Jikishin Ju Jitsu - Kata
Weapons (Ko Budo)

The art of Ju Jitsu was originally based on the teaching of the art of war in ancient Japan. While Ju Jitsu flourishes today as a art devoted to unarmed self defence, using and practising the traditional Japanese weapons has benefits.
Practising and performing the Weapons Kata (or Ko Budo in Japanese) is a compulsory part of the Dan Grade syllabus.

The stances and postures used for weapons training are interchangeable with many of the Ju Jitsu stances, and good practice in Ko Budo will lead to good practice in Ju Jitsu.
Handling weapons that are used to strike improves power and control, as well as imparting muscle memory. In the same manner, blocking and defensive techniques are improved with weapons practice.

In Jikishin, Weapons Kata are practised entirely in Kata form, both individually and in pairs. Within the syllabus, students are eligible to attend Ko Budo at Green Belt, but may start practice earlier than this.
Each student has to attend 3 Ko Budo courses before each assessment which define level. For grades up to and including 1st Dan Black, there are 5 weapons Kata to learn: Nun Chaku, Sai, Bo, Katana and Tonfa.

The student is expected to perform a specific Kata for each weapon, to a standard set according to grade. Ko Budo students begin at Level 5 (compulsory for 1st Dan) and can progress - with their Ju Jitsu Dan grades, to Level 1 - Ko Budo Instructor.