The jo appears to be the lowliest of all tools--an ordinary length of wood--yet it’s an exceptional weapon. While no one speaks of famous jo makers the way they do of sword smiths, the jo is capable of snapping the best swords ever forged. Packed with information on correct grips, stances, postures and etiquette, the book also outlines striking methods, combination techniques, and a 31-count formal solo exercise called tandoku renshu, making it the ultimate resource for those who appreciate Japan’s most subtle weapon.

The jo , an approximately four foot long wooden stave, is a rather innocuous weapon, its versatility and effectiveness not immediately apparent. However, in the right hands it can be used to devastating effect as Miyamoto Musashi the very famous Japanese swordsman discovered in a match with Musō Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, another famous martial artist. If the account is to be believed, Katsuyoshi beat Musashi using only a jo, the only time Musashi was defeated; true or not, the jo is still regarded as a formidable weapon.The use of the jo features in most Aikido dojos. It is important in its own right as a weapon of offence and defence, but perhaps just as importantly as a supplement to Aikido unarmed training. Aiki-jo training reinforces tai sabaki, reaction speed, distance awareness and many other basic principles of Aikido practice. Moreover, jo suburi and jo kata forms of practice are performed solo, without the need for a training partner.In this volume we provide illustrated guidance to six forms of Aiki-jo training:* Part 1 deals with preliminary exercises to loosen the body and become familiar with handling the jo.* In Part 2 we describe over 20 forms of jo suburi, that is basic exercises for attack and defence.* Part 3 builds on Part 2 by presenting three commonly practised jo kata that incorporate suburi in continuous sequences.* Partner practice in Part 4 shows techniques where uke, wielding the jo, attacks tori who disarms and throws or pins uke. This form of practice is termed jo dori.* In Part 5, jo waza, tori throws or immobilises uke using the jo.* Finally in Part 6 tori and uke, both wielding a jo, are shown performing paired exercises, that is kumijo, before demonstrating a continuous sequence of mutual attacks and defences. Aiki-jo forms are all beneficial to basic unarmed Aikido training, but they are much more than that; they also enrich the Aikido training experience, making it as exciting as it is enjoyable.

Explore AIKIDO Vol.2 is one of few books in this series showcasing aikido from a technical point of view. This volume presents a wide range of staff techniques in aikido in a photographic format including:Jo etiquette - code of conduct & staff handling, Jo suburi - staff drills, Jo kihon/kata - staff forms, Jo nage - staff throwing techniques, Jo dori - techniques against staff attack, Kumi Jo - staff against staff techniques.

Master the wooden weapons used in Aikido with this comprehensive martial arts training manual. Although aikido is often thought of as a nonviolent, noncompetitive martial art, the use of weapons was introduced by the art's founder O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. In fact, aikido techniques that use wooden weapons can enrich all aspects of your practice, helping you to understand both basic and advanced aikido technical tactics as well as conceptual strategies and skills. Building on the authors' belief that no empty-hand system is complete without weapons training, Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido demonstrates weapon use both as a training tool to better illustrate aikido principles, and as a self-defense against weapon attacks, focusing on the three primary weapons used in aikido: Ken--the wooden sword Jo--the wooden staff Tanto--the wooden knife A complete discussion of each weapon is included, with descriptions of the stances, grips, techniques, forms, defenses, and training appropriate for each. With over 200 step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions, this aikido book provides an in-depth exploration of weapons use in aikido--from its spiritual implications to technical theory and practical use.

Aikibatto is a system of sword and staff exercises for aikido students, as well as for anyone interested in the Japanese martial arts. This book presents the basics and principles of the sophisticated sword arts developed by the Japanese warrior aristocracy, the samurai. Although the aikibatto exercises are primarily developed for aikido students, they contain much of the normal curriculum of traditional iaido and kenjutsu. Anyone interested in the arts of the katana, the formidable Japanese sword, will find much of value in this book. Stefan Stenudd is a 7 dan Aikikai Shihan aikido instructor, former Vice Chairman of the International Aikido Federation and President of the Swedish Budo & Martial Arts Federation, who has practiced aikido and iaido since 1972. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

Explore AIKIDO Vol.3 by Michael Jacyna is one of few books in this series showcasing aikido from a technical point of view. This volume presents a wide range of sword techniques in aikido in a photographic format including:Bokken etiquette - code of conduct & sword handling, Bokken suburi - sword drills, Bokken kihon/kata - sword forms, Ken nage - sword throwing techniques, Ken dori - techniques against sword attack, Kumi Tachi - sword against sword techniques.

This work introduces the techniques of a little-known ancient art. Like otherartial arts, Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu relies not on a practitioner's physicalize or strength, but on turning the force used by an opponent against him.iki Jujitsu Daitoryu originated in the 12th century.

Aikido is the peaceful martial art. There are no attacks in aikido, only defense, and this defense should be so gentle that even the attacker is delighted by it. It is an art that takes a lifetime to learn, and it gets increasingly fascinating by each year. This book presents the principles and fundamental concepts of aikido - deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and the refined ideals of the samurai. The first part of the book examines the aikido principles of how to find the peaceful solution, and how to enjoy aikido practice to the fullest. The second part explains the Japanese concepts used in aikido, such as ki, life energy, tanden, the center, and many more. There is also a chapter about kototama, the spiritual cosmology that was central to the founder of aikido. The third part includes an aikido glossary. A revised edition of this book is published with the title "Aikido Principles: Basic Concepts of the Peaceful Martial Art." Stefan Stenudd is a Swedish aikido instructor, 7 dan Aikikai shihan, member of the Swedish Grading Committee, President of the Swedish Budo & Martial Arts Federation, and former Vice Chairman of the International Aikido Federation. He has practiced aikido since 1972. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

Living Aikido contains excellent tips that would help sharpen the novice technique through the advanced practitioner. In the process of reading it, one undergoes an enlightening experience.