Ono Ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu DVD with 17th Gen Soke Takemi Sasamori

Experience the essence of the Ono-ha Itto-ryu, a form of swordsmanship that is both the pinnacle of kenjutsu and the origin of modern kendo. For the first time on video, the 17th Soke, Takemi Sasamori, introduces the traditions of this esteemed martial art. Founded by Ito Ittosai Kagehisa during the Muromachi period and flourishing alongside Yagyu Shinkage-ryu during the Edo period, Ono-ha Itto-ryu was the chosen style of the Tokugawa shogunate. Itto-ryu, which became a major influence in the world of kenjutsu, has many branches; the orthodox lineage is distinguished as Ono-ha Itto-ryu. Modern kendo's predominant practice of shinai training originated from Itto-ryu. Its core principle, "Ittō Soku Mantō" (One Sword is All Swords), is epitomized by the technique "Kiriotoshi."

Today’s Ono-ha Itto-ryu has been meticulously researched and reestablished by the 16th Soke, Junzo Sasamori, and is now passed down to the 17th Soke, Takemi Sasamori.

Contents:

• Opening
• Long Sword: Techniques and Explanations
  • First Form (Hitotsu Kachi)
  • Second Form (Mukaetsuki, Noritsuki)
  • Third Form (Taguriwaza)
  • Fourth Form (Kasumi)
  • Fifth Form (Waki-gamae)
  • Futatsu Kachi
  • Kage-tō
  • Gedan no Uchiotoshi
• Interview Topics:
  • Ito Ittosai and His Era
  • His Two Disciples
  • Role as Instructor to the Shogunate
  • Hokuto Shichisei and the God of War’s Footwork
  • Sword Grip in Itto-ryu
  • Junzo Sasamori Sensei
  • Inherited Teachings from His Father
  • Christianity and Itto-ryu Training
• High-level Secrets: Techniques and Explanations
  • Myōken (Ki no Kurai)
  • Zetsumyōken (Hi no Kurai)
  • Shinken (Chi no Kurai)
  • Kinshichōōken (Kin no Kurai)
  • Dokumyōken (Mizu no Kurai)
• Short Sword: Techniques and Explanations
  • Futatsu Kachi
  • Gedan no Tsuke
  • Hatsu
  • Sayū no Harai
  • Norimi
• Hakiri-ai: Techniques and Explanations
  • Sayūten
  • Surikomizume
  • Kotezume
  • Mittsunaka
  • Hachizume
  • Kirikaeshi
  • Nakari Hōshū
  • Sayū Kiri
  • Makikiri
  • Suriage Kiri
  • Minoiri
  • Norizume
• Interview Topics:
  • Itto-ryu Traditions
  • Master-Disciple Relationships
  • Teachings of Junzo Sasamori
  • Essence of Itto-ryu
  • From the Era of Ittosai to Today
  • Itto-ryu’s Influence on Modern Kendo
  • Training in the Modern World
  • Training and Faith
• Secret Techniques of Haritsuke: Techniques and Explanations
  • Waki-gamae no Suriage
  • Ryūbigaeshi
  • Chisei
  • Gyakuchisei
  • Ichimonji
  • Yotsukiri
  • Hassō
• Standing Iaijutsu: Techniques and Explanations
  • Yūhi
  • Denkō
  • Ryūsei
• Sword Drawing Techniques
• Interview Topics:
  • Direct Transmission of Itto-ryu
  • Inheritance of One-on-One Instruction
  • Common Points with Other Ancient Styles
  • Swordsmanship in Modern Times
  • What is Haritsuke?
  • Message to Itto-ryu Practitioners
  • Training in Itto-ryu
• Ending

About Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu: Founded by Ito Ittosai Kagehisa in the Muromachi period and thriving during the Edo period as the chosen style of the Tokugawa shogunate, Ono-ha Itto-ryu became a major influence in kenjutsu. With numerous branches stemming from Itto-ryu, the orthodox lineage is known as Ono-ha Itto-ryu. The philosophy of "Ittō Soku Mantō" (One Sword is All Swords) is highlighted by the distinctive technique "Kiriotoshi." This style is the ultimate form of swordsmanship and the origin of modern kendo. The 16th Soke, Junzo Sasamori, meticulously researched and reestablished all techniques, theories, and traditions, now passed down to the 17th Soke, Takemi Sasamori.

Featured Performer:

Takemi Sasamori
Minister, 17th Soke of Ono-ha Itto-ryu. Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1933 as the third son of the 16th Soke Junzo Sasamori. He also inherits the Daichuto Jigen-ryu and the Iaijutsu of the Kanno Muso Rinzaki-ryu. Graduate of Waseda University's Department of Philosophy and Duke University’s Graduate School of Theology. He operates a unique practice where his church and dojo are integrated at Komaba Eden Church. His works include "Bushido and Christianity" and "The Path to God, The Path from God," as well as the DVD "Return to Eden."

Language: Japanese with English subtitles

Length: 122 min.

SPD-7521