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The first and only English translation of the once-secret text on samurai swordsmanship
Since it was first published in Japan in 1965, the Secrets of Itto-ryu (Itto-ryu Gokui) has served as the authoritative text of Itto-ryu, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of samurai strategy and swordsmanship in Japan. Readers unfamiliar with this school and its history will be surprised by how much it influenced the techniques and philosophy of the modern martial arts of kendo, aikido, and others.
The author, Sasamori Junzo, was born into a samurai family a little over a decade after the warrior class was abolished. Well-known in the west as an expert in the sport of kendo, he was also the headmaster of three traditional schools of Japanese martial arts, chief among them Ono-ha Itto-ryu. This book series distills his over seventy years of practice and painstaking study of not only the physical techniques but also the philosophical background and history of this 400-year-old school of fencing.
With an extensive introduction and notes by the translator, Mark Hague, a long-time student of the author’s son Sasamori Takemi and the highest-ranking member of mainline Ono-ha Ittō-ryū outside of Japan, this highly readable translation is sure to become a key reference to those interested in Japanese culture, history, and the martial arts.
A portion of the proceeds of the sales of these books go to the Reigakudo Foundation in Japan, an organization committed to preserving Ono-ha Itto-ryu and other traditional Japanese martial arts for future generations.
From the Forewords of the Original Edition
"As one studying the sword myself, I am confident in saying that this is a valuable must-read."
Saimura Gorō
Kendo 10th dan, Hanshi
"It is through this book that [Sasamori Junzō] explains in detail the history, techniques, transmission documents, and secrets that he mastered through diligent training over the past seventy years. I would like to give my highest endorsement to this truly authoritative text."
Ishida Kazuto
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
"Those who aspire to advance through the world of kendo will come to know well the source of its techniques and principles through this book. My wish is that, after they glimpse the essence of kendo that our ancestors painstakingly created, it will become the guiding principle of their lives. "
Yano Ichirō
Chairman, All Japan Business Kendo Federation
"This work is a classic of Japanese martial arts that should be required reading for those wishing to master kendo, those pursuing the secret of the ultimate success in life, and those looking for a revered education into the character of the Japanese people."
Kimura Tokutarō
Chairman, All Japan Kendo Federation
Secrets of Ittō-ryū: Book One
Traces the history of the school from its founder, Itō Ittōsai Kagehisa, through his successor, Ono Jirōemon Tadaaki, and the Ono and Tsugaru lines to the 16th headmaster. Along the way, it delves into the myths, stories, and legends that form the cultural foundations of the tradition.
A "must read" for anyone interested in classical Japanese martial arts or modern kendo.
David A. Hall, Ph.D., author of Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts
Secrets of Ittō-ryū: Book Two
Provides an overview of the foundational principles of the school and basic instructional methodology. It then covers in detail the 14 kata that make up the art of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū.
"... Junzō Sasamori's dissection and thorough analysis of every technique, form and tactic in the Ittō-ryū curriculum is what makes Secrets of Ittō-ryū the ultimate Japanese swordsmanship instruction and practice manual..."
Grigoris Miliaresis, martial arts' writer, Hiden magazine
Secrets of Ittō-ryū: Book Four
The esoteric lessons of Ittō-ryū were recorded in scrolls that were regarded as closely-held military secrets—stealing a mere glance at them warranted death. This book covers each of the five main scrolls of the school, explaining each of their lessons in detail and in a way understandable to the modern reader.
There is depth in this book, equal to that of any philosopher... This book is essential reading for any martial arts practitioner.
Ellis Amdur, Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions
Secrets of Ittō-ryū: Book Five
Kuden—lessons conveyed directly from teacher to student—make up an indispensable part of the teaching process in Japanese kenjutsu. This book details the oral lessons the author learned over his 70 years of practice.
This volume presents the living wisdom of Ittō-ryū as passed down through generations of masters.
Alexander Bennett Ph.D.
Mark Hague renders Sasamori's refined prose into clear English, accessible to all readers, from avid practitioners to armchair theorists.
William M. Bodiford, professor emeritus, UCLA
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