Ono-ha Hoki Ryu: The Tradition of Samurai Kenjutsu

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu (小野派伯耆流) is one of the Traditional Japanese fencing schools (koryu) which has lasted from the Edo period to the present day, specializing in the art of kenjutsu (swordsmanship) and iaijutsu (quick draw techniques). Founded by Katayama Hoki no Kami Fujiwara Hisayasu In the 17th century, this school maintains a legacy of samurai techniques, philosophical approaches and combat practices centered on the sword. Ono-ha Hoki Ryu is one of the most important branches of Hoki Ryu, and its transmission has been preserved through generations, respecting the original principles of the founder.

In this article, we explore the history, techniques, philosophy and impact of Ono-ha Hoki Ryu in the context of traditional Japanese martial arts.

The Hoki Ryu school it was founded by Katayama Hoki no Kami Fujiwara Hisayasu, a kenjutsu master and expert in quick-draw techniques, in the 17th century. Katayama Hisayasu developed the system based on his experience and his desire to create a martial art that combined technical skill with deep mental focus. His goal was to create a style of kenjutsu that not only trained the body, but also cultivated the mind and spirit of the practitioner, as part of the way of the warrior or budo.

The original Hoki Ryu focused primarily on iaijutsu techniques, a fast-drawing art in which the sword is drawn and the cut performed in one fluid motion. Over time, the school expanded to include kenjutsu techniques as well, and thus both iaijutsu and kenjutsu became part of the school's teachings.

The term ""Ono-ha" refers to one of the main branches of the Hoki Ryu, transmitted by the teacher Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki, who was one of the successors of Katayama Hisayasu. Ono-ha Hoki Ryu was established as a variant that emphasized the traditional values ​​of Hoki Ryu, adapting the combat techniques and the focus on spiritual development. Unlike other branches of Hoki Ryu, Ono-ha Hoki Ryu places special emphasis on technical structure and precision in each movement, following the principles transmitted by the lineage of Ono Jiroemon.

In Ono-ha Hoki Ryu, two of the key principles are sow (pressure) and zanshin (continuous awareness). Seme refers to the mental pressure that the practitioner exerts on the opponent, intimidating him or forcing him to make a mistake before attacking. Through seme, the practitioner learns to manage his presence and concentration, essential aspects in combat.

El Zanshin, on the other hand, is the ability to maintain concentration and awareness. even after the movement or technique has ended. This state of total alertness allows the practitioner to be prepared for any response from the opponent and acts as a measure of control over one's own body and mind. In Ono-ha Hoki Ryu, these principles are fundamental to achieving complete mastery in the art of the sword.

El iaijutsu is one of core disciplines in Ono-ha Hoki Ryu and focuses on the quick drawing of the sword in unexpected situations. The practice of iaijutsu in this school trains practitioners to react immediately, executing the drawing, cutting and sheathing in one fluid movement. This approach not only develops physical skills, but also helps the practitioner achieve mental calm and quick decision-making.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu iaijutsu is, in essence, a form of active meditation, in which the practitioner must learn to control his mind and body in the shortest possible time, aligning his actions with his intention. This principle of mind-body synchronization is a fundamental teaching in the school, which demands precision, self-control and a state of mental alertness.

Training in Ono-ha Hoki Ryu is based primarily on the use of kata, which are sequences of pre-set movements that simulate real combat situations. Through kata, the practitioner learns to coordinate his movements, develop muscle memory, and practice the principles of seme and zanshin in a controlled context. Each kata is designed to teach a specific combination of techniques and principles, from drawing to cutting and sheathing the sword.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu incorporates both the kenjutsu (sword fighting) such as iaijutsu (quick draw). In kenjutsu, practitioners learn sword fighting techniques such as attacks, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. Ono-ha Hoki Ryu kenjutsu techniques include fluid, precision-focused movements, seeking to neutralize the opponent with the fewest possible movements.

Iaijutsu, on the other hand, focuses on quick sword drawing, which allows one to attack and defend in a single action, a feature that is particularly useful in close-range combat situations. Both disciplines, although different in approach, complement and strengthen each other, offering the practitioner a complete understanding of sword combat.

One of the important aspects of Ono-ha Hoki Ryu is breath control, known as Enno Kokyu (circularity of breathing). This focus on breathing helps the practitioner to remain calm and mentally balanced during combat. Controlled breathing allows one to concentrate on each technique and each movement, and helps to maintain seme and zanshin at all times. This control of breathing also contributes to the development of "ki" or internal energy, which is vital for strong and precise movements in the art of swordsmanship.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu is a school deeply rooted in the philosophy of budo, or the way of the warrior, which demands both technical skill and an ethical commitment to practice. Discipline in the dōjō and respect for one's peers and teachers are core values ​​that every student of Ono-ha Hoki Ryu must develop. Practitioners learn to wield the sword not just as a weapon, but as an extension of their own spirit, fostering an attitude of respect for life and self-control.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu teaches the importance of adaptability in changing situations, a principle that is part of the practitioner's resilience. The ability to adapt to the opponent's movements and respond with precise techniques requires not only physical skill, but also a flexible mindset and a calmness that allows one to view conflict from a strategic point of view. This mental resilience is fundamental to developing the practitioner's character and allows him to apply the teachings of the school in daily life.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu has been recognized as a koryuOno-ha Hoki Ryu, a school of classical Japanese martial arts that preserves the original traditions and teachings. This school has survived through history thanks to the careful transmission of its teachings from master to disciple. Today, Ono-ha Hoki Ryu continues to be practiced in Japan and other countries, and is valued as a source of learning and self-development in traditional martial arts.

The expansion of Ono-ha Hoki Ryu outside of Japan has allowed practitioners from all over the world to learn and study its techniques and principles. Through international seminars, the masters of this school have brought the teachings of Ono-ha Hoki Ryu to practitioners interested in traditional swordsmanship and Japanese budo. These efforts contribute to the preservation of the legacy of Katayama Hisayasu and samurai culture.

Training in Ono-ha Hoki Ryu requires constant concentration and mental focus. Practicing the kata and the principles of seme and zanshin develops the practitioner's ability to concentrate and mental clarity, qualities that can be applied both inside and outside the dōjō.

Sword work and posture control strengthen the body and improve coordination and balance. Kenjutsu and iaijutsu movements require precise physical control and a high level of reaction, which help the practitioner improve his physical dexterity and flexibility.

Practice in Ono-ha Hoki Ryu fosters self-control, patience and perseverance. Through repetition and continuous improvement, students develop resilience and discipline, qualities that are essential both in martial arts and in everyday life.

Ono-ha Hoki Ryu represents one of the most refined traditions of Japanese swordsmanship, uniting combat technique with a profound philosophy of life. Through its teachings of kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and the principles of seme and zanshin, this school allows practitioners to explore the path of budo, the art of the sword, and self-improvement. For those seeking a discipline that integrates martial skills and personal development, Ono-ha Hoki Ryu offers a path of growth that honors the spirit of the samurai and the legacy of Japan's ancient masters.