Jojutsu is a refined and elegant Japanese martial art that centers on the skillful use of a short staff, typically 3–5 feet long, known as a «jō.» Developed over centuries, Jojutsu emphasizes strategic defense against a variety of weapons, particularly swords.
Practitioners cultivate a deep understanding of movement, leverage, and timing, employing fluid techniques to deflect attacks, control opponents, and create opportunities for counter-attacks. It is a challenging discipline that demands both physical agility and mental acuity, fostering a sense of grace and precision within a framework of self-defense.
Musō Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi was a legendary Japanese samurai of the early 17th century and the traditional founder of the Koryu school of jojutsu known as Shintō Musō-ryū. He is famous for his duels with the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Musō Gonnosuke was not a rōnin (masterless samurai) but had gone out on the road on a warrior pilgrimage to improve his skills in duels and by learning from different martial arts schools. Gonnosuke eventually received the rank of menkyo, a complete license with the authority to train and develop the art, from Katori Shintō-ryū.
