興 武 館
Welcome to the club,
in Põlva and Tartu!
Overcoming the fear of a hitting Jo
is the first step to its mastery
From september 2026 come to also train for Iaido!
What is Jodo?
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All the way from Japan
Jodo, or Jōdō, is a staff and sword martial art originating from Japan. Jodo, or Shintō Musō-ryū jōjutsu, traces back to the beginning of the 17th century. Nowadays we practice Jodo worldwide.
Weapons made of oak
The Jo is usually a 127½cm long and 24¼ mm wide oak stick. The sword, or bokken, is also made of oak wood.
In pairs training
The wielder of the Jo, or shidachi, defends themself against the wielder of the sword, or uchidachi. The principle of this in-pairs martial art is the teaching of shidachi under the mentorship of uchidachi; the former always succeeds against the sword strikes. Therefore, Jodo consists of solo practice of basic techniques (tandoku dosa), pair practice of basic techniques (sotai dosa), and pair practice of set forms of techniques (kata’s).
What type of Jodo?
The Jodo taught at Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Klubi (KPJK) is a Japan Kendo Federation regulated Jodo, or Zen Nihon Kendō Renmei (ZNKR) Jodo. Seminars, European tournaments, and grading exams occur under these rules. In Jodo, there are 6 basic grades (6th to 1st kyu) and 8 advanced grades (1st to 8th dan); in 2023, Europe only hosted a unique 8th dan jodoka.
Respect and Jodo
During Jodo trainings prevail discipline, respect, and the desire to learn from others and teach to others. At first intimidating, Jodo develops self-confidence, self-control, and a friendly environment.
What is Iaido?
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Compared to Jodo, Iaido focused on the use of the metal sword Iaito. During training, you learn to draw from the saya (scabbard), cut, and sheath the sword to complete battles with virtual attackers. The beginner starts with a wooden sword (bokken) and learns:
- the Iaido etiquette and discipline (reiho);
- a safe and correct use of the sword;
- to place the sword in the belt (obi);
- basic techniques and movements.
- on a later stage the kata forms, were precision, concentration, and readiness (zanshin) govern.
Iaido training focus on one individual, for which discipline, respect, and self-confidence are keys. It is forbidden to bring sharp sword during trainings, neither bring Iaito swords that are of bad quality, unbalanced, or fragile. The use of a Iaito metal sword is allowed with the teacher’s recommendation on the basis of the student’s individual improvements.
For everyone
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Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Club strives for a safe place, openness, equality, and righteousness. Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Club welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, culture, religion, self-identity, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Jodo and iaido better suits people above 16 years of age (younger students with teacher approval) as a Jo staff or the metal sword Iaito are considered as real weapons. Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Club is an LGBT+-friendly environment.
At the club, one follows Good Practices (.pdf)
Come and train to the art of the Jo or the Iai!
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At Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Club teaches Kodo 3rd dan Juulia-Gabrielle Moreau. She started to learn Jodo in 2017 at the Ki-Ken-Tai-Icchi club in Finland, Helsinki. In 2025, Juulia received her 3rd dan certificate and already in 2023 the right to teach Jodo from her teachers: Momiyama Sensei (7th dan renshi, Sweden), Tea (5th dan, Finland), and Joonas (5th dan, Finland). She continues her journey with her teachers when visiting for seminars abroad.
The club is part of the Estonian Kendo Federation (EsKF)
Trainings are given in any of the following languages:
September 2025 and onward…
- Jodo, Põlva: Wednesday, 19.15-20.45 (20 eur/month), Aerobic hall, Uus 3, 63308 Põlva Spordikeskus – changing room available
- Jodo, Tartu: Thursday, 19.30-21.00 (25 eur/month), Mart Reiniku Kooli small hall, Vanemuise 48 – changing room available
- Iaido, Põlva: Sundays, 18-19 (15 eur/month), Aerobic hall, Uus 3, 63308 Põlva Spordikeskus – changing room available
- Jodo, Põlva and Tartu package: 35 eur/month
Additional training possibilities:
- indoor trainings in Põlva: at agreed time, 5–20 eur/session
- outdoor trainings: at agreed time, free for club members
When you join the club: you can use the club weapons, but buying your own weapons and Jodo (Kendo) or Iaido clothing is highly recommended. Each club member is also member of the EsKF by paying the 25 eur annual fee – grading costs are 25 eur/kyu level when you decide to attempt a new Jodo Kyu grade.
contact: info@jodoestonia.ee
in partnership with: https://naginata.ee/ and https://www.kendo.ee
non-profit organisation, name: Kōbukan Põlva Jodo Klubi
non-profit organisation, register: 80636410
founders: Juulia-Gabrielle Moreau & Aleksandra Kivisalu
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