Shinto Muso-Ryu Jo
The Art of the Stick & Sword
Shinto Muso-ryu jo is the art of using the four-foot staff (jo) against the Japanese samurai sword. It was devised in the 17th century by swordsman Muso Gonnosuke to improve his dueling skills, and later evolved into an art used by Japan's feudal police forces. Today it is comprised of 64 forms that teach the use of the short staff, sword and other classical weapons, as well as armed combat principles such as timing, targeting, and distancing.
The Shinto Muso-ryu jo curriculum is comprised of 12 basic techniques and 64 two-person kata (forms). Throughout, training is designed to teach the practitioner to use the jo successfully in combat against the sword.
The 12 basic techniques (kihon) contain all of the style's essential movements and can be practiced either solo or with a partner. The 64 kata are grouped into several sets, the names of which are: Omote, Chudan, Ran'ai, Kage, Samidare, Gohon no Midare, Okuden, and Go-Muso no Jo. Each of these sets has its own particular "flavor"--basic and clear, fierce and dynamic, slow and measured. In all kata, however, the basic format is the same, with one person wielding a jo and another wielding a wooden practice sword moving through sequences of attacking and defending movements designed to teach the correct use of each weapon.
Kata training progresses systematically, allowing students gradually to cultivate a well-rounded repertoire of technical skills and abilities. These include large and refined body movements, the proper handling of weapons, the effective use of timing, targeting and distancing, and the development of intense mental and spiritual flexibility and fortitude.
Meik and Diane Skoss practicing Shinto Muso-ryu jo while master teacher Nishioka Tsuneo looks on
Scenes from typical Shinto Muso-ryu jo training sessions (below)
