Introduction

Introduction

Well known in Japan, but little known in the West, Ono Ha Itto Ryu is one of the great schools of seventeenth century Japanese swordsmanship. In this book the authors explore in unparalleled detail the teachings of the lineage of their instructor, the renowned British orientalist, Victor Harris

****

The book includes a detailed account of all the practice combat engagements that were taught by Victor Harris grouped into seventy-six kata among six groups (Odachi, Kodachi, Ai-Kodachi, Habiki, Hoshatto and Saiko Gokui Goten) and examines the principles and strategies which underlie them.

***

Errol Baboolal Blake and Charles Beck have practised kendo and their teacher’s branch of Ono Ha Itto Ryu for approaching a hundred years between them. They were both students of the renowned orientalist Victor Harris. 

Hardback
408 pages, Crown Quarto
107 illustrations, mostly in colour (examples below)