Ueshiba’s Jo in Aikido: Unification of Martial and Spiritual Principles

The history of the jo 杖 in Aikido can be traced back to the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, who was known for his extensive martial arts training, including the art of the jo.

The origins of the jo in Japanese martial arts can be traced back even further, to the 17th century, when Muso Gonnosuke 夢想權之助, a samurai who was defeated in a duel with the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi 宮本武蔵, developed a new form of martial art that focused on the use of a short staff, which he called Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu 神道夢想流杖術.

Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu 神道夢想流杖術

Over time, jojutsu was also incorporated into other martial art styles, each with their own set of techniques and training methods. Shindo Muso Ryu remains the most prominent, which focuses on the use of the jo against various weapons, including the sword. Some believe that Morihei Ueshiba might have had some exposure to Shindo Muso Ryu, but there is no definitive record of that. In fact, most evidence suggests that the jo in Aikido originated from Jukenjutsu 銃剣術 when Ueshiba was serving in the army. Jukenjutsu is a Japanese martial art that focuses on fighting with bayonets. It was developed during the Meiji period 明治時代 and was largely used by the Japanese army. Jukenjutsu is believed to have its origin from Sojutsu 槍術, which is a Japanese martial art of fighting with a yari 槍 (a Japanese spear).

Ueshiba demonstrating jukenjutsu 銃剣術

In his book, A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Kisshomaru Ueshiba 植芝吉祥丸, the second Doshu, briefly mentioned that his father had practiced Hozoin Ryu Sojutsu 宝蔵院流槍術. However, no details about the time, people, or location were provided. Some opinions suggest that Ueshiba may have had exposure to Hozoin Ryu while staying at the Omoto-kyo 大本教 headquarter in Ayabe, but again there is no solid evidence to support this claim.

Hozoin Ryu Sojutsu 宝蔵院流槍術

Regardless of the origin, Ueshiba later developed his own unique approach to the jo, incorporating elements of his own Aikido techniques and principles. He believed that the use of the jo is an extension of the body. He emphasized the fluidity of movement, blending with an opponent’s energy, and redirecting that energy for a desired outcome.

During Morihei Ueshiba’s later stage of life in Iwama 岩間, he continued to develop and refine his approach to the use of the jo in Aikido. With his renewed focus on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Aikido, he saw the jo as more than just a weapon, but as a medium to embody spiritual ideals in a physical form. He believed that the jo represented a connection between the practitioner’s body and the universe. His jo teachings during this time emphasized the development of a deeper sense of focus and becoming more attuned to the natural rhythms of the universe.

The use of the jo in Aikido has continued to evolve after Ueshiba’s death in 1969, with different schools and instructors developing their own approaches and techniques. Today, the jo remains an important part of Aikido training.

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