CJ does Stick (Jo) Training

Hi All.

Last Thursday (30th March) CJ took the class of the Buntingford Karate Club for instruction in how to use a Jo Staff. We started with some basic warm-ups without the sticks to get our hands, wrists, fingers, thumbs and arms ready for handling the Jo Staffs.

A variety of “sticks” were in evidence ranging from what looked like curtain poles and over-sized Harry Potter wands (Rick!) to the real red or white oak JO Staffs. However, a stick is a stick and, as CJ pointed out, used properly they can provide an effective weapon.

At the start I warned the class to remember that this was Weapons Training and that the students should behave sensibly when using the sticks and to be aware of their surroundings and other students.

CJ explained the history of the use of both the Jo Staff and the longer Bo Staff and then led the students through a series of movements and exercises culminating in a variety of defences, attacks and trip-ups.

All of the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and CJ received a much deserved round of applause at the end of the 2 hour lesson. We’ll be having more!

Sensei Bill.