Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo Association Inc.

Introduction

The Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo Association Incorporated is a nonprofit, educational and cultural organisation dedicated to providing quality training and instruction for the transmission of the Japanese Koryu (classical martial art) Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo.

What You Will learn through Jodo

Our Sydney dojos provide opportunities for all adults to learn Jodo.

SELF AWARENESS. Jodo teaches you self discipline, respect and alertness. You will sharpen your reflexes, learn how to co-ordinate your whole body to move with speed and agility. You will develop your confidence and ability to rely on yourself.

SELF DEFENCE. Your main objective in Jodo is not to get hit. You will learn how to manoeuvre your way around the attack of an oncoming sword or Jo in order to keep yourself out of danger. You will also learn vital target points and how to strike your attacker whilst escaping at the same time. Your peripheral vision will develop as well as widen and you will have the ability to see an oncoming attack before your opponent even begins to move.

SAFETY FIRST. Jodo is a martial art originally conceived in part to kill. A hit with a Jo (wooden stick) or a bokken (wooden sword) can have very serious consequences. Jodo is mostly practiced with a partner without any protective gear so any injury inflicted through carelessness will leave you without a training partner (among other things). You will be taught how to respect each other's safety and your responsibilities with managing a weapon.

PARTNER AND TEAM WORKING SKILLS. You will learn how to work together with a partner and develop trust as well as wariness. You will learn how to communicate with each other through timing and body language. Being sincere in your training is also being respectful to the other person as you enable them to train properly and develop at a faster pace.

Weapons You Will Train With

The jo is a stick made of hardwood oak and is about 30cm longer than the average sword. Its cylindrical shape makes it difficult to break. This resembles the Japanese field plowing tools that the workers would utilize as self defence from an attacking samurai sword. The typical length is 128cm, a diameter of 2.4cm - 2.6cm, and a weight of 550g.

The bokken is a Japanese wooden training sword. Legendary samurai Musashi was known to kill opponents with a mere wooden sword.

In higher grades of training you will be introduced to other weapons such as the Kodachi (short sword), Tanjo (short wooden stick), Kusarigama (a sickle with ball and chain), and the Jutte (truncheon).

Jodo is practised with 12 basic techniques known as the 'kihon' and partner duelling enforces the basics through a series of 'kata' (choreographed sequences) that become more complicated as you progress through your levels of training.

What to Wear

When you first start Jodo you may train in any exercise clothes that are comfortable and provide ease of movement. Jodo is trained barefoot however shoes can be worn outside for protection.

As you become more proficient there is an optional training uniform that can be bought. It consists of the 'gi' (martial arts top that wraps at the front), the hakama (samuari pants) and obi (belt for holding the sword).

Where to buy your equipment and clothing

While you may be able to find suitable equipment in Australia in our experience it's been better to order directly rom Japan. Here are two websites from which our members have received quality equipment and clothing:

   Seido
   Tozando

Please check with your instructor before making any purchase as the available equipment can vary subtly from that which we normally use.

Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo

History of Shindo Muso Ryu Jo:

Shindo Muso Ryu Jo is said to be the oldest style in Japan for using a stick (jo) in combat. It was founded in the early 17th century by Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, an exponent of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shindo Ryu. Shindo Muso Ryu oral tradition maintains that Gonnosuke once fought Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most famous swordsmen of the time, with a staff (bo) in a training match and was defeated by Musashi's cross-block (jujidome) technique.

According to legend, Gonnosuke was dissatisfied with this outcome and retired to Mt. Homan, in what is now Fukuoka Prefecture, in Kyushu, where he engaged in a series of religious austerities, all the while contemplating the reasons for his defeat. Finally, he received "divine" inspiration about a new method of using a staff-like weapon, making it shorter (128cm) and thinner (24mm) for more rapid manipulation. He devised a number of techniques for this new weapon, which he called a stick (jo) (as opposed to staff or bo), that included the use of the thrust of a spear, strike of a sword and staff and sweep of a naginata. Factual documents of the style (ryu) are quite rare. It is said that there is a record at Tsukuba Shrine, in Ibaragi Prefecture, that reports that Gonnosuke was able to defeat Musashi in a rematch.

In the mid-1970s Paul Maloney Sensei returned from Japan and setup a group to study Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo in Sydney. Today this group is known as the Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo Association Incorporated.

Traditional curriculum

Training is conducted in formal two person pre-arranged kata. In Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo there are a total of 64 techniques which are divided into a number of series, each with a different character. Training is systematic and develops the exponent's technical skills and psychological abilities, from body movement and weapons handling to the proper use of targeting, distancing and timing, and intense mental or spiritual training, all originally aimed to enable the exponent to successfully use the weapon in mortal combat.

Exponents begin their study of jo by learning a series of twelve basic techniques (kihon waza), which contain all the essential movements of the style. They then proceed through different series of techniques of stick versus sword(s): omote, chudan, ran-ai, kage, samidare, gohon-no-midare, and okuden. A final series, the gokui hiden (also called go-muso-no-jo), consists of techniques that are taught only to exponents who have received a Menkyo Kaiden, the highest level in the system.

