Jodo

Establishing itself in the early part of the Tokugawa period (circa 1640), the creation of Jodo is something of legends, involving a couple of famous martial artists. The beginnings of Shindo Muso Ryu is accredited to Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, a prominent martial artist of that time, who had studied arts such as Katori Shinto Ryu and Kashima Shinto Ryu. Undefeated, while on a warrior’s pilgrimage (musha shugyo), Gonnosuke was able to best even the most highly skilled opponents; that is until he met his match in a man named Miyamoto Musashi. It’s said that Gonnosuke’s rokushakubo (six foot staff) proved too cumbersome against Musashi’s “juji dome” sword technique. This event resulted in Gonnosuke’s withdrawal to a mountain, where he practiced religious rites, until he received a vision. The vision inspired Gonnosuke to create a four foot staff, which proved to be far more manoeuvrable. It is said that with the new weapon in tow, as well as a deeper insight into combat, Gonnosuke bested Musashi in a second encounter.

Shindo Muso Ryu employs the use of a four foot staff, and is said to utilize the cutting motions of a sword, the stabbing thrusts of a spear, and the sweeping manoeuvres of a naginata. Training is regularly conducted through the practice of pre-arranged forms (kata), against a swordsman. The forms conducted within this style help the practitioner build strength, stamina, and the focus required when facing off against a sword-wielding opponent. An art that has grown significantly in popularity since the latter half of the 19th century, Jodo continues to flourish worldwide and serves to give its practitioners further insight into the nuances of traditional Japanese Budo.

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SHINDO MUSO RYU JODO