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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 martial arts for future generations.
In Book One:
For the first time, the once-secret teachings of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū—one of Japan’s oldest and most influential schools of samurai swordsmanship—are available in English.
A biography of Sasamori Junzō and his role in preserving samurai martial traditions
The full history and lineage of Ittō-ryū, including its roots in Chujō-ryū and its branches
Stories of legendary swordsmen Itō Ittōsai Kagehisa and Ono Jirōemon Tadaaki
A who’s-who of Japanese historical figures related to the school, including shoguns, samurai, sword masters, philosophers, strategists, statesmen, such as: Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kanemaki Jisai, Obata Kagenori, Yamaga Sokō, Yamaoka Tesshū, and others
Rare historical documents and letters, translated into English for the first time
Softcover
ISBN: 979-8987242100
Pages: 184
Dimensions: 6" x 9"
In Book Four:
For the first time, the foundational scrolls of one of Japan’s most elite samurai sword schools are revealed to English-speaking readers.
A full translation of the four secret scrolls of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū—revealed in English for the first time
Detailed commentary on each scroll, based on the author's personal interpretation and research
The dimensions, fittings, and specifications of the long and short swords used in the tradition
The author’s concise summary of the key lessons of these scrolls distilled into ten lessons
Insights into how these teachings influence today’s martial arts, offering valuable perspective for practitioners of kendo, aikido, Daitō-ryū, and related disciplines
Softcover
ISBN: 979-8987242124
Pages: 272
Dimensions: 6" x 9"
In Book Five:
This volume reveals the practical combat strategies passed down to the author from his teachers (a process called, kuden) at the heart of this 400-year-old tradition.
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
Softcover
ISBN: 979-8-9872421-3-1
Pages: TBD
Dimensions: 6" x 9"
Look for this in September, 2025.
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
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