I've had this for over two years now. I initially got it cause I wanted something fairly affordable (cheap) as I had just started some more advanced weapons training and had seen some JOs selling at four to five times the price. Well, years later, I understand a bit better now.

I would say this item is more to a Jo what a Suburi is to a Bokken. If for some odd reason you're looking for a good strength training item then this might be what you're looking for but I certainly cannot/would not recommend this to beginners as it will throw off your posture and may cause injury to yourself.

As earlier stated, this is not a Jo. It is - as my Sensei most disapprovingly put it - "a big chunk of wood". At 1-1/4" in diameter, this is way too thick and heavy but the length is fairly the norm. You should be looking for something round the 1" mark or even slightly less... in my meek, humble opinion.

It is a nice, smooth chunk of wood, but a chunk of wood none-the-less.