Shinto Muso Ryu Jo
Mikage Dojo
Koryu - Classical Japanese Martial Art
Helena, Montana

Shinto Muso Ryu Jo is a “Koryu” – old style martial art of Japan.  Shinto Muso Ryu Jo was founded approximately 400 years ago by the sword master, Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi.  He was the accomplished swordsman of both Katori Shinto Ryu and Kashima JikiShinkage Ryu.  According to the legend, after the duel with Miyamoto Musashi in early 17th century, defeated but alive, Gonnosuke went through austere trainings of body and mind, soul searching through many years of traveling around Japan finally to reach a complete devotion in the secluded sacred Mount Homan’s Kamado Shrine, Fukuoka Japan.  With the divine vision “Know the solar plexus with round staff”, incorporating combative strength of weapons such as yari (spear), naginata (halbert), tachi (sword) and other empty handed bujyutsu, Gonnosuke founded Shinto Muso Ryu Jo with a staff about 4 shaku 2 sun 1 bu: 128 cm.  The legend has it that Musashi’s famous Jyuji dome (two swords lock) that immobilized the enemy was subsequently defeated by Gonnosuke’s Shinto Muso Ryu Jo.  Since then, Shinto Muso Ryu Jo has been protected and passed down generations within the Fukuoka’s Kuroda clan until this system became public in the mid 20th century. 

Jo has no blades, no kissaki, nor hilt.  Conversely, it can be all blade, kissaki and hilt freely interchangeably operated and executed within the skill of Jodo-ka to strike, sweep, thrust using both ends and making use of its length.  Shinto Muso Ryu Jo are comprised of 64 kata (pre-set forms) that are highly refined combative movements.  Through physical trainings in understanding the principles of kata movements, trainees develop pure mind and psychological strength that are necessary for their presence under any pressure situations.  High conduct of ethics and integrity are expected through following reishiki (protocol/rituals) as techniques are of warring times that implies highly technical nature that can be dangerous.  Koryu is also spiritual through honoring relationships with sensei (teacher) and fellow trainees, admiring courage and value loyalty.  Without proper mind, martial arts are nothing but brutal power that has no place in modern times.  Many of great Menkyo Kaiden (Master Licensed Teacher) of Shinto Muso Ryu use the Japanese sayings:  Onko Chishin, and Keiko Shou Kon which mean learn old ways and shine us in the present days.  Heart of Shinto Muso Ryu Jo lies in the pursuit of self-refinement of mind through rigorous training under physical and psychological tensions. 

People who are interested in this old combative art of Jo, Shinto Muso Ryu, are encouraged to come and watch how we train: keiko.  Sincerity and commitment are required to enter into the Ryu.
Contact Miho Lloyd and make appointment to: HelenaSMRJo@gmail.com

Miho Lloyd, Shinto Muso Ryu - Menkyo Kaiden