Hitotsu-no-tachi of the Itto Ryu
By Philip Scudieri, of the Delaware Budokan San Sai Dojo
It had been seven days and six nights of practice for the young man seated quietly in the middle of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, a famous temple dedicated to the deity of martial arts. Late in the evening of the seventh day while meditating on his previous practice sessions, the young man who was called Yagoro sensed a motion behind him and in a split second turned around drawing his blade and cutting his attacker, killing him instantly. Fearing for his life, a blood spattered Yagoro left the shrine wondering whom the attacker was and how he had defeated him. It would be years before he knew what happened and by that time he would be known as Ito Kagehisa founder of one of Japans most illustrious sword schools, the Itto Ryu.
This technique referred to as Ito’s “ Musso Ken “ or “ dream stroke” is known as Hitotsu-no tachi or “ Sword of One.” This is the strategy of blocking and countering with a single stroke.
There are a few versions of this and we will discuss two of them.
First: Kirioroshi or cutting
downward.
This strategy is not for the faint at heart. It was because of this technique
that the kote or heavy gloves used by the Itto Ryu were invented. A lighter
modern version is used in kendo today.
The Itto Ryu is known for
its no frills, straight ahead style, and its lack of “spiritual or metaphysical”
aspects. Itosai was concerned with only wielding the sword.
The only philosophy in this school is “ One Cut, One Kill”
Kirioroshi is the core
of the Itto Ryu.
This technique goes a long way in using the best design of the blade.
1. Uchitachi faces Shitachi
in chudan or middle level. Right foot forward.
2. Shitachi is about to execute makko geri or cutting downward from directly
in front of his attacker. The kissaki or tip should be touching the base of
your spine. Feet parallel (Photo hitatsu1)
3. As uchitachi (attacker)
steps forward with his left foot, he assumes jodan or upper level to close the
maai.
4. Shitachi maintains position, ready to execute makkogeri
5. Uchitachi, while continuing with a large right step cuts downward in a committed
fashion. (Photo hitatsu2)
6. Shitachi steps straight in with a full cut. Hips remain forward. Note: Shitachi
must cut faster and stronger than uchitachi
7. The moment
of impact. (Photo hitatsu3) The shinogi or ridgelines of the blades strike together.
8. Shitachi finishes striking with the monouchi or upper part of the sword.
(Photo hitatsu 4)
9. The angle of deflection. (Photo hitatsu 5)
Practice tips:
Start facing your partner, both in jo dan
Slowly cut down together
Allow the shinogi to hit
Go very slow and build
up speed.
Wrists and forearms should be loose in the beginning
Keep hips forward
Cut straight for the center of your opponent’s head.
This is an all is nothing strategy… Be Brave.
Thanks to Jon Machmuller and Tom Johnson for demonstrating.
Part Two Next Month: Uchiotochi
(Please, visit the website of Scudieri sensei at The Delaware Budokan )