedoucette8581]

Thank you Sensei. I especially enjoyed the use of anatomical weaknesses and natural reflexes.

[@mehome4163]

Very instructive. Even for unarmed combat. Arrigato sensei!

[@mag287100]

Thank you for this so much! I always thought the Jo had good movements to be employed. This showed me it is superb and outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@Alfareon]

i like how happy sensei looks when he's demonstrating the coat throw

[@eepyJay]

Staffs are seriously the coolest fighting weapon!

[@7GtwNYkHYs]

this is very interesting, arigato seki sensei, video wa omoshiroi, ii benkyou shimashita

[@NamMonn_]

I think you’re the best source for Japanese armed martial or Kobudo in English accessible sources ❤🙏

[@AKadir8]

5:03 I still can't wrap my head around that counter. In a real fight that would be very hard to pull off but also very bamboozling for the opponent. Imagine getting hit the second you hit. Great tutorial!

[@canadafree2087]

I grew up with the Jo being 4' while the Hanbo being 3' or half-Bo with the Bo being 6'. I like the stick-to-him with this style.

[@richt63]

Fantastic 💕💕💕. I love this video. I'm disabled and I use a cane. I will definitely use some of these techniques and incorporated them what I already know.

[@monicab204]

This was very interesting. I studied Bo for a while and only had very limited Jo experience. Love the Falcon Staff. 🙂 Thank you! ❤️

[@thomasturner4253]

Thanks for continuing to educate us all On old ryu of Japan

[@tokenstandpoint93]

Jodo is the main non bladed kububo weapon I want to learn. It's such an under appreciated art!

[@YamamotoKazuo]

Jo staff has a lot of sword techniques in it. Some even say it was the staff version of the nodachi

[@laketoya316]

i used to practice with a similar weapon when i trained in taekwondo (we actually used escrima sticks which come from filipino martial arts) and i think some people would be surprised how solid these kind of staffs are. definitely would be very hard to break with a sword and actually i think the sword would get more damaged than the stick 😅

[@Paperkux]

Thank you for sharing this...always brilliant

[@ememe1412]

Very interesting. The Jo in the Aikido tradition is split between Bo and Yari techniques. The Yari techniques being adapted to the shorter length of mokujo (rifle with bayonet 'replica') in jukenjutsu, then to the Aikido Jo (which is about the length of a mokujo without the rifle butt part). The first few Jo suburi show the relationship to bayonets. The latter more swinging suburi show the bo root forms.

[@johnlansing2902]

I was instructed that study in the weapons at hand ( sticks stones hands ) should come first because they are always available.

[@tosaveonelife]

Absolutely LOVE these videos ! I was wondering if you could show how to use Kama ? Thank you !

[@ConveyApp]

I love watching these videos. I have trained in various martial arts. Particularly Filipino martial arts. I train in Arnis, and Kali, some empty hand trapping and some Thai kickboxing. Some of the principals are very similar. Plus the instructors movements are very similar to the moment of the other arts. Quit interesting in how similar real fighting arts look.

[@bansheep1]

Extremely impressive!

[@deanmcintyre4334]

The staff really is one of the simplest coolest weapons

[@alexdetrojan4534]

I have studied Isshin Ryu for a number of years and have attained my 1st Dan black belt, through Sensei Mo. We just touched a little bit on the Jo staff and I hope to practice more in the future.

[@nicocontreras5366]

I found it very interesting but got confused with the subtitles as I thought migi was right but maybe the translation is bad in my country. Thanks for sharing and I really like the falcon staff for civilians that work in security and police.

[@letsasksekisensei]

Migi is right, Hidari is left! I might have miswritten it!

[@nicocontreras5366]

Ah no problem, thanks again.@@letsasksekisensei

[@Allen2saint]

Very well done. Subscribed!

[@voidsword8095]

half swording at the end was quite interesting and unexpected.

[@mikeneidlinger8857]

Jo is my favorite nonlethal weapon.

[@MrKrtek00]

Thanks for sharing. Jo content is rare, and it is mostly Muso Shinden Ryu

[@scottbeard5039]

Again, great taijutsu ! And great control and accuracy with the Jo ! So if the Jo is more of a modern weapon with this Ryu, how old is Asayama Ichiden Ryu ? A second question, Can you explain the origin of Shinto or Shindo Muso Ryu ? What a Great video watching that just made my day ! I love it ..... Scott

[@martinwinther6013]

Go international. Wish you the best Seki sensei

[@kevinangus4848]

Good to mention it was derived from a cane. Like the wakizashi, it's interesting to see a short version of a weapon. And canes are legal everywhere: a staff is quite noticible, too

[@travissmith2848]

But, a good walking stick can be longer and more solid than a cane, yet equally hard to legislate against. And it takes only a moment to turn a walking stick into a whocking stick and thump someone over the head.

[@etiennehamel3770]

i've been watching some okinawan bo videos as well got to thought about how the staff no matter the lenght was used all over the world. i've been curious about all the similarities in styles and their differences as well. it would be amazing to see masters of different styles from all over the world exchange info and experiences! the only kobudo classes i have in my area is okinawan in origin so i think i'll sign up when i can save up for it :)

[@epone3488]

Very interesting. However it is very practical for the sword wielder to aim for the jo wielders 'hand/wrist' than other targets (follow up to under arm or neck for example). In HEMA striking at the hand is a very common target of oppertunity.

[@The_true_Joe_mama]

This is also common in kendo.

[@Madcowdiseiz]

There seems to be an unfortunate amount of compliance in these demonstrations. The static block followed up with the attack to the wrist at 7:37 seems to only work because the swordsman strikes, pauses, and then tries to reset to perform the same strike again. Stepping off-line and flowing into another strike (or better yet a thrust) would change this outcome drastically.

[@The_true_Joe_mama]

@@Madcowdiseiz that's why there's also sparring to test this kata out. Kata is only the surface layer of kenjutsu training

[@Madcowdiseiz]

@@The_true_Joe_mama Yes, I would prefer to see these things proven in a sparring context. I don't even mean completely free sparring (although that would be preferable), just an opportunity for the swordsman to do anything but be compliant with the kata (not sure if I used that term correctly).

[@The_true_Joe_mama]

@@Madcowdiseiz i Will tell you, it's not too different from what i learnt in Hema staff. The kata is just too clean and uncanny. Although, it does translate well to pratice

[@ilovehelldivers5317]

So useful!

[@alan-sk7ky]

3:49 So how is a snipe at the knuckles of the hand holding the jo countered?