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Proving Why the Jō (Japanese Staff) is So Strong

Feb 13, 2023 (Let's ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu) - You might have heard about the Japanese staff, called Jō. But do you know who used it, why they used it, and how?

So today, we will first introduce the Jō used in Asayama Ichiden Ryu, a Kobudo with 400 years of history. Then we will talk about the history of why the Jō staff became so popular, especially after Japan’s Westernization. Lastly, we will introduce 3 Jō Kata of Asayama Ichiden Ryu, which includes interesting teachings of the battlefield that can only be applied to the staff. By watching this video, you will be able to deepen your knowledge about the Jō, so please watch till the end to enjoy all of it.

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[updated 05:35 a.m.] Typhoon No. 6 made landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture at around 4:30 a.m. on June 3rd, prompting urgent warnings for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, rising rivers and possible river overflows as heavy rain intensified across parts of western and eastern Japan.

[updated 04:45 a.m.] Typhoon No. 6 is expected to cause major disruption across Japan's transport network on June 3rd, with railway operators announcing planned suspensions on conventional lines, expressway companies warning of possible closures on key routes between Tokyo and western Japan, and airlines canceling flights at major airports including Haneda, Narita, Chubu and Kansai. The storm is forecast to pass near the Pacific side of western and eastern Japan on June 3rd, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to a wide area.

[updated 03:30 a.m.] Authorities issued a Level 5 Flood Occurrence Information alert for the Kuwano River and the Naka River tributary in Tokushima Prefecture, warning that flooding may already be underway and urging residents to take immediate action to protect their lives.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 1st, urging Iran to demonstrate maximum flexibility in its ongoing discussions with the United States and expressing hope that an agreement on the nuclear issue can be reached as soon as possible.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly rejected accusations that Japan is embracing "new militarism," describing such claims as false while delivering a speech at a major regional security conference in Singapore on May 31st.

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