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Shindo Muso-ryu Jodo (1)
This is rare footage of Donn F. Draeger performing kata of the Shindo Muso-ryu jo. Draeger studied jo directly under Shimizu Takaji, and was instrumental in forming the International Jodo Federation (IJF). The kata is the first of the jo kata in the Shindo Muso-ryu curriculum. Draeger is uchidachi, holding the bokken (wooden sword). Pat Lineberger is shidachi, using the jo. The demonstration was taped at the East-West Center, University of Hawai'i campus, some time in the 1970s. . .I can't quite remember the date.
Of special note is the hair-thin distancing, or ma-ai. Each strike of the jo literally stops only an inch or so from the target area. This requires extreme concentration and good technique, as well as a heavy dose of steady nerves!
Also, a short note about copyright infringement. I am always reluctant to share some of my videotapes or notes, especially ones like these, because I have a fear that some of the files may be abused by unscrupulous people. The QuickTime files are easily copied, or someone may use it to make up their own bogus "old" martial art system.
If that happens, it is not so much that I would lose money, as it would dishonor the people who I videotaped, people who sometimes only gave me reluctant permission because they trusted me not to abuse the material.
I present such images because I feel that there is a great need among the public to see and learn what the koryu really are about. That is why Draeger originally presented a series of lectures and demonstrations in Hawai'i featuring the Shindo Muso-ryu jo, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, and other koryu. Public presentations were necessary, he must have felt, to present the actual koryu and to dispel many false notions.
I hope, therefore, that the public also accepts its responsibility in the sharing of such images, without abusing the rights and privileges of my copyright and the honor of the people who I videotaped. If you would like to use these files please email me with your request first.