Amsterdam 2000
Jodo & Iaido Seminar

August 6-11

Jodo

The 3-day Jodo seminar was led by Ishido Shizufumi sensei. We went over the twelve ZNKR jo katas in about a day and a half. The rest of the seminar was spent on gradings and taikai.

Considerable emphasis was placed on correct dress. It was explained that the cross-like hakama knot is no longer accepted in Jodo, because it is not a "samurai musubi" but a way of making the knot developed by commoners. From now on a flat knot with the ends tucked in at the side splits is required. (for the moment this rule does not yet extend to Iaido).

Examples of improper knots (someone else tell these guys they dress incorrectly):

Example of the proper knot:

There is also a change in the procedure for exchanging weapons (shi uchi kotai). After accepting the tachi, uchidachi carries it with the arm straight. Both turn right (clockwise), and the jo is NOT pointed at the floor during the turn, but kept in tsune no kamae.

Some pictures of the explanation for number 11 & 12. Ishido sensei said: "Ranai looks difficult, but if you know it, it's easy. If you don't know it, it is difficult"