Jō - 杖

Jō are typically close to 4 shaku (47.7213) but this is just a starting point.  The jō should be placed on the ground and up against the chest while standing straight, at attention.  The top of the Jō should hit at approximately the bottom of your sternum or xyphoid process.

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A Jō will never feel comfortable in your hands if it is too long or short for your body.  

Jō, cane and walking stick share the same kanji.

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Gussan is an Uchināguchi word meaning walking stick. 

Contrary to some things that have been published by other sources, gussan does not mean that the straight Jō or walking stick should have flared ends. Some walking sticks in Okinawa were flared at the end. As an example, the diameter of a Jō might be about 1" but at the last 10" of each end it tapers to a larger girth of about 1.2". Taika used the Uchināguchi term for walking stick at a seminar and said he liked the tapered ones better. This got misinterpreted as to all Gussan being tapered. His meaning was that he preferred the tapered gussan.