Jodo History

Zenkenren Jodo

The history of Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) Jodo is essentially the history of the Shindo Muso Ryu (SMR). This is in contrast to ZNKR Iai which was developed from several styles (mainly Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Muso Shinden Ryu). ZNKR Jo is entirely derived from the Shindo Muso Ryu practice of Shimizu Takaji (1896-1978).

In 1964 Otofuji Ichizo visited Shimizu in Tokyo and discussed Shimizu’s proposal to the ZNKR for a Seitei Jo Set. In 1968 Shimizu Takaji and Nakajima Asakichi demonstrated the proposed Seitei Jodo Kata as formulated by the research committee to the Chair of the ZNKR. The Seitei Jo Kata were approved and in 1969 they were presented to the public by Shimizu (tachi) and Otofuji (Jo). Seitei Iai was also presented for the first time at this demonstration.

The Shindo Muso Ryu, which includes a variety of weapons (jo, ken, kodachi, nito, tanjo, jute, tessen and kusarigami) was founded at the end of the 16^th century by Muso Gonnosuke, a student of Katori Shinto Ryu and Jikishinkage Ryu. Most accounts associate his invention of the jo-sized staff techniques with an encounter with Miyamoto Musashi and a subsequent vision.

The standard Jo has a diameter of 8-bu (2.42 cm) and a length of 4-shaku, 2-sun and 1-bu (127.6 cm). These are considered to be the optimum dimensions for the Jo, allowing one to strike and thrust using both ends of the Jo with equal facility. Note that, Seitei Jodo is practiced only with Jo of standard dimensions.