How The Jo Can Help You Think With A Budo Mind Sensei would say, “try to hide behind your Jo�. Of course this is not possible but the thought will help you understand Hitoemi (the narrow or smallest posture that Nage shows to Uke). Your hand needs to have all fingers around your Jo, or any weakness in holding may be advantageous to an attacker if they strike out your Jo from under you. Note: Your hand is the same height as in Tai no henko or with the basic Ken/Jo final cut position. This is also where in kata or suburi you start and finish; looking forward you can start again without any change in your martial attitude.
The posture is mostly correct but dropping the head is not. It can take a very long time to break this none martial habit. Ask a student/friend to watch you occasionally to see if it is a habit you have without being aware.
Incorrect
X
So many students and teachers look down after they have completed a Kata or set of Suburi. This is losing all Zanshin and is un-professional. Note: Watch others and you will see.
From the Hitoemi stance do not reach forward with your shoulder to grip your Jo or you will later have to move over old ground, losing time and giving an advantage to the attacker. Learn to reach the Jo from the beginning stance. If you feel that the stretch is impossible without some pain at first you are doing it correctly; everything has to be worked on. 170