Michael Finn (1)

The jo is a stick of 1.28 cm and 2.5 cm diameter. The stick system of Shindo Muso Ryu was designated in Japan a National Cultural Treasure by the Emperor. It developed in Japan's feudal era. The strategy and techniques of the school were very difficult to learn and for many years were taught in secret. Because of the complexity of Jojutsu it never became popular in the same way that Kendo, Judo and other sport forms did just after the Meiji restoration, about 1868. However, because there is so much benefit from its training, it was decided by the All Japan Kendo Federation, under the direction of the 25th Grand Mster Takaji Shimizu Dai sensei, to bring its teachings within the grasp of the general public. In the original system there were 64 kata and 12 kihon. From this was developed a system of 12 kihon and 12 kata that would express the underlying principles of the Ryu. The system was developed about the beginning of the 17th century by Muso Gonosuke Tokichi, who defeated the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Apart from the Jo, the system also includes several other weapons. In this respect it is a complete school of Martial Arts.

Michael Finn is one of the world's leading authorities on the subject of martial arts. He spent many years in Japan and one of his numerous qualifications is 3rd Dan Kendo with the All Japan Kendo Federation. He studied intensively in Japan under one of Japan's foremost exponents in the skill of Iaido, Master Ichitaro Kuroda (8th Dan Iaido). In 1983 on his return to Japan, Finn sensei took personal tuition under the president of the All Japan Iaido Federation, Master Tomoaki Danzaki (9th Dan Iaido). Several years later Finn sensei qualified in Japan, with the All Japan Iaido Federation to the rank of 4th dan in Seitei Iaido.'...I am sure that this excellent work will be of great value...' -Danzaki Sensei, President of the All Japan Iaido Federation, Iaido 9th dan Hanshi, Kendo 7th dan Kyoshi, Jodo 7th dan Kyoshi and Kenshu Kancho. 'Michael Finn Sensei hs been my student for many years. He has trained conscientiously and knows his subject. I am pleased he is passing his knowledge on to the western world.'-Kuroda Sensei 8th dan Iaido, 8th dan jodo, 7th dan Kendo.

Contents

Introduction
Personal Anecdotes
Jojutsu History
The Jo
Jodo Seitei no Kata
Past, Present, Future… (more)