The mind must always be in the state of flowing.
– Takuan Sōhō
Jodo
The Way of the Stick
Jodo is the traditional Japanese art of using the four-foot stick against the sword, practiced through paired kata that develop timing, distance, posture, coordination, and calm awareness. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome at Kogetsukai, where students train in a respectful community rooted in authentic tradition. No prior martial arts experience is required.
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
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 stick)
- 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).
Begin with a Complimentary Introductory Class
The best way to understand training is to experience it firsthand. Beginners are welcome, and no prior martial arts experience is required.
Train in a respectful community dedicated to authentic Japanese martial arts, personal growth, and disciplined practice.
Your first class is complimentary.
Jodo
(The Way of the Stick)
Sundays
-
12:50 – 2:30 pm
Monthly Support
Monthly training support consists of two separate contributions: one to Daiyuzenji Zen Temple, which hosts our training, and one to Kogetsukai, which supports instruction, youth programs, seminars, and equipment.
Daiyuzenji Temple
$
50
a month
-
Supports the temple that hosts Kogetsukai's regular training.
Kogetsukai
$
25
a month
-
Supports instruction, youth programs, seminars, and equipment.
Total Monthly Support
$75 / month
Together, these two monthly contributions sustain authentic Japanese martial arts training in Chicago.
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 )
Visit Our Dojo
Daiyuzenji
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Training
Sundays
Parking
Free street parking
Public Transit
CTA Addison Brown Line station
New Students
Complimentary introductory class
by appointment.
Visit Our Dojo
Daiyuzenji
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Training
- Sundays
Parking
Free street parking
Public Transit
CTA Addison Brown Line station
New Students
Complimentary introductory class by appointment.
Contact Kogetsukai
“We cross swords in friendship, train in sincerity, and grow through shared effort."
– Kogetsukai
Kogetsukai, NFP is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization dedicated to the preservation and responsible transmission of traditional Japanese martial arts and Japanese cultural practices.
Kogetsukai maintains study affiliations with recognized organizations, including the Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF).
Program fees support instruction and organizational operations. Donations support scholarships, youth programs, equipment, and community initiatives. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for contributions unless otherwise noted.
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