Ikkaku Ryu Juttejutsu

 The Jutte, a police truncheon, hojojutsu, the rope arresting art and the tanjo were incorporated into the Shindo Muso Ryu much later on. The jutte and rope were considered police tools much like a night stick and handcuffs here in the West.   

Within the Ikkaku Ryu, the jutte is used in conjunction with the tessen or fan.  In training for contact a wooden block shaped like a closed fan is used for daily training.  The influence of jujidome, or the "X" block is found in many movements.  

Utilitarian in nature, the waza or techniques are reflected by no-nonsense names that simply describe the purpose of the movements.  These techniques are not very difficult to master especially once the basic foundations of Jo are understood but the real training comes from the fact that shidachi must amend his movements for Maai or combative distance and be able to make very tight taisabaki (side-stepping motions) to successfully dodge the attack of the sword.

Enroute to Kashima, I can't remember which trip anymore, I got a call asking me to bring my camera and lots of film.  Seems odd today in the time of digital zoom.  I was ushered into the dojo upon arrival and told to take out my camera and start shooting.  I found this odd as I've never mentioned any particular knowledge of photography and Mr. Yamaguchi has studio quality equipment all set up.  Still, Kaminoda Sensei and I were co-authoring a book on the expandable baton and jutte waza and I thought maybe this had something to do with that - it didn't. However watching both Kaminoda and Osato Sensei doing all of the waza, reviewing old notes, and redoing the waza was a wonderful experience.  I surprised myself with the quality of some of these wonderful photographs.  Ultimately, Sensei didn't like the backdrop and wasn't comfortable with photoshop.