Jigen Ryu - The Sword Style That Defeats in One Strike! Book by Toshiyuki Itani

The Strongest Swordsmanship That Defeats with a Single Strike!

Unmatched spirit, razor-sharp and nearly undefendable sword techniques, profound resolve…

The complete essence of Yakumaru Jigen-ryu, the most feared swordsmanship style in late Edo-period Japan, hailed as the ultimate sword!

No other school has ever been so dreaded, before or since!

This book reveals the profound secrets hidden within swordsmanship that instantly conveys, “This is powerful,” captivating onlookers with its strength.

From the famous “Dragonfly Stance” to intense battle cries and the “Yokogi-uchi” training method, this book thoroughly explores the unique strength and allure of this ferocious swordsmanship style, backed by its unparalleled intensity!

A comprehensive guide to Yakumaru Jigen-ryu, the school that produced Nakayama Hanjiro, often called the greatest swordsman in history, all in one volume!

 

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: History of Yakumaru-ryu

1.  Overview

2.  Maho Okuda’s Theory

Chapter 2: History of the Yakumaru Family

1.  Before Yakumaru Kanechika

2.  From Yakumaru Kanechika to Yakumaru Kanetomi

3.  Yakumaru Kanetaka

4.  From Yakumaru Kaneyoshi to Yakumaru Kanenori

Chapter 3: Yakumaru-ryu in Historical Events

1.  The Sakuradamon Incident

2.  The Teradaya Incident

3.  The Namamugi Incident

Chapter 4: Jigen-ryu

1.  History of Jigen-ryu

2.  Characteristics of Jigen-ryu

3.  Sword Techniques of Jigen-ryu

4.  On Willpower

Chapter 5: Training Grounds and Equipment

1.  The Training Grounds

2.  Standing Wood (Tatekibō)

3.  Striking Sticks and Carved Wooden Swords

4.  Long Wooden Sword

5.  Paper-Twisted Tsuba (Guard)

Chapter 6: Fundamental Principles

1.  Left Elbow Cut

2.  Horizontal Pointing and Horizontal Cut

3.  Stepping Forward

Chapter 7: Sword Swings (Suburi)

1.  Overview

2.  Key Points for Footwork

3.  Key Points for Upper Body (Yakumaru Dragonfly Stance)

4.  On Sword Trajectories

Chapter 8: Yokogi-uchi (Continuous Striking)

1.  Overview

2.  Battle Cries

3.  On the Use of Shoes

4.  Teachings of the Mind

5.  Anecdotes

Chapter 9: Kakarigeiko (Engagement Training)

1.  Overview

2.  Methods of Kakarigeiko

Chapter 10: Practical Techniques of Yakumaru-ryu (Kata Training)

1.  Essentials of Kata Training

2.  Hayasute

3.  Nuki

4.  Uchimaeshi

5.  Long Wooden Sword

6.  Spear Stopping

7.  Short Sword (Spear Stopping)

Chapter 11: The Spirit of Yakumaru-ryu as Understood by Itani

1.  The Purpose of Striking Standing Wood

2.  On Willpower

3.  Transforming Daily Awareness

Chapter 12: Additional Insights

1.  On Satsuma Sword Mountings

2.  On Training Manuals

3.  Commentary: Illustration of Practitioners in the Three Provinces

 

About the Author: Toshiyuki Itani

Born in 1960 in Hyogo Prefecture. During high school and university, he trained in various martial arts, primarily Kita-ha Shorin-ken. Since 1990, he has studied authentic Yakumaru-ryu under Masao Ito in Kagoshima, dedicating himself exclusively to this style. Currently, he teaches social studies at a high school in Shiga Prefecture while working to promote and preserve Yakumaru-ryu.

Length: 240 pages

Language: Japanese

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Note: This presale book ships in early June 2025.