The versatility of the jo comes from it symmetry. Unlike the bokken both ends are used as well as both hands and single hand movements. Like the bokken, the jo is a training tool to extend and improve your Aikido. Jo practice is divided into: Suburi, Jo Kata, Kumi Jo, Jo Tori and Jo Kokyu Nage.

Jo Suburi
There are 20 suburi with the jo. These are practiced individually and represent the basic movements of the jo.

1. Choku-Tsuki - Direct thrust
2. Kaeshi-Tsuki - Counter thrust
3. Ushiro-Tsuki - Rear thrust
4. Tsuki Gedan-Barai - Thrust, low counter
5. Tsuki Jodan-Gaeshi - Thrust, high counter strike
6. Shomen Uchikomi - Front-of-the-head stepping strike
7. Renzoku Uchikomi - Repeating stepping strike
8. Men-Uchi Gedan-Barai (Gaeshi) - Head strike, low counter
9. Men-Uchi Ushiro-Tsuki - Head strike, rear thrust
10. Gyaku Yokomen Ushiro-Tsuki - Reverse side-of-the-head strike, rear thrust
11. Katate Gedan-Barai (Gaeshi) - One-handed low counter
12. Toma-Uchi (Toma Katate-Uchi) - One-handed distant-interval strike
13. Katate Hachi-No-Ji-Gaeshi - One-handed "figure-eight" counter
14. Hasso-Gaeshi-Uchi - "Figure-eight" counter, strike
15. Hasso-Gaeshi-Tsuki - "Figure-eight" counter, thrust
16. Hasso-Gaeshi Ushiro-Tsuki - "Figure-eight" counter, rear thrust
17. Hasso-Gaeshi Ushiro-Uchi - "Figure-eight" counter, rear strike
18. Hasso-Gaeshi Ushiro-Barai - "Figure-eight" counter, rear sweep
19. Hidari Nagare-Gaeshi-Uchi - Left Flowing counter strike
20. Migi Nagare-Gaeshi-Tsuki - Right flowing counter thrust

Jo Kata
These are sequences of individual jo movements which are used to improve jo techniques and introduce movement. There are two kata: one with 13 steps (juu-san no jo) and one with 31(san juu ichi no jo).

Kumi Jo
These are practiced with a partner. There are 6 forms and each form contains variations.

Jo Tori
These techniques are used to disarm an uke that is attacking with a jo.

Jo Kokyu Nage
These techniques are performed when an uke without a jo grabs your jo.