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 Ittō-ryū-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 Ittō-ryū: Book Five presents the confidential fighting principles of Sasamori Junzō, 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, kuden) 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.

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 Sasaburō, Naitō Takaharu, Ogawa Kinnosuke, and others-organized into five key themes
  • Detailed guidance on posture (kamae), perception (metsuke), distance, timing, setup, and finishing techniques
  • Instruction on advanced strategy concepts like aiki, and the application of cutting and thrusting techniques in real combat scenarios
  • Philosophical frameworks including Heaven-Earth-Man, Yin-Yang, and the Five Element Theory, and how they shape the doctrine of the school
  • A rare historical correspondence between Yamaga Takayoshi and Nakanishi Chūzō discussing the value-and limitations-of competitive practice

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.

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.

A portion of proceeds supports the Reigakudo Foundation in Japan, helping preserve classical martial arts for future generations.