The techniques of Ono-ha Itto-ryu center around the katana, the traditional Japanese sword. Students practice in pairs, using a wooden sword, or bokuto, and thick protective gauntlets unique to our school called onigote to ensure a realistic yet 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, step-by-step, to more advanced techniques as they develop their abilities and understanding. Senior students practice with a steel sword with a blunted edge called a habiki that provides even more realism.

Our Ono-ha Itto-ryu study group falls under the auspices of the Reigakudo Foundation of Tokyo Japan, which is the internationally recognized headquarters for the mainline school of Ono-ha Itto-ryu. Members of the Reigakudo have the opportunity to train with the 18th headmaster (soke) of the school, Yabuki Yuji, both in Japan and in international seminars around the world. Our students also travel to Japan regularly to train at the Reigakudo, experiencing the fascinating culture of Japan first-hand.