Secrets of Itto-ryu

The First and Only English Translation of a Once Secret Samurai Swordsmanship Manual For centuries, the inner teachings of Ono-ha Itt¿-ry¿-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. Secrets of Itt¿-ry¿: Book Five presents the confidential fighting principles of Sasamori Junz¿, 16th headmaster of Ono-ha Itt¿-ry¿ 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 Junz¿ from his teachers (a process called, kuden) at the heart of this 400-year-old tradition-a system that profoundly influenced modern martial arts such as kendo, aikido, and Dait¿-ry¿ aikijujutsu. 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. Inside This Volume:The school's oral teachings as passed down to Sasamori by kendo greats such as Takano Sasabur¿, Nait¿ Takaharu, Ogawa Kinnosuke, and others-organized into five key themesDetailed guidance on posture (kamae), perception (metsuke), distance, timing, setup, and finishing techniquesInstruction on advanced strategy concepts like aiki, and the application of cutting and thrusting techniques in real combat scenariosPhilosophical frameworks including Heaven-Earth-Man, Yin-Yang, and the Five Element Theory, and how they shape the doctrine of the schoolA rare historical correspondence between Yamaga Takayoshi and Nakanishi Ch¿z¿ discussing the value-and limitations-of competitive practiceWith annotations by Mark Hague, the…