In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on one of the traditional versions of  jo dori kokyu nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Jo dori, also referred to as jo tori, is a form of Aikido practice whereby the nage must contend with a strike from a wooden staff (a jo).  Jo dori forms part of the test for all black belt gradings in Aikido Yuishinkai.

 

ADDITTIONAL NOTES

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro Saito Sensei’s  practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history.  Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period.  Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost.  The Aikido world owes him a great debt.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane