The first and only English translation of the once secret text on samurai swordsmanship by Sasamori Junzō, headmaster of Ono-ha Itto-ryu.

This book, the fifth in the Secrets of Itto-ryu series, covers:

• The confidential oral teachings (kuden) that Sasamori Junzo received from such luminaries as Takano Sasaburo, Nakahata Eigoro, Ogawa Chutaro, Naito Takaharu, Ogawa Kinnosuke, Saimura Goro, and others, organized into five major categories for ease of understanding.

• The various postures (kamae) of Itto-ryu, techniques for observing one’s opponent (metsuke), controlling distance and timing, to include the application of "aiki," strategies for setting up an attack, and different cutting and thrusting methods to finish off an opponent.

• The school’s most profound teachings, including the Heaven-Earth-Man triad, the Yin-Yang dyad, and the Five Element Theory, and how these concepts shape the school's philosophy.

• Correspondence between Yamaga Takayoshi and Nakanishi Chuzo, in which both exchange opinions on the usefulness of competitive practice, material that is sure to be of interest to kendo practitioners and martial arts historians alike.

Look for this over the summer, 2025.