Itto

[Saito]

Does anyone study Itto Ryu?

[Kapplow]

Kendo is based off itto ryu(one sword/cut-style/tradition)

[Saito]

I know that, but does anyone practice Itto's Itto ryu

[nodachi]

I was able to practice it for a short while, but only while living in Japan. Haven't seen it anywhere back home. Doesn't mean it is impossible, but the odds are not good.

[Bennosuke]

Funny, I always thought Iaido had something to do with Ittosai. I think the thought came from the I in both names:D

[David]

I've always wondered this, but are ryu-ha that only use one sword considered to be sub-divisions of Itto-Ryu?

[pgsmith]

As far as I know, there is actually no longer an "Itto" ryu. There are a number of different branches of Itto ryu still in existence though, like Kogen Itto ryu, Ono Ha Itto ryu, Hokushin Itto ryu, and several others I can't remember at the moment. If I remember correctly, while itto means "one sword", the name was meant to be a reflection of the original Itto ryu philosophy that all sword techniques were simply variations of one sword technique, rather than actually referring to just using one sword.

Meik Skoss had a really good article about the Itto ryu in one of the Warrior Traditions books. If you're lucky, they may have that article up at koryu.com

[nodachi]

I had the chance to practice with a Suzuki sensei who taught what the other students told me was Ittoryu. No other label was given. At the time, he taught in Tokyo and he would visit a budokan in Chiba once a week. They also mentioned that he was the ??th teacher down the line (I forget how far) from Ittosai (if I was understanding what they were telling me at the time, my Japanese was really crappy then, well, much worse than my current crappy level now).

Were they just neglecting to mention to me some prefix so maybe he was teaching ____ Ittoryu or could it be he is still teaching just Ittoryu? Is anyone familiar with this sensei's name or can verify the few pieces of info I could put together with my limited language ability from that time?

Just thought I would bounce this off yall... Sorry, but I have limited knowledge of anything that deviates too much from modern kendo...

[ender84567]

in the book 'the heart of kendo' there is a good story where mr. craig is interviewing chiba sensei and asks what is meant by itto-ryu in hokushin itto-ryu, i highly reccomend reading it

[Kapplow]

hokushin itto ryu home is in chiba accroding to Mr. Craig


I had the chance to practice with a Suzuki sensei who taught what the other students told me was Ittoryu. No other label was given. At the time, he taught in Tokyo and he would visit a budokan in Chiba once a week. They also mentioned that he was the ??th teacher down the line (I forget how far) from Ittosai (if I was understanding what they were telling me at the time, my Japanese was really crappy then, well, much worse than my current crappy level now).

Were they just neglecting to mention to me some prefix so maybe he was teaching ____ Ittoryu or could it be he is still teaching just Ittoryu? Is anyone familiar with this sensei's name or can verify the few pieces of info I could put together with my limited language ability from that time?

Just thought I would bounce this off yall... Sorry, but I have limited knowledge of anything that deviates too much from modern kendo...

[Bennosuke]

I've always wondered this, but are ryu-ha that only use one sword considered to be sub-divisions of Itto-Ryu?

No, according to the Heart of Kendo, Itto ryu has to do with being able to defeat an opponent with one blow, or something similar. It doesn't have to do with how many swords you hold.

[Kenshi]

does anyone practice Itto's Itto ryu

There are a few styles of itto-ryu being practised in Japan today, most of which are quite similiar to look at. The main style is regarded to be Ono-Ha Itto-ryu, with the current headmaster being based in Tokyo.

As far as I know, the only official dojo outside of Japan is in San-Marino.... though I suspect there are quite a few kendo people around the globe that have had access to training at some point in their kendo career. Ive never seen anyone do it though.

Please have a read of Meik Skosses article... you can find it online but I suggest buying the book.

[pgsmith]

Please have a read of Meik Skosses article... you can find it online but I suggest buying the book.
I quite agree George. All three of the Classical Warrior Traditions books are more than worth buying. Good stuff!