In the series of courses, we have now reached Jo-jutsu course package 1, and gradually we can figure out the course structure. The theory asks us the essential questions we have to ask ourselves before a course, and at the same time wakes us up and makes us optimally ready to learn.

In Shindenkan, nothing is accidental, and we build up structured through the schooled approach. Jo-jutsu fits into the structure, as a gathering point for all previous courses and teaching up to the multi-track 1st dan, and as a preparation for later courses, both hsing-i and iai-jutsu.

We got a wake-up call at the start of the theory course, by having to assess the "official" version of the history behind Jo-jutsu, how it came about, etc. All official versions lie somewhere between 100 % credible history, and 100 % marketing and self-presentation. If we cannot form our own opinion by examining available facts, putting things in perspective and evaluating based on that, we are left with the "knowledge" we can freely obtain from the outside world, namely that Coca-Cola is the best drink in world and that the history books always tell the truth. It is not the best starting point for a journey towards self-knowledge and self-esteem.

After all, self-esteem is fundamentally different from self-confidence. And everyone can, after a bit of training and a pep talk, juggle with a bo, abseil down from tall buildings, and bungy jump from insane heights (Trust me, I've jumped from a height of 160 meters myself). But that does not mean that you have learned something about yourself, or broken an inner boundary, or in this case – that you can create effective technique with your jo.

That's why we started again with ……….. base J

There is nothing better! As we remember from the kenjutsu course, the basis with ken/bokuto is very revealing, because all mistakes are seen more clearly at the end of the sword.

With jo, we go up in difficulty, because in order to generate power, the jo must be connected to the body at all times. So the possibility that existed in kenjutsu to "compensate" a bit with one's bokuto, wrists, arms or upper body is not present. Unless the purpose is to deceive oneself and jump over where the fence is lowest.

As I said, training in Shindenkan is, in my opinion, a journey towards self-knowledge and self-esteem, and of course no one starts such a journey to deceive themselves, but nevertheless we are all human, and as such we can all make mistakes. And if we know it, and admit it to ourselves, we can correct it.

And here we are at one of the main points: Jo-jutsu is a tool that helps you, me and all of us. It limits our options, and thereby reveals where we are not doing optimal technique, and helps us realize it. It helps us to recognize our limitations.

It's actually absolutely fantastic!

And this is very valuable knowledge, because there are not many places where you can get direct and honest feedback.

Thus there is a list of improvement opportunities, that gives possibility to go back into all previously learned basis and technique, and work through and improve it, thus raising the quality and raising the bar.

And now we can constantly measure ourselves with our yardstick, or measure to ensure a constant improvement of our technique.

What? Whether there were a lot of delicious, effective techniques on the course? Yes, of course - it's always there, but it just wasn't the most important thing 😉