US Kobujodokai is a traditional martial arts dojo located in Brooklyn, NY. We train in the Japanese art of Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu, Seitei Jodo, with supplemental training in Kasumi Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu. We are directly affiliated with and train under the supervision of the Kobujodokai (Tokyo) led by Matsumura Shigehiro Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden), and our members periodically travel to Tokyo to further our development.
The atmosphere is friendly while remaining serious about the training. Our primary focus is as a teaching dojo with emphasis on good technique and strong spirit, and kata is seen as the thread that establishes the basics of the art we practice.
History of Jodo “The Art of the Stick”
Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu is a traditional martial art (koryu) from Japan which was founded around 1605 by the renowned samurai Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi. Legend tells us that he successfully used his Jo (short staff) techniques against the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi in a training match in which he overcame Musashi’s famous cross-block (jujidome) technique.
Training Curriculum…..
Training is conducted in formal two person pre-arranged kata with a wooden sword (bokken) and a short staff (Jo). Jodo is practiced with 12 basic techniques known as the ‘kihon’ and partner training enforces the basics through a series of 64 ‘kata’ (paired choreographed sequences) that become more complicated as you progress through your levels of training. Training is systematic and develops the practitioner’s technical skills and mental aptitude. Beginning students start by focusing on body movement and correct weapons handling, which is followed by concentrating on learning proper targeting, distancing and timing.
Practitioners begin their study of Jo by learning a set of twelve basic techniques (kihon waza), which contain all the essential movements of the style. They then proceed through different sets of techniques of stick versus sword(s), of which there are 64 in total.
Also included in the curriculum of the Shinto Muso-ryu Jo are twelve techniques of the swordsmanship system called Shinto-ryu kenjutsu. The first eight techniques are long sword versus long sword, followed by four techniques that are long sword versus short sword.