three_man_jo.htm

Three Man Jo Forms

March 23, 1992

Mark J. Norton

Since I had only three students in class this night, I taught several Jo combination moves which pits a defender against two attackers (one in front, one to the rear), all with Jo's. The attacters here are refered to as FRONT and REAR.

Double Block

FRONT attacks with shomenuch strike. Defender uses an overhand block to ward off the strike. Defender peforms a tenkan turn bringing jo around to a Jodan position (jo high over head). Deflect REAR's shomenuchi strike with a similar strike, knocking his jo to the outside.

Double Block, Variation

A variation of the Double Block form is the same right up to the end. Instead of striking REAR's jo to the outside, strike it to the inside towards FRONT. Which to uses depends on the timing of REAR's attack.

Block, Strike to Knee

This variation is used when REAR hesitates or does not attack. FRONT attacks with shomenuch strike. Defender uses an overhand block to ward off the strike. Defender peforms a tenkan turn bringing jo around to a Jodan position (jo high over head). Notice that REAR did not attack. Pivoting on rear foot (the right), deliver a low, rapid strike to FRONT's leading knee (right knee).

Block, Strike to Head

REAR does not need to hesitate to deal with front completely. FRONT attacks with shomenuch strike. Defender uses an overhand block to ward off the strike. Defender peforms a tenkan turn bringing jo around to a Jodan position (jo high over head). Immediately pivot on right foot (which is in the rear). Lean body out slightly and deliver a shomenuchi strike to the back of FRONT's head. The turn brings the defender away from REAR and out of his range.

Ushiro Strike

Starting in a right hanmi, step out slightly to the left with left foot. Take a big step back on right foot towards REAR. With left hand holding end of jo at his hara, defender pivots jo in a vertical plane to deliver a strike to REAR's head just after he misses with his shomenuchi strike. This technique is a strike because REAR did not adjust to defender's movements. His shomenuchi strikes where defender was.

Ushiro Block

If REAR notice's defender's movements, and adjusts his blow accordingly, defender has the option to turn the ushiro strike into a block. This causes REAR's jo to be deflected outwards and down. Defender uses advancing/retreating footwork to change hanmi and delivers a final shomenuchi strike to REAR. This ushiro strike or block comes from move number 9 in the 21 step kata.

Jo on Jo's

FRONT and REAR are a little closer for this form. When they both strike shomenuchi, the cross jo's on defender's head. Defender starts in left hanmi and takes a step to the left. Turn slightly to face both FRONT and REAR attackers. Take a step back on the right foot. Bring jo around, up over head, and down on top of both attacking jo's. Step sideways on left foot, bring jo around again and and strike FRONT shomenuch.

Three man jo forms teach the student to be aware of his surroundings. Enemies can lurk on all sides, not just in front where he can see them. Jo combat can be viewed as a dynamic series of decisions which are made on the fly and influenced by constantly changing factors. The jo forms described here highlight these choices that can be made. As kumi-jo exercises, these choices can be explained and options examined. In real combat, this must happen at an instictive level. There is no time for cognitive thought. 'No mind' (mushin) is the basis for rapid reaction to changing situations. To achieve this level of ability, basic skills must be mastered. Relaxation and awareness must be complete. This can only be attained throught constant, relentless practice.