The Secret Sword - A Study of Itto-ryu Mizoguchi-ha

For centuries, a hidden legacy of the samurai remained locked away.Itto-ryu Mizoguchi-ha, a classical school of Japanese swordsmanship (koryu), was preserved in secrecy within the noble families of the Aizu domain, in what is now Fukushima Prefecture. Until 1968, its forms and philosophy were carefully guarded, unseen by the outside world.Now, after eighteen years of dedicated practice following the guidance of Ozawa Hiroshi of the Eishingijuku Kobukan in Tokyo, the author opens the gates to this rare tradition. Weaving together historical context, philosophical reflection, and precise technical instruction, this work illuminates a martial system once reserved for the elite of Japan’s warrior class.More than a manual of technique, it is an exploration of discipline, history, and artistry. In these pages, readers will discover not only the detailed forms of Itto-ryu Mizoguchi-ha, but also the enduring spirit that has sustained one of Japan’s most refined schools of swordsmanship. Read more