From the ZNKR JODO Manual: English Version (2006)

All Japan Kendo Federation's Jodo was established in 1968 and it had contributed to diffusion and development of Jodo for 35 years. Except for minor changes in 1977 and 1987, [it remains unchanged from the original 1968 curriculum].

Learning Jodo and its effects

Learning and studying Jodo is in effect training your mind and body. What one learns is not only dexterity of movement, but also development of the spirit.

The benefits derived from training are obvious, but the main ones thought to be of the greatest value are:

(1) Develop Courtesy, Truthfulness, Sincerity and Patience.

(2) Through regular practice, the body becomes stronger and more active.

(3) Through practicing the techniques, posture becomes improved.

(4) You gain confidence and have a better sense of judgment in everyday life.

(5) Overall, you will have better relationships with others.

The jo is a stick roughly four to five feet long. Longer than a cane and shorter than a staff. Jodo means roughly "the art of the stick". There are two main sources of Japanese jo training in the west, one in the various Aikido organizations and one in the Kendo Federations under their jodo sections. The Kendo style of Jodo is derived from Shindo Muso Ryu, and there are some places of instruction in that art outside the Kendo umbrella. Other arts which use sticks of similar size exist as well, in many different cultures.

The art that Jodo-Canada supports is the Jo within the Kendo Federation. In this art the jo is used exclusively against the sword. The Kendo dojo in Canada practice the Zen Ken Ren Jo, the so-called Seitei Jo. Many of these dojo also practice the other forms of Shindo Muso Ryu, and even the associated arts of that school. This varies from dojo to dojo. 

Further reading in the history of Jodo will be found in the following links:

"A Brief History of ZNKR Jodo" https://www.ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_taylor_0900.htm

"The Path to Zen Ken Ren Jodo: An Abbreviated History of Shindo Muso-ryu and the Advent of Its Modern Offshoot"(pdf) 

CKF Jodo Examiners and Officers as of 2019

Chief Examiner: Eric Tribe

West Examiner: Alex Cook

East Examiner: Ed Chart

The study of ZNKR Jodo in Canada through the Canadian Kendo Federation is two decades old. In the mid 1990's interested members of the CKF began by attending seminars and workshops in the United States. As interest grew and more members began studying jodo, Matsuo Haruna sensei invited Katsuhiko Ide Sensei (kendo 7dan, jodo 8dan, iaido 8dan) from Japan to the Guelph Spring Seminar (the Annual CKF Spring International Iaido and Jodo Seminar and Grading). From that time the CKF has invited sensei from the ZNKR jodo section to teach at the Seminar each year.

The first CKF grading was held at the seminar in Guelph in May of 2000 under the supervision of Shigenori Namitome sensei (jodo 8dan, iaido 8dan). 

Consisting of 12 ZenKenRen jodo forms which are based on the Shindo Muso Ryu.

1. Tsuki Zue ( Reaching Stick )

2. Suigetsu ( Solar Plexus )

3. Hissage ( Hidden Stick )

4. Shamen ( Side Head )

5. Sakan ( Seeing into the left )

6. Monomi ( Looking Out, Watchman )

7. Kasumi ( Mist )

8. Tachi Otoshi ( Dropping on the Sword )

9. Rai Uchi ( Thunder Strike )

10. Seigan ( Straight to the Eyes )

11. Midare Dome ( Stopping Confusion )

12. Ran Ai ( Uniting with chaos )