Sign In / Register
Lionel and Mayumi Hutton, of Auckland Jodo, brought the Japanese martial art called Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo to Stanmore Bay around six years ago.
The community hall in Stanmore Bay is their Jodo dojo (a bit of a mouthful – dojo means ‘hall’) and they are offering the community a hands-on opportunity to find out more about this ancient, Samurai-based practice, which uses staffs (sticks) and swords, at an Open Day this weekend.
Lionel first tried Jodo in 2008, while living in Japan. Having already studied boxing, karate and Muay Thai, he was keen to find out more about the Japanese martial art.
He says he fell for it completely. His Japanese wife, Mayumi, came along to act as translator, but also took up the practice. The pair are now both 5th dan practitioners and Jodo instructors, teaching students at all levels.
Lionel, who works in construction, says although weapons are used, Jodo is about self-development, not injuring each other.
“You learn physical things such as mind/body coordination, flexibility and strength. Through training, you also learn about Japanese culture and values and develop life skills such as self-discipline, respect, and humility,” he says.
The practice involves pre-arranged moves, with no free-fighting and no protective equipment, so participants rely on each other’s control.
“You start slow, with big distances from each other and as you gain experience and skills, you move closer to each other with the weapons,” Lionel says. “Mental focus and sharpening your reflexes are key aspects of what students learn.”
Fifteen is the minimum age to study Jodo, because of the need for spatial awareness, and other than that it is suitable for anyone, male or female. Lionel says his students currently are aged from their 20s to mid-60s.
He says Covid made things difficult for Auckland Jodo, and it is time to build it up again.
The Auckland Jodo free Open Day, which Lionel says will be hands-on and include demonstrations, is on Sunday, August 27 at Stanmore Bay Community Hall at 10am. Info: https://fb.me/e/138KUQzJ4 and see What’s On.
