In Kato Sensei's style, we also use the bokuto and jo every day and they are a vital component of his aikido. Some of the things we do are for the sole purpose of building the body which Kato sensei says is the first principal of aikido. Others are movements that mirror the techniques while others are to practice maai and body positioning and movement. I have found the misogi-no-jo that we do especially helpful to me in my techniques. Friends that I used to train with in my old dojo 3 years ago have definitely noticed the difference and have stated that my aikido has improved 100 percent since I moved to my new dojo.
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