Bokkendo & Jodo

The terms bokkendo and jodo are used to describe our explorations of several styles of bokken (wooden sword) and jo (wooden staff) practice. Training in bokkendo and jodo begins with instruction in kamae (posture, stance, positioning of the weapon), ashi sabaki (footwork), sabaki (basic handling), suburi (basic single and sequential movements; “swinging” the weapon), and taiso (pre-arranged exercises that combine suburi movements). Training thereafter proceeds through several solo kata (pre-arranged series of movements) found in many aikido schools. These kata help to further develop a student’s breathing, balance, and footwork. More advanced training involves kata known as awase and kumitachi – both of which are performed with a partner.

Imaizumi Sensei has shared with us his experience with traditional forms of Japanese swordsmanship and jodo. We explore these forms by practicing kata derived by Imaizumi Sensei from traditional schools, from his early teachers in Japan such as Tohei Sensei and Saito Sensei, and from the direct teachings of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. As Aikido taijutsu (open-handed or 'weaponless' forms of self-defense) is derived in large part from stances and movements found in traditional (koryu) Japanese weapons systems, our study of bokkendo and jodo is essential to a comprehensive understanding of many of the technical aspects of Aikido. Weapons practice also serves to expand our appreciation for Japanese culture in general, and Budo in particular. 

Our bokkendo and jodo curriculum, which is part of the overall certification and ranking system within Shin-Budo Kai, represents a unique blend of various classical training styles crafted specifically to complement Aikido training, and should not be confused with direct training in any one of those source arts. Our practice does not engage the official curriculum of any formal schools of jodo, kendo, or kenjutsu, and ASBK is not a certifying (rank-granting) organization for these traditional weapons systems.