What is Jōdō?

Jōdō (杖道) is a Japanese martial art in which we study the use of a stick (jō) against a sword (katana).
It is told to be created by Muso Gonnosuke who saw the techniques in a dream after he was defeated by Miyamoto Musashi. On their second meeting, Muso Gonnosuke won by using the new skills he had developed.

This is how Shintō Muso ryū Jōjutsu was founded.

Today we are practising the standardised form of All Japan Kendo Federation. It was initialised by Shimizu Takaji of the original style founded by Muso Gonnosuke after the second World War. This became known as Seitei Jō. Similar path has happened to Kendō, Iaidō and Naginatadō.

The standardised Jōdō consists of twelve basic techniques and of twelve basic katas. The basic techniques, called kihon waza, are executed alone (tandoku dosa) or against a swordsman (sōtai dosa).

The stick used in Jōdō is 128 centimetres (4 shaku, 2 sun and 1 bu) of length and 2.8 centimetres (8 bu) in diameter.

Jōdō is practised against a swordsman but for safety, the sword is made of wood, thus bokken is used by the opponent. The person using the stick is called Shijō, the person with sword called Uchidachi.
The techniques used by the swordsman are similar to the ones used in Kendō kata.

As a discipline of Budō, Jōdō cultivates its practitioners mental skills. A Jōdōka learns etiquette, manners and well controlled behaviour which helps in everyday situations.

The 12 names of the Zen Ken Ren Jōdō:

1. Tsukizue
2. Suigetsu
3. Hissage
4. Shamen
5. Sakan
6. Monomi
7. Kasumi
8. Tachi otoshi
9. Rai uchi
10. Seigan
11. Midare dome
12. Ran ai

by http://paazio.nanbudo.fi/martial-arts/jodo/what-is-jodo-and-other-yudansha-questions