Jo as Stick or Spear

In Chiba-sensei's weapons system, the jo represents either a stick or a spear. When functioning as a spear, the blade orientation can vary, requiring the practitioner to adjust their grip accordingly to maintain control and readiness for attack.

Foundational Grip Positions

Two primary grip positions are established: junte (near the ribs) and kyakuke. The junte position, originally favored by Chiba-sensei for defensive capability against backward and forward attacks, was later modified to increase reach while maintaining control.

Rotational Power Generation

Jo strikes are generated through hand and hip rotation directed toward the opponent's torso. Hand positioning must remain close together to maximize power output, with both hands moving in unison rather than separately.

Hip Adjustment and Responsiveness

Practitioners must adjust hip rotation based on opponent movement direction. If the opponent moves toward the attacker, slight forward adjustment occurs; if moving away, rotation is timed to complete the attack while tracking the opponent's displacement.

Structural Framework: 36 Partner Techniques

Chiba-sensei's system encompasses 36 partner techniques organized into three groups of twelve, derived from ski (overhead), kesa (lateral), and shomen (frontal) strikes. These techniques emphasize the dual principles of contraction-relaxation and explosive rotation throughout the body.

Defensive Reception and Control

When receiving a jo strike, the defender must rotate the entire body and arms to intercept the weapon close to their hands. Simultaneous capture of the opponent's hands is critical to neutralizing the threat before executing a counterattack.

Hand Position Strategy

Against a strong attack with hands positioned near the center, defensive capture becomes difficult. Optimal positioning requires the defender to move toward the striking weapon rather than resist it, allowing body mechanics to generate sufficient power for a complete disabling of the opponent.

Basic Jo Principles - Introduction to Chiba Sensei's Weapons System #7

Davinder Bath

Jo Strike

2 min read·7 key moments·PT10M36S video

Key Takeaways

•Jo as Stick or Spear
•Foundational Grip Positions
•Rotational Power Generation
•Hip Adjustment and Responsiveness

Please Subscribe! This video tutorial looks at the basic framework for Chiba Sensei's Jo work. How to hold, how to attack, rotation of the body, rotation of arms and weapon, etc. We look at transition of some of the Jo basics from early 1980s to late 2000s. In total we present six carefully chosen Jo basics. The aim is not to replicate the full set of Chiba Sensei's 36 Jo Basics as Chiba Sensei published an excellent DVD for those: https://www.livingwellaikidostore.com/product-page/36-jyo-basics Chiba Sensei's Jo work is electrifying. It feels dangerous at first encounter, the focus is directly on the opponent and it takes time to learn how to take safe ukemi. Despite the appearance of confrontation to the untrained eye, Chiba Sensei's Jo work is sheer slick craftsmanship. The secret lies in relaxation, connecting physically and mentally with the opponent and moving from the Tanden (Hara or Centre) at all times. The principles of Fire and Water or Contraction and Relaxation exist at all times. My thanks to Mihaly Dobroka. Please check his channel for more great videos on Aikido: https://www.youtube.com/user/HirogaruAiki My dojo website: www.londonaikikai.com My Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/davinder.bath/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about jo strike?

This video covers jo as stick or spear, foundational grip positions, rotational power generation. It provides detailed instruction from Davinder Bath.

How long does it take to learn jo strike?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.