Traditionally
the shinobi zue had many different designs, all revolving around the idea of
hollowing out and hiding something inside a staff, usually of jo- 5 foot
length.
This
secret inside the stick could be blinding powder, a dirk or dagger, or even a
bar of iron to change the staff to a mace with a heavier impact. It was not so
much one specific thing, but rather an idea.
The
idea that one uses bojutsu or jujutsu as a stick, and that is what the training
partner expects, and then when the opportunity presents itself, the hidden part
of the stick is used.
We
have many shinobi zue at the dojo, and the picture above is one such idea.
This
particular jo is designed to be used against swords and other edged weapons,
and in immediately looking at it, that appears to be its function.
Yet,
inside is a weighted chain that one is able to let out and use to extend the
reach of the stick, while also now using chain and weight techniques.
Taijutsu
is the art of naturally moving the body, and this body centric art means being
able to use other training tools, through the use of the body. Unlike other
martial arts, there is no difference between being armed or unarmed, movement
is movement.
Pick
up the sinobi zue and use it with movement, it is just taijutsu, can you do
that?
The
shinobi zue is also about opportunity and creativity in movement.
With
your training partner, can you use the possibility of the shinobi zue stick to
create something in that moment? Can you use it to influence distance, timing,
and balance in ways that your training partner can’t see or react against?
The
shinobi zue is a way to explore ideas and principals in hidden movement.