Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, samurai of the early 17th century, launches a system that elevates the simple stick to one of Japan's favorite martial arts weapons called Jojutsu. He practiced in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, then studied Kashima Jikishinkage-ryu, practicing their secret techniques called "ichi no tachi". According to legends, Gonnosuke took part in a large number of duels, winning them all until he met Miyamoto Musashi. If we can believe the legends, and there are more legends than real facts about these two masters - Muso Gonnosuke is the only person who had defeated Miyamoto Musashi in a duel. 

The first of the two legendary duels between Musashi and Gonnosuke took place in the beginning of 17th century. Gonnosuke had one day encountered Musashi and had challenged him to a duel. Musashi accepted and Gonnosuke, taking out his sword, immediately charged Musashi who with ease avoided Gonnosuke's strike and locked Gonnosuke's sword, using both his long and short sword. The loss made Gonnosuke take a path of exile at a shrine in Mount Hōman where he perfected his swordsmanship and developed Jojutsu. Gonnosuke defeated Musashi through the use of the jo's surperior length by keeping Musashi's swords out of range.