Also included in the curriculum of the Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo are twelve techniques of the swordsmanship system called Kasumi Shinto Ryu kenjutsu. The first eight techniques are long sword versus long sword, followed by four techniques that are long sword versus short sword.

There are five levels of recognition in Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo. They are the Okuiri-sho, Shomokuroku, Gomokuroku, Menkyo and Menkyo Kaiden. Holders of Menkyo Kaiden are the only people qualified to issue Mokuroku and Menkyo in Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo.

In addition to Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo and Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu, a number of separate arts are taught at various points in an exponent's training. These are considered assimilated arts, and include:

• Uchida Ryu Tanjo jutsu (short stick)
• Isshin Ryu Kusarigama jutsu (ball, chain and sickle)
• Ikkaku Ryu Jutte jutsu (truncheon)
• Ittatsu Ryu Hojo jutsu (Rope tying and restraining)

Text adapted from Meik and Diane Skoss' "Field Guide to the Japanese Classical Martial Arts" in Sword & Spirit:Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, volume two. ©1999 Koryu Books.

Counting in Japanese

Within a class moves are called out and counted in Japanese. This is to ensure you are able to participate in any seminar or class around the world if you choose to take your Jodo with you abroad.

•   0 zero    零
•   1 ichi    一
•   2 ni    二
•   3 san    三
•   4 shi/yon    四
•   5 go    五
•   6 roku    六
•   7 shichi    七
•   8 hachi    八
•   9 kyuu    九
• 10 juu    十

Kendo

For those desiring training in Japanese swordsmanship with a robust sporting outlet, Kendo is highly recommended.

The Sydney Kendo Club (SKC) is the longest running Kendo club in Australia. SKC are located in the Willoughby Park Center and operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

References

Terminology

The names of Jodo's Kihon, Kata and assimilated weaponry

Kihon (basic techniques)

The Kihon or basic techiques are fundamental to good jo practice. These are the foundations for the Jo Kata.

1. Honte Uchi
2. Gyakute Uchi
3. Hikiotoshi Uchi
4. Kaeshi Tsuki
5. Gyakute Tsuki
6. Maki Otoshi
7. Kuritsuke
8. Kurihanashi
9. Taiatari
10. Tsukihazushi Uchi
11. Dobarai Uchi
12. Taihazushi Uchi

Kata

Omote

Omote is the first series of 12 kata in Shindo Muso Ryu. The emphasis is on teaching correct technique, and developing an understanding of Ma-ai (distance), Ri-ai (timing), and Zanshin.

1. Tachi Otoshi
2. Tsuba Wari
3. Tsuki Zue
4. Hissage
5. Sakan
6. Ukan
7. Kasumi
8. Monomi
9. Kasa no Shita
10. Ichirei
11. Neya no Uchi
12. Hoso Michi

Supplementary Kata

These kata were developed by Shimizu Sensei from the Tanjo techniques and are often taught with the Omote kata.

1. Suigetsu
2. Sharmen

Chudan

Chudan is the intermediate series of 12 Kata following Omote.

1. Ichi Riki
2. Oshi Zume
3. Midare Dome
4. Ushiro Zue (Zen and Go)
5. Taisha
6. Kengome
7. Kiri kake (or Kikkake
8. Shin Shin
9. Rai Uchi
10. Yokogiri Dome
11. Harai Dome
12. Seigan

Ranai

Ranai translates as "Disorder to Harmony" and combines Omote and Chudan techniques.

1. Odachi (long sword) no Ranai
2. Kodachi (short sword) no Ranai

Kage

Kage is intermediate training and it is a series of 12 Kata of whose names are identical with the Omote Kata.

Samidare

Samidare is a series of 6 Kata taught to advanced students emphasizing training the mind.

1. Ichimonji
2. Jumonji
3. Kodachi otoshi
4. Mijin Zen
5. Mijin Go
6. Gan Tsubushi

Gohon no Midare

Gohon no Midare is a series of 5 Kata added by Shimizu Sensei around 1939. They are a synthesis of Omote, Chudan, Ran-Ai and Kage Kata.

1. Tachiotoshi no Midare
2. Sakan no Midare
3. Kengome no Midare
4. Kasumi no Midare
5. Shamen no Midare

Okuden

Okuden is a series of 12 kata taught to advanced students.

1. Sengachi
2. Tsuki Dashi
3. Uchi Tsuke
4. Kote Dome
5. Hikisute
6. Kote Garami
7. Jutte
8. Mikaeri
9. Aun
10. Uchi Wake
11. Suigetsu
12. Sayu Dome

Hiden Gokui

The Hiden Gokui are a series of five Kata, and are "secret forms" taught only to those who are Menkyo Kaiden.

