Jo Suburi (杖素振り)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Japanese | Jo Suburi |
| Translation | Staff solo striking practice |
| Category | Aikijo (Aikido staff practice) |
| Equipment | Jo (wooden staff, approximately 128cm / 50 inches) |
Overview
Jo suburi are solo staff striking and thrusting exercises. The jo is central to Iwama Aikido training—Saito Sensei emphasized jo practice extensively. Like ken (sword) work, jo training develops body mechanics that transfer directly to empty-hand techniques.
The Twenty Jo Suburi - Summary
| # | Name | Japanese | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chokutsuki | 直突き | Tsuki (thrust) |
| 2 | Kaeshi-tsuki | 返し突き | Tsuki (thrust) |
| 3 | Ushiro-tsuki | 後ろ突き | Tsuki (thrust) |
| 4 | Tsuki gedan-gaeshi | 突き下段返し | Tsuki (thrust) |
| 5 | Tsuki jōdan-gaeshi-uchi | 突き上段返し打ち | Tsuki (thrust) |
| 6 | Shōmen'uchikomi | 正面打ち込み | Uchi (strike) |
| 7 | Renzoku uchikomi | 連続打ち込み | Uchi (strike) |
| 8 | Men'uchi gedan-gaeshi | 面打ち下段返し | Uchi (strike) |
| 9 | Men'uchi ushiro-tsuki | 面打ち後ろ突き | Uchi (strike) |
| 10 | Gyaku-yoko'men ushiro-tsuki | 逆横面後ろ突き | Uchi (strike) |
| 11 | Katate gedan-gaeshi | 片手下段返し | Katate (one-handed) |
| 12 | Katate tōma-uchi | 片手遠間打ち | Katate (one-handed) |
| 13 | Katate hachi-no-ji gaeshi | 片手八の字返し | Katate (one-handed) |
| 14 | Hassō-gaeshi uchi | 八相返し打ち | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| 15 | Hassō-gaeshi tsuki | 八相返し突き | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| 16 | Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-tsuki | 八相返し後ろ突き | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| 17 | Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-uchi | 八相返し後ろ打ち | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| 18 | Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-barai | 八相返し後ろ払い | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| 19 | Hidari nagare-gaeshi-uchi | 左流れ返し打ち | Nagare (flowing) |
| 20 | Migi nagare-gaeshi-tsuki | 右流れ返し突き | Nagare (flowing) |
The Twenty Jo Suburi
The 20 jo suburi are organized into five categories: Tsuki (thrusting), Uchi (striking), Katate (one-handed), Hassō (figure-eight), and Nagare (flowing).
TSUKI (突き) - Thrusting Movements (5 suburi)
Suburi #1: Chokutsuki (直突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Direct thrust / Straight thrust |
| Category | Tsuki (thrusting) |
| Description | Direct thrust forward with jo |
- Thrust straight forward, extending from center
- Hip movement drives thrust, not just arms
- Jo remains at center height
[TO BE FILLED: Detailed mechanics, common errors, teaching points]
Suburi #2: Kaeshi-tsuki (返し突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Counter thrust |
| Category | Tsuki (thrusting) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #3: Ushiro-tsuki (後ろ突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Rear thrust |
| Category | Tsuki (thrusting) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #4: Tsuki gedan-gaeshi (突き下段返し)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thrust, low counter strike |
| Category | Tsuki (thrusting) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #5: Tsuki jōdan-gaeshi-uchi (突き上段返し打ち)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thrust, high counter strike |
| Category | Tsuki (thrusting) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
UCHI (打ち) - Striking Movements (5 suburi)
Suburi #6: Shōmen'uchikomi (正面打ち込み)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Front-of-the-head stepping strike |
| Category | Uchi (striking) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #7: Renzoku uchikomi (連続打ち込み)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Repeating stepping strike / Continuous strike |
| Category | Uchi (striking) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #8: Men'uchi gedan-gaeshi (面打ち下段返し)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Head strike, low counter |
