Secrets of Itto-ryu

It is of the utmost importance that the essence, philosophies, and techniques of not just martial arts, but the core values, and understanding of Japanese culture are transmitted in the most intact way possible. Mark Hague’s deep connection with Ono Ha Ittō-ryū and its masters has given him the unique position to do a remarkable job of navigating the nuances of the language used within the art, as well as preserving both of the aforementioned important elements for transmission on an international level. Not only do we have the transmission of the esoteric teachings of the school, but now also the kuden (oral transmission), which is even more elusive for practitioners outside Japan. These nuggets of wisdom in the form interpretation of archaic texts, and personal experience from various master swordsmen in their own words is priceless. Some of these invaluable snippets of information that come out via direct transmission are now available for the world to digest, contemplate and enrich their own martial art journey. Congratulations to Mark on such a huge achievement that can be enjoyed by future generations.

- Paul Martin, Japanese Sword Specialist

From its initial publication in 1965, Ittō-ryū Gokui (Secrets of Ittō-ryū), by Sasamori Junzō (1886-1976), has been essential reading for all advanced students and scholars of traditional Japanese physical culture and sports. A massive tome (640+ pages), it presents a comprehensive overview, not simply of Ittō-ryū swordsmanship - its history, curriculum, training methods, goals, and philosophy - but also explicates key themes, concepts, and technical elements that have come to be shared across many cultural traditions of Japan. Most of all, it reveals the classical roots of modern Japanese kendo. Sasamori was an esteemed master of the Ittō-ryū, a staunch advocate for kendo, and a distinguished religious leader, educator, and politician. 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

This fifth book of Junzō Sasamori’s exhaustive treatise on Ono-ha Ittō-ryū swordsmanship, goes even deeper into the knowledge the author received from his teachers, offering the reader otherwise unfathomable insights into Japan’s martial culture. Mark Hague’s unparalleled English translation makes this a core book for any classic martial arts’ library.

- Grigoris Miliaresis, martial arts’ writer, Hiden magazine

This book, volume 5 in the Secrets of Ittō-ryū series, is highly specialized and likely to appeal to two main groups, firstly those members of the various styles of Ittō-ryū, with special reference to and secondly, serious students of the various extant koryū, who will welcome this treasure trove of “kuden,” as complied by Sasamori Junzō Sensei and translated and annotated by a senior student of the ryū. I, for one, am very grateful to the headmaster for his generosity in making this esoteric knowledge available to the general public.

-Liam Keeley, Tatsumi-ryū, Ohden Mokuroku and Ten Shin Buko-ryū Heihō, Shihan

Sasamori Junzō (1886-1976) is perhaps most well-known in Japan’s martial arts community for his work in keeping the U.S. occupation authorities under General Douglas MacArthur from completely banning the practice of kendo. His efforts placed him in the annals of Japanese history as one of the saviors of Japan’s martial arts. His life was much more than just the martial arts, 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 who served 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 of which in Japan, and he holds dan rankings in several styles of karate and aiki-jujitsu. He started training in Ono-ha Ittō-ryū in the Reigakudō under Sasamori Takemi in 2002 and was awarded the Kana license in 2009. He continues to practice Ono-ha Ittō-ryū under the current sōke, Yabuki Yūji. His translations include the Amazon bestselling series, Secrets of Ittō-ryū by Sasamori Junzō and Ono-ha Ittō-ryū Patriarch’s Collection: Sword and Document Compendium, by Yabuki Yūji.