1. Yamiuchi
2. Yumemakura
3. Murakumo
4. Inazuma
5. Dobo

assimilated weaponry

Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu

Odachi (long sword)

1. Ai Suri (Sa)
2. Ai Suri (Yu)
3. Ju
4. Chi Barai
5. Sarin
6. Uke Kaeshi
7. Nitto Ai - uchidachi armed with both odachi and kodachi
8. Suri Komi

Kodachi (short sword)

1. Inchu
2. Uke Nagashi
3. Miuke Dome
4. Tsuki Dashi

Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu

1. Kote Uchi (Sa)
2. Kote Uchi (Yu)
3. Sutemi
4. Kuri tsuke
5. Ushiro Zue
6. Suigetsu (Sa)
7. Suigetsu (Yu)
8. Shamen (Sa)
9. Shamen (Yu)
10. Kobushi Kudaki
11. Sune Kudaki
12. Irimi

Ikkaku Ryu Jutte

The modern Ikkaku Ryu system fields 24 training-forms (kata) divided between 2 series called Omote and Ura. Both series have identically named kata.

1. Uken
2. Zanken
3. Saken
4. Keageken
5. Ichiranken
6. Irimiken
7. Ippuken
8. Meateken
9. Utoken
10. Gorinken
11. Isseiken
12. Kasumiken

Isshin Ryu Kusarigama

A total of 30 kata divided into 3 series: Omote; Ura, and Okuden

Omote and Ura

1. Ishiki
2. Soemi
3. Hagaeshi
4. Mugan
5. Jûmonji
6. Furikomi (zen)
7. Furikomi (go)
8. Isô no Nami
9. Tatsumi no Maki
10. Midokorozume
11. Ukibune
12. Sodegarami

Okuden

1. Mae
2. Ushiro
3. Hidari
4. Migi
5. Yariai (jo)
6. Yariai (ge)

Seitei

These 12 Jodo kata were selected by a committee headed by Shimizu Sensei from the Omote and Chudan kata for training by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (Japanese Kendo Federation).

1. Tsuki Zue
2. Suigetsu
3. Hissage
4. Shamen
5. Sakan
6. Monomi
7. Kasumi
8. Tachiotoshi
9. Rai Uchi
10. Seigan
11. Midare Dome
12. Ranai

Class Usage of Japanese

During a class some directions are typically given in Japanese. Following are some common directions and their meanings in English:

And following are directions given during Kihon practice:

For more information refer to this Wikipedia entry.

Contact & Dojo

Sydney training classes are generally led by instructors holding traditional Menkyo Kaiden licenses with over 30 years of Jodo experience as well as having senior Dan grading from the International Jodo Federation.

Initially we request that you watch a class to see if this is what you want to learn. By all means at the end of that class, feel free to ask questions of the instructor and students to get a better picture of our art and our school. When you start, we would also suggest you give yourself three months to try it out properly - many of the movements can feel counter intuitive and will take time to grasp.

Also, we regularly hold 8-week long beginners' courses.
Please contact us for more details.

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Dojo

本部 Honbu

Saturday 7.45am to 9.45am
Willoughby:

Willoughby Community Centre Hall
Cnr Warrane Rd and McLelland Streets
Willoughby
Sydney NSW 2068
Chief Instructor: Sensei Paul Maloney

We acknowledge the kind assistance of Willoughby City Council for the concession we receive on facility hire.

Wednesday 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Boronia Park:
************************************************
This class has been temporarily suspended
- September 2024
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Uniting Church Hall
93a Pittwater Road
Boronia Park
Sydney NSW 2111
Instructor: Andrew Poulos

Fees

We are a "not for profit" organisation. All the monies we collect go towards paying the various expenses (such as hall rent) we have throughout the year. No one, including instructors, in our association receive any renumeration.

• Payments are all to be made via EFT. Cash can no longer be accepted.
• The membership year is from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.

Please note that our fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Annual Membership/Insurance Fee

• $85 (applicable to all members)
• Payable July 1 - the beginning of the membership year
• A pro rata annual insurance fee of $45 is payable by members starting in the second half of the financial year.

Schedule of Training Fees

• Quarterly:
  $300 per 3 months
  Payable on the first week of the quarter starting July, October, January, and April. Unlimited classes.
  
  
• No concessionary rates are available at this time.
  
  
• Monthly:
  $100
  Payable on the first week of the month. Unlimited classes.
  
  
• Casual Coupon Book:
  $105
  Any 5 classes - valid for 1 year (the Annual Membership/Insurance fee is in addition to the cost of books). Multiple books can be purchased.

From time to time seminars are organised. These allow us to share knowledge and ideas that will, at times, challenge us and help us to grow in our understanding. They are usually open to all and require additional payment to cover the costs involved.

News

Our beginner's course has started but new beginners may still join at any time.

Sadly, the NSW government has decided to sell the North Sydney PCYC. The last Jodo class there was held on Tuesday, 30th April 2024 - the end of an era of martial arts at the North Sydney PCYC.