“Elements of Aiki Weapons Partner Practices Part 1: Parrying
with the Jo” by James Neiman   O’Sensei’s development of
practices involving the Aiki Ken and Jo were passed on to
successive generations in the Iwama tradition, and have, to this
day, continued to be developed as partner practices often
referred to as the Ken Tai Jo, Kumi Jo, and Kumi Tachi. Based on
the skills and movements inherent to the Aiki Ken and Jo Suburi,
Morihiro Saito Shihan and Hitohiro Saito Shihan have continued
to build and refine the weapons partner practices so that it is
possible to practice fluid dynamics using both offensive and
defensive tactics. From these practices Aikidoka can extend the
ideas to develop precise technique in relationship to one or
more attackers with both empty-handed taijutsu and more general
weapons partner practices. The basis for the utility of the
practices is the usage of large external objects that increase
visibility and awareness of all aspects of Aikido technique, as
well as distancing, movement, e