Secrets of Itto-ryu

Sasamori Junzō (1886-1976) was the headmaster (sōke) of the ancient Japanese martial arts of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū, Chokugen-ryū naginata, and Shinmusō Hayashizaki-ryū iado. He also achieved the rank of 8th dan in kendo. He gained fame within Japan’s martial arts community for his work in keeping the authorities under General Douglas MacArthur from completely banning the practice of kendo during the U.S.’ postwar occupation of Japan, efforts that cemented his place in the annals of Japanese history as one of the saviors of Japan’s martial arts. His life was much more than just the sword, however. He worked as a reporter for newspapers and political magazines in Japan and the U.S., served as the chancellor of two educational institutions, was a statesman, serving in the legislature, the cabinet, and ministerial posts for over two decades, and founded his own Christian church in Tokyo. Born into a samurai family a little over a decade after the samurai class was abolished, Junzō was a key link between the modern world and Japan’s samurai past.

Mark Hague’s martial arts career has spanned over 42 years, 19 in Japan. He started training in Ono-ha Ittō-ryū in the Reigakudō under Sasamori Takemi in 2002 and was awarded a Kana license in 2009, making him the highest-ranking practitioner of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū outside of Japan. He continues to practice under the school’s current headmaster, Yabuki Yūji, and regularly teaches in Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, he holds licenses in Daito-ryū Aikijujutsu and dan rankings in several styles of karate. His translations include “Secrets of Ittō-ryū Book One,” by Sasamori Junzō, and “Bushido and Christianity,” by Sasamori Takemi. Internationally published author and translator.