Equipment

Like all martial arts, we have standardised clothing that is used for jodo. The ZNKR requirements are very similar to that of kendo – dark blue/indigo clothing consisting of:

  • Keikogi – jacket, usually with name/dojo in Japanese.
  • Hakama – baggy, pleated trouser-type garment.
  • Obi – wide belt to support sword – not grade-coloured like karate/judo.
  • Zori/Tabi – zori are outdoor footwear and tabi are optional for indoor use.
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    There are two main weapons that are used for jodo practice:

  • Jo – 4′ wooden staff used for kumitachi (paired practice).
  • Bokuto – wooden sword used for kumitachi (paired practice).
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    Please do not buy equipment for jodo practice until you have checked the suitability of such a weapon. There are a lot of weapons on the market that not suitable for use due to quality etc.