小野派一刀流
ONA-HA ITTO RYU
HISTORY
Ono-haItto-ryu is a traditional Japanese martial art centered on the sword that originated 400 years ago during Japan’s Warring States period. The warrior, Ito Ittosai Kagehisa, created the school after engaging in numerous duels to the death and coming to the realization that the mind, body, and sword must act as one. He passed the school to his successor, Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki, who gained such a fear some reputation that he was recruited by Japan’s most famous shogun, TokugawaIeyasu, to be his personal guard and teacher. Along with Yagyu Munenori of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, Tadaaki served as an official instructor of kenjutsu to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Over the intervening centuries, Ono-haItto-ryu became known for its practicality and effectiveness and exerted a major influence on the development of the modern sport of kendo.
CURRICULUM
Students practice in pairs, using a wooden sword and thick protective gautlets unique to this system called onigote to ensure a realistic and safe training environment. This type of practice allows students to learn proper distance and timing and other essential skills for both offense and defense. Students start with basic movements and progress to more advanced techniques as they develop their abilities and understanding. Senior students practice with a steel sword with a blunted edge call habiki that provides even more realism.
MARK HAGUE SENSEI
Mark Hague’s martial arts career has spanned over 42 years, 19 of which in Japan, and he holds dan rankings in several styles of karateandaiki-jujitsu. He started training in Ono-haItto-ryu in the Reigakudo under Sasamori Takemiin 2002 and was awarded the Kana license in 2009. He continues to practice Ono-haItto-ryu under the current soke, Yabuki Yuji. As a certified instructor of the Ono-haItto-ryu America Branch, he teaches Ono-haItto-ryu on behalf of the Reigakudo in classes, seminars, and demonstrations in the United States, Europe, and Japan.