Why do y'all do jodo?
Why do jodo?
Is it because it's just a cool/interesting thing to do?
Is it because you anticipate maybe having to hit someone with a stick someday?
Is it because it helps you understand aikido better?
Maybe because people you like do it and it gives you an excuse to hang out with them?
Why? Why? Why?
I find that Jodo really provides an attention to detail and an extreme emphasis on precision. In this regard, it applies to Aikido and Judo. Additionally, it provides another layer of internalization of maai: Judo is very close, Aikido is arm's length, Jodo is long-range.
I can't carry a knife on an airplane but I can tightly roll up a magazine and secure it with rubber bands to create a baby jo 😲
I do it because I love it. Always have.
All the reasons you and Kyle give are correct. What fascinates me is the simplicity and complexity, in combination. How the Jo is so flexible, so efficient, so powerful, so innocuous. Jodo develops adaptability, fearlessness, timing, posture, precision, control of distance, sensitivity, focus, and the ability to transmit energy through an object.
There is a strong psychological component. Your opponent has the more dangerous weapon, and we assume he is stronger and more skilled. If you are accidentally grazed by a sword, it can still disable you. Being struck once is probably fatal or at least crippling. However you must overwhelm your opponent, giving him no openings except ones you want to give, controlling his movement and balance and initiative, dominating his spirit.
Originally Jojutsu was used to police the samurai of the Kuroda clan. You can’t just kill your opponent, because he’s in your clan, and next time there’s a war you’ll be shorthanded. You’ll have to do paperwork, and explain to his family, and maybe face revenge. At the same time you aren’t looking to escape; you have to deal with him. So the need to back him down, to prove to him that he can’t touch you but you can kill him any time you want. That you are being compassionate, and he should probably go home.
I don’t anticipate becoming a police officer, much less a medieval Japanese one, but the skills and attitude and mindset are captivating and invigorating to me. I would say I like how it makes me feel about myself, which at the root is why anyone does anything.
Jodo meshes perfectly with the skills and goals of Aikido and Iaido, which all support and enhance each other. You need a weapon system to go along with empty hand work. Unlike Aikido or Judo, you can do Jodo at full strength and speed without necessarily killing or injuring your partner. Unlike a sword, I can carry a stick around when I am hiking. Jodo is a koryu with deep roots and wide branches, multiple levels of meaning and detail, endlessly fascinating and rewarding. Not leastly, my teacher’s teacher said we need to study it, and I believe her.
The people I have met through Jodo are good people, with laugh lines around their eyes, and scary with a stick. I am honored to be among them. I will always remember something my teacher said: “If you have big techniques, you can have a big spirit.” That’s why.
Jack Bieler wrote:I do it because I love it. Always have...
Not leastly, my teacher’s teacher said we need to study it, and I believe her.
The people I have met through Jodo are good people, with laugh lines around their eyes, and scary with a stick. I am honored to be among them. I will always remember something my teacher said: “If you have big techniques, you can have a big spirit.” That’s why.
That's awesome and inspiring! All of it, but particularly the quote above. Thank you!
But I guess all you other jodoka besides kyle and jack don't have any reason to be doing it 😂 Come on, folks, pitch in!