A Note on Teaching Jo Transition Movements
May 7, 1991
Mark J. Norton
I taught a class emphasizing transition movements in jo-kata yesteday. The class
was small and all were quite new to the study of the staff. I used as an example,
Saito's first kumi-jo form, which Lou Periello had taught the weekend before. The
students were able to learn the mechanics of the form fairly quickly. When questioned, however,
it became clear to me that they where not grasping the distinctions between basic
moves (suburi) and transition movements.
This strongly implies that certain principles must be taught in the correct order
starting with the basics: suburi techniques. Until the student has a platform of
technique upon which to base more advanced levels of learning, effort is somewhat
wasted in trying to explain them. This in turn presents a challenge to the instructor: how
to teach a class which has students of varying levels who come and go? Very few
of the students I am currently teaching puts anywhere near the level of effort into
practice required to truly learn and understand basic weapon technique. I wouldn't even
call for daily training, but would instead settle for regular attendance once a week
at weapons pratice. With one or two exceptions, students drift in and out. Some
come for a few weeks, then disappear for a month or two. Given the current laize-faire
approach to practice, I can see only a few alternatives: restrict the class only
to those who are seriously interested in learning or add weapon proficiency requirements
to kyu and dan grade tests.