Jōdō originated from the school of the mean stuff (jōjutsu) Shintō Musō Ryū founded by Musō Gonnosuke in the XVII Century. He created a very effective combat system against an opponent bearing a sword, based on 64 kata, where the jō contrast attacks from the long (ōdachi) or the short (kodachi) sword, or from both simultaneously (nito). The practice includes a progression both on the use of the stick and of the sword (kenjutsu) through the basic position and movements (kihon), the combined exercise of facing weapons (sotai), to achieve the mastering of the combat forms (kata) of the schools. It is astonishing how the simplicity of the jō can be used as defensive weapons against a more potential offensive one as the sword; successful strategy is based on the optimal timing and space entering, and the control of the vital points of the opponent. The school extended his curriculum in the centuries to the defence against sword attacks of the short stick (tanjō), the chained sickle (kusarigama), the iron club (jūtte) and the rope to tie (hojō).

For more information: European Jōdō Federation