KOBUDO (JO)

The Jo (short stave) is basically about a meter (three foot) long stick two to three centimeters in diameter . It is also known as the walking stick or half-Bo. It is much lighter than the normal Bo and can be carried anywhere, perfectly legally and inconspicuously in many forms like walking sticks. It can therefore be considered as one of the most available traditional weapons. Furthermore, a lot of objects in everyday life can be used by the same principles as the Jo with only minor adaptations to be made by the user. The list of objects are too many to mention here.

The Jo probably dates back to as far as man's existence. Its use as a weapon was also refined by the Okinawans. Later it became a popular police baton after the arts of the canne and the bâton evolved in France. In several Kobudo arts the Jo is used when practicing with other weapons like the katana. Like the katana the Jo can be used holding it at the one end and using different slashes and strikes. As a result of its weight it can even be used with one hand. Due to its length being relatively short, it is often used holding both ends with both hands like with the normal Bo. Like most other weapons it can also be used for striking, jabbing, slashing, throwing, locks, blocking, etc.