| Category | Uchi (striking) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #9: Men'uchi ushiro-tsuki (面打ち後ろ突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Head strike, rear thrust |
| Category | Uchi (striking) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #10: Gyaku-yoko'men ushiro-tsuki (逆横面後ろ突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Reverse side-of-the-head strike, rear thrust |
| Category | Uchi (striking) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
KATATE (片手) - One-handed Movements (3 suburi)
Suburi #11: Katate gedan-gaeshi (片手下段返し)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | One-handed low counter |
| Category | Katate (one-handed) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #12: Katate tōma-uchi (片手遠間打ち)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | One-handed distant-interval strike |
| Category | Katate (one-handed) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #13: Katate hachi-no-ji gaeshi (片手八の字返し)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | One-handed figure-eight counter |
| Category | Katate (one-handed) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
HASSŌ (八相) - Figure-eight Movements (5 suburi)
Suburi #14: Hassō-gaeshi uchi (八相返し打ち)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Figure-eight counter, strike |
| Category | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #15: Hassō-gaeshi tsuki (八相返し突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Figure-eight counter, thrust |
| Category | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #16: Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-tsuki (八相返し後ろ突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Figure-eight counter, rear thrust |
| Category | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #17: Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-uchi (八相返し後ろ打ち)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Figure-eight counter, rear strike |
| Category | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #18: Hassō-gaeshi ushiro-barai (八相返し後ろ払い)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Figure-eight counter, rear sweep |
| Category | Hassō (figure-eight) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
NAGARE (流れ) - Flowing Movements (2 suburi)
Suburi #19: Hidari nagare-gaeshi-uchi (左流れ返し打ち)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Left flowing counter strike |
| Category | Nagare (flowing) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Suburi #20: Migi nagare-gaeshi-tsuki (右流れ返し突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Right flowing counter thrust |
| Category | Nagare (flowing) |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Movement details from practice] |
Jo Kata (Forms)
Roku no Jo (六の杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Six jo / Jo of six |
| Description | Solo form using 6 movements (corresponds to movements 13-18 of 31 Jo Kata) |
| Movements | Choku-tsuki, high defensive parry, shōmen uchikomi, draw to rear left, gedan-gaeshi, return to tsuki no kamae |
See: syllabus/weapons/jo/6-jo-kata.md for complete details
13 Jo Kata (十三の杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thirteen jo |
| Description | Solo form with 13 movements/sections |
See: syllabus/weapons/jo/13-jo-kata.md for complete details
31 Jo Kata (三十一の杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thirty-one jo / San-ju-ichi no jo kata |
| Description | Comprehensive solo form with 31 movements created by O-Sensei after WWII. Saito Sensei formalized the division into 31 countable movements to facilitate learning. Showcases wide variety of attack and defensive movements with jo. |
| Note | This is a major component of Iwama training; movements 13-18 are also practiced separately as Roku no Jo (6 jo kata) |
Starting Position: Stand in left kamae, holding jo vertically in left hand approximately one foot from top (thumb up), with right hand at top in reverse hold (thumb down).
