Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff (Weapons Series) [Paperback]

Dave Lowry (Author)

Book Description

Series: Weapons Series | Publication Date: October 1, 1987

The jo appears to be the lowliest of all tools - an ordinary length of wood - yet it's an exceptional weapon. While no one speaks of famous jo makers the way they do of sword smiths, the jo is capable of snapping the best swords ever forged. Packed with information on correct grips, stances, postures and etiquette, the book also outlines striking methods, combination techniques, and a 31-count formal solo exercise called tandoku renshu, making it the ultimate resource for those who appreciate Japan's most subtle weapon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications; 1 edition (October 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897501160
• ISBN-13: 978-0897501163
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #361,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend This Book, December 6, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Bellingham,WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff (Weapons Series) (Paperback)

Dave Lowry clearly explains the basics of Jo technique with a fairly complex Kata at the end that unifies most of the moves taught. Care should be taken to notice how the hands shift from position to position, as many times they 'flip' over during the movement (something the author doesn't often specify).

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive overview, March 30, 2005

By 

L. A. Kane (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff (Weapons Series) (Paperback)

Dave Lowry is a world class bugeisha (practitioner of traditional Japanese martial arts) and a fabulous writer. His knowledge is readily conveyed in this comprehensive tome. Subjects include rationale for training with the jo (short staff, evolution of jojutsu in traditional martial arts, equipment and preparations for training, kihon (fundamentals such as stances, grips, postures, and etiquette), uchi kata (striking methods), renwaku waza (combination techniques), tandoku renshu (31-count formal solo practice), and renshu bunkai (tandoku renshu applications with an opponent). If you want an outstanding supplement to hands-on jo staff instruction, this is the book to choose. The illustrations are very good and convey subtleties that the text does not so pay close attention to them.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for returning martial artist, July 18, 2005

By 

Bruce Robertson (Paraparaumu, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jo: Art of the Japanese Short Staff (Weapons Series) (Paperback)

I am extrememly glad that I brought this book not long after returning to the martial arts after many years away. It allowed me to improve my kata and stance work at a much faster rate than I had thought possible. Practicing in front of a large mirror at my local gym also helped.
One has to remember that you really do need a good Sensei to look at and correct imperfections in your technique but this book goes a long way to moving the process along.