Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu
Ono-ha Itto-ryu is recognized as the oldest of many kenjutsu schools that developed from the original teachings of Ito Ittosai Kagehisa. Ono-ha was founded by Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki (1565–1628), the immediate successor to Ittosai and a renowned swordsman who went on to become an instructor to both the second and third Tokugawa shoguns. Since that time, the art has been passed on through generations to the present day, in an unbroken lineage. The headquarters of Ono-ha Itto-ryu is the Reigakudo dojo in Tokyo, Japan — Yabuki Yuji is the 18th and current Soke (headmaster) of the ryu and the third head of the Reigakudo.
Our kenjutsu-kai is in the process of applying to become a Keiko-kai, an authorized training group under the auspices of the Reigakudo, and the first representative of our dojo has already visited the Reigakudo and trained directly with Yabuki Soke. As a member of our dojo you will have increasing opportunities to train with the senior-most instructors of the ryu, in Japan or here during anticipated seminar tours.
We are also anticipating delivery in late 2020 of several pairs of onigote, the heavy gauntlets unique to Itto-ryu that can safely absorb full-power strikes of Itto-ryu bokuto, the wooden swords used in kumitachi (paired, combative forms).
If you are seeking the depth and sophistication of classical weapons arts, are ready to pursue precise, demanding, and intellectually challenging training, and would like to play a significant, personal role in furthering the practice here of the foremost school of Japanese swordsmanship in the world, we invite you to join the men and women of our kenjutsu-kai.
Ono-ha Itto-ryu kenjutsu practices are held Mondays from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Persons applying to train in Ono-ha Itto-ryu must be aged 16 years or older. The required uniform and equipment can be obtained through the dojo.
Call or email today for an appointment and come see for yourself — visitors are always welcome!