Complete Movement Sequence:
Movements 1-10:
- Pivot jo about left hand to strike temple
- Slide back/right into upper block
- Slide forward with tsuki chudan (middle thrust)
- Slide back/right into upper block
- Step forward right foot, right yokomen uchi (side strike)
- Step forward left foot, left yokomen uchi
- Turn 180° (hips/torso), right kamae, right yokomen uchi
- Step forward left foot, left yokomen uchi
- Bring jo to left shoulder, tenkan 180°, strike legs behind
- Step forward, upper block (right foot forward)
Movements 11-20: 11. Step forward left foot, shomen uchi (front strike) 12. Slide back, reposition hands to block shin 13. Tsuki forward, slide left foot 14. Slide back/right into upper block 15. Turn jo around, shomen uchi, step right foot forward 16. Tsuki backward aiming for knee 17. Step forward left foot, strike legs 18. Turn jo over, tsuki to knee 19. Slide back/right into upper block 20. Shomen uchi stepping right foot forward, kneel on left knee
Movements 21-31: 21. Tsuki back aiming for knee (kneeling) 22. Stand, slide back/right into upper block 23. Tsuki jodan (high thrust - jo parallel to ground) 24. Tsuki to chest 25. Tsuki to chest 26. Tsuki backward aiming for knee 27. Step back left foot, strike legs 28. Slide back/left into upper block 29. Tsuki jodan 30. Turn jo over, tsuki to knee 31. Step forward left foot, shomen uchi, kneel on right knee with kiai
Key Learning Points:
- Begin and end in same position
- Foot position returns to start at counts: 10, 12, 18, and 26
- Kata divided into component parts that differ when applied in paired practice (31 kumijo)
- O-Sensei disliked "1-2-3 approach" but structure necessary for teaching large groups
Sources: Morihiro Saito Sensei instruction, AikidoFAQ.com (via alternate sources), Yumpu.com documentation
Partner Practice
10 Kumijo (十組杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Ten paired-staff |
| Description | [TO BE FILLED: Relationship to other kumijo forms] |
See: syllabus/weapons/jo/10-kumijo.md for complete details
13 Kumijo Awase (十三組杖合わせ)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thirteen paired-staff blending |
| Description | Partner form derived from 13 Jo Kata |
[TO BE FILLED: Section descriptions - user has knowledge]
31 Kumijo (三十一組杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Thirty-one paired-staff |
| Description | Partner form derived from 31 Jo Kata |
See: syllabus/weapons/jo/31-kumijo.md for complete details
Happotsuki (八方突き)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Eight-direction thrusting |
| Description | Thrusting in eight directions sequentially |
| [TO BE FILLED: Pattern details] |
Ken tai Jo (剣対杖)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Sword vs. staff |
| Description | Paired practice with one partner using ken, one using jo |
See: syllabus/weapons/ken-tai-jo.md for complete details
Bukidori (Weapons Taking)
Jodori (杖取り)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Staff taking / Staff disarming |
| Description | Disarming techniques against jo attacks |
| [TO BE FILLED: Specific techniques] |
Jonage (杖投げ)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Throwing with staff |
| Description | Using jo to throw an opponent |
| [TO BE FILLED: Specific techniques] |
Jowaza (杖技)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation | Staff techniques |
| Description | Free-form jo techniques against multiple attackers |
| [TO BE FILLED: Nature of practice] |
Weapon Connection to Taijutsu
Key Principle: Jo training develops the same hip movement and posture as empty-hand techniques. The jo, being a longer weapon than the ken, emphasizes distance (ma-ai), hip movement, and whole-body extension even more clearly.
Comprehensive Riai (理合) Connections
Tsuki (Thrusting) Suburi #1-5:
Chokutsuki (Direct Thrust):
- Kokyu-nage: Pure forward extension from center
- Iriminage: Forward projection through opponent's center
- All Tsuki responses: Origin of straight punch defense
- Demonstrates: Hip-driven forward motion, not arm pushing
- See: Kokyu-nage - Katatedori
- See: Iriminage - Tsuki
Kaeshi-tsuki (Counter Thrust):
- Kaeshi-waza: Counter techniques
- Deflect then immediately counter
- Same timing as irimi-tenkan combinations
- Offensive defense principle
Ushiro-tsuki (Rear Thrust):
- Ushiro techniques: All rear attack responses
- 360-degree awareness
