Secrets of Itto-ryu

<p><strong>The First and Only English Translation of a Once Secret Samurai Swordsmanship Manual</strong></p><p> </p><p>For centuries the inner teachings of <strong>Ono-ha Ittō-ryū</strong>-one of Japan's oldest and most revered schools of samurai swordsmanship-were passed down orally from master to disciple. Now for the first time these secret lessons are available in English.</p><p> </p><p><em>Secrets of Ittō-ryū: Book Five</em> presents the confidential fighting principles of <strong>Sasamori Junzō</strong> 16th headmaster of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū and a legendary figure in the world of budo. First published in Japan in 1965 this volume reveals the practical combat strategies passed down to Junzō from his teachers (a process called <em>kuden</em>) at the heart of this 400-year-old tradition-a system that profoundly influenced modern martial arts such as kendo aikido and Daitō-ryū aikijujutsu.</p><p> </p><p>Sasamori a direct inheritor of several classical samurai schools and an 8th Dan and Hanshi in kendo distills over seventy years of experience into this in-depth exploration of combat strategy sword technique and martial philosophy.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Inside This Volume:</strong></p><ul><li><ul><li>The school's oral teachings as passed down to Sasamori by kendo greats such as <strong>Takano Sasaburō</strong> <strong>Naitō Takaharu</strong> <strong>Ogawa Kinnosuke</strong> and others-organized into five key themes</li><li>Detailed guidance on posture (<em>kamae</em>) perception (<em>metsuke</em>) distance timing setup and finishing techniques</li><li>Instruction on advanced strategy concepts like <strong>aiki</strong> and the application of cutting and thrusting techniques in real combat scenarios</li><li>Philosophical frameworks including Heaven-Earth-Man Yin-Yang and the Five Element Theory and how they shape the doctrine of the school</li><li>A rare historical correspondence between <strong>Yamaga Takayoshi</strong> and <strong>Nakanishi Chūzō</strong> discussing the value-and limitations-of competitive practice</li></ul></li></ul><p></p><p>With annotations by Mark Hague the highest-ranking non-Japanese practitioner of mainline Ono-ha Ittō-ryū and direct student of Sasamori Takemi this book offers not just translation but context-making complex classical teachings accessible and relevant.</p><p> </p><p> Whether you're a martial artist historian or student of Japanese culture this book offers unparalleled access to a foundational school of samurai strategy and swordsmanship.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>A portion of proceeds supports the Reigakudo Foundation in Japan</strong> helping preserve classical martial arts for future generations.</p>