“Strike only when the moment arises; the mind must be as still as the water before it ripples.”
Jōdō
(The Way of the Staff)
Jōdō is the Japanese martial art of wielding the jō, a four foot wooden staff traditionally crafted from white oak, to face and overcome a swordsman through technique rather than brute strength. Training emphasizes precision, distance, timing, and calm posture as students learn how simple movements can neutralize sword attacks through correct angles and applied principles.
Through cooperative partner practice, Jōdō develops agility, balance, situational awareness, and composed decision making. These skills extend beyond the dojo and into everyday life.
Our Training
Students begin with the standardized curriculum of Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei Seitei Jōdō, practicing twelve paired kata and fundamental techniques (kihon) both individually and with partners. This modern system establishes a safe and structured foundation emphasizing:
This modern system establishes a safe and structured foundation emphasizing:
Students begin with the standardized curriculum of Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei Seitei Jōdō, practicing twelve paired kata and fundamental techniques (kihon) both individually and with partners.
- Methodical partner training
- Proper footwork and posture
- Distance control (maai)
- Timing, awareness, and mental composure
(tap to expand)
This modern system establishes a safe and structured foundation emphasizing:
- Methodical partner training
- Proper footwork and posture
- Distance control (maai)
- Timing, awareness, and mental composure
As students progress, they may enter classical study in Shintō Musō-ryū, the original koryū lineage of jōdō dating to the early 1600s. Advanced training includes over sixty formal kata and exploration of the historical Fuzoku Ryūha (associated schools):
- Isshin-ryū Kusarigamajutsu — chain & sickle
- Ikkaku-ryū Juttejutsu — truncheon techniques
- Uchida-ryū Tanjōjutsu — short staff methods
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu — classical swordsmanship
As students progress, they may enter classical study in Shintō Musō-ryū, the original koryū lineage of jōdō dating to the early 1600s. Advanced training includes over sixty formal kata and exploration of the historical Fuzoku Ryūha (associated schools):
- Isshin-ryū Kusarigamajutsu — chain & sickle
- Ikkaku-ryū Juttejutsu — truncheon techniques
- Uchida-ryū Tanjōjutsu — short staff methods
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu — classical swordsmanship
Together, these systems provide a structured modern pathway while preserving a living connection to classical Japanese martial tradition.
Who Can Train?
Jōdō is open to teens and adults of all experience levels. No prior martial arts background is required.
Training is:
Jōdō is open to teens and adults of all experience levels. No prior martial arts background is required.
(tap to expand)
Training is:
- Low-impact and accessible
- Partner-based and cooperative
- Rooted in etiquette and mindfulness
- Focused on personal development as much as technical skill
- Low-impact and accessible
- Partner-based and cooperative
- Rooted in etiquette and mindfulness
- Focused on personal development as much as technical skill
Equipment
Beginners train with a standard wooden jō (approx. 50 inches). Loaner equipment is available for first-time students.
- Jo (wooden staff)
- Bokutō (wooden swords) for paired kata
Lineage & Affiliation
Kogetsukai trains within the following classical traditions:
- Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei (ZNKR) Seitei Jōdō
- Shintō Musō-ryū Jōdō
Training is supervised under Peter Boylan Sensei (Michigan Koryū Kenkyukai) via the Midwest Kendō Federation and the All United States Kendō Federation (AUSKF).
Start Your Free Intro Class Today
Jodo
(The Way of the Staff)
Sundays
-
2:00 – 3:45 pm
Kogetsukai Training Fee
$50
a month
Includes access to all adult martial arts classes offered by Kogetsukai.
(Iaido, Kenjutsu, and Jodo)
1. Tsuki Zue
( Reaching Stick )
2. Suigetsu
( Solar Plexus )
3. Hissage
( Hidden Stick )
4. Shamen
( Side Head )
5. Sakan
( Seeing into the left )
6. Monomi
( Looking Out)
7. Kasumi
( Mist )
8. Tachi Otoshi
( Dropping on the Sword )
9. Rai Uchi
( Thunder Strike )
10. Seigan
( Straight to the Eyes )
11. Midare Dome
( Stopping Confusion )
12. Ran Ai
( Uniting with chaos )
1. Tsuki Zue
( Reaching Stick )
2. Suigetsu
( Solar Plexus )
3. Hissage
( Hidden Stick )
4. Shamen
( Side Head )
5. Sakan
( Seeing into the left )
6. Monomi
( Looking Out)
7. Kasumi
( Mist )
8. Tachi Otoshi
( Dropping on the Sword )
9. Rai Uchi
( Thunder Strike )
10. Seigan
( Straight to the Eyes )
11. Midare Dome
( Stopping Confusion )
12. Ran Ai
( Uniting with chaos )
KOGETSUKAI
at Daiyuzenji Temple
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Kogetsukai trains at Daiyuzenji Zen Temple, our
long-standing training home in Chicago.
Lets Train Together
Kogetsukai, NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization dedicated to the preservation and teaching of traditional Japanese martial and Japanese cultural arts.
Donations support Kogetsukai’s educational mission and community partnerships, including Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
© 2024, Kogetsukai, NFP — All Rights Reserved. EIN: 33-1612535 | Chicago, Illinois