- See: Kotegaeshi - Ushiro variations
- Full-body turning and extension to rear
Uchi (Striking) Suburi #6-10:
Shōmen'uchikomi (Front Strike):
- Shihonage: Same overhead striking motion
- Ikkyo: Downward cutting control
- All Shomenuchi techniques: Origin of overhead attacks
- See: Shihonage - Omote - Katatedori
Renzoku uchikomi (Continuous Strike):
- Multiple attackers: Continuous motion without stopping
- Stamina development: Maintaining form under fatigue
- Ki no Nagare: Flowing without pauses
Katate (One-Handed) Suburi #11-13:
One-Handed Movements:
- Katatedori techniques: Single-hand grab responses
- Extended reach and distance
- One-arm power generation from center
- See: Kotegaeshi - Katatedori
- See: Koshi-nage - Katatedori
Hassō (Figure-Eight) Suburi #14-18:
Figure-Eight Movements:
- Kaiten-nage: Continuous circular/rotary motion
- Tenkan: Turning movements
- Circular principle: All aikido techniques have circular elements
- See: Kaiten-nage - Katatedori
- Complex three-dimensional movement patterns
Nagare (Flowing) Suburi #19-20:
Flowing Movements:
- Ki no Nagare techniques: Pure flowing practice
- Continuous motion without stopping points
- Natural, water-like quality
- See: Kotegaeshi - Katatedori Ki no Nagare
- See: Iriminage - Shomenuchi Ki no Nagare
Universal Principles
Hip Movement:
- Jo thrusts and strikes powered by hips, not arms
- Same hip rotation in jo and empty-hand
- Center (hara/tanden) drives all motion
- Arms are vehicles, not engines
Distance (Ma-ai):
- Jo's length teaches proper distance management
- Too close or too far = technique fails
- Same distance sensitivity in empty-hand
- Natural spacing awareness
Extension:
- Jo techniques emphasize forward extension through target
- Not stopping "at" but continuing "through"
- Same principle in all empty-hand throws
- Complete projection
Posture:
- Hanmi (triangular stance) identical
- Vertical spine, lowered center
- Balance and stability
- Same structure with or without weapon
Whole-Body Coordination:
- Jo reveals disconnection immediately
- Cannot fake with weapon
- Must use whole body unified
- Transfers to empty-hand clarity
Training Integration
Saito Sensei emphasized jo practice from the very beginning (Rokkyu - 6th kyu). The 20 jo suburi are more numerous than the 7 ken suburi, showing jo's central importance in Iwama training. The progressive introduction (3 → 10 → 13 → 20) allows students to build solid foundation while gradually expanding their repertoire.
The jo makes hip movement and extension even more visible than ken because of its length - any disconnection or weak technique becomes immediately obvious. This is why jo practice is invaluable for understanding empty-hand techniques.
See also: Specific riai connections documented above for each jo suburi category Weapons Training Framework for detailed analysis
Training Notes
[TO BE FILLED: Practice methods, common mistakes, progression advice]
From Overview Sources:
- Jo studied alongside taijutsu from beginning (Rokkyu)
- Step-by-step introduction (3 suburi → 10 → 13 → 20)
- Kata introduced progressively (6 jo → 13 jo → 31 jo)
- Partner practice at higher levels
- Central to Iwama Aikido identity
Video Evidence
Tony Sargeant:
- Extensive jo suburi and kata instruction
- 456 videos include substantial jo content [TO BE FILLED: Specific video IDs and timestamps]
Alexander Gent:
- Complete jo suburi series videos
- 31 jo kata demonstration
- Kumijo demonstrations
- 6 Jo Kata - No end to the Rhythm
- Multiple jo-related videos in his 85-video collection [TO BE FILLED: Additional specific video IDs]
Personal Notes (First Dan Perspective)
Jo is everywhere in Iwama Aikido. The staff work feels more central than sword work in some ways—maybe because there are 31 kata vs. fewer ken kata. The connection to empty-hand isn't as obvious to me yet as ken is, but instructors keep saying the hip movement is the same.
[TO BE FILLED: More insights as jo practice develops]
Last Updated: 2025-10-30 Source: Takemusu/Iwama Aikido Syllabus, https://takemusu-iwama-aikido.org/the-20-jo-suburi/ Status: All 20 suburi names, translations, and categories documented - detailed movement descriptions need to be filled from practice Known Unknowns: Detailed mechanics for suburi #2-20; kata movement sequences; kumijo section details; specific jodori/jonage techniques; connection between specific suburi and taijutsu techniques