Traditional schools of Jodo have a fixed measure for their jo. If that is what you are expecting, you are not going to want this jo. Some Aikido schools also call for a fixed measure of jo also. If you use a jo at all, and have the liberty to use any jo you pick, get this jo.

I have been training in Aikido since 1993, and jo has always been heavily integrated into our practice. I have bought and used cheaper jo and more expensive jo. This jo is more than worth the money. Anyone that bemoans that it is too big or heavy, to them I would say: It's martial arts. If you like a lighter jo, get this jo and consider it your "hard" training then.

I tend to lean toward Musashi's way of thinking when it comes to weapons. I don't necessarily prefer one weapon or the other, longer or shorter, etc. It's good to train with all sorts and shapes of weapons. Besides, the stick is supposed to represent a flexible system of combat based on what happens to be handy. Concerning the size of the jo, I actually prefer the heft of it. It tends to "keep you in line" from the start, the same way a suburito does. I have had absolutely no issues using this for solo and partner practice, and my students really love this thing. It feels like a WEAPON. When you pick this thing up, you feel like it's time to do some martial arts. I posted a video review along with some details of jo practice here on my site: http://www.toraha.com/news/2011/5/11/aiki-budo-tora-ha-aiki-jo-video-part-two.html This jo is great. I can't say enough good things about it. It's so far my favorite product from Karate Depot.