Devil's Gloves and the One Cut: An Introduction to Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kata Paperback – 28 May 2011

This rather expensive book shows signs of having been hastily produced and would have benefited from some proof reading and sub-editing. There are some obvious typos - commas jumped up to apostrophes and some odd puctuation - qotes around everyday expressions, inconsistent use of hyphens in Japanese names and terms and at least one factual error - the New Jesey based American koryu sensei is Meik, not Mike, Skoss. The calligraphy looks similiar to that produced by MS Presentation Manager.Regarding the content, illustrating kata with photographs is difficult and does not work as well here as in the author's "Looking at a Far Mountain". However we were able to use the book to work out the waza for a form with which we were not familiar. Two other Ittoh ryu sensei I have spoken to are not happy with the author's approach of using set patterns of footwork which they feel is contrary to the spirit of the kata which should teach the student inter alia a dynamic appreciation of timing and distance.

This gives a good foundation of the history and basic practice of Ono ha Itto Ryu, well laid out visually

Although some of the photo's are a bit on the small size, there is a lot of information and minute detail packed into these as well as the text. While it cannot replace training with someone of Sensei Budden's calibre it does offer an incite into and much missed description of Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kata. The text is clear and describes many of the hidden facets of the technique, garnered from years of practise and distilled via copious, studious and importantly reflective note taking.An essential for any well rounded kendoka's or kenjutsu practisioners bookshelf and an excellent partner to 'Looking at Far Mountain' by the same author although the latter is a better produced book in terms of quality.

this a very wild version of itto ryu...i always thought the gloves were weird..i see the point here and like it as you can do more of the sakki type cuts..the thing i dont like is the heavy kendo side...no need to mix them as it confuses as awesomne kenjutsu school with modern points combat and it dont work together and makes for a confusing read at first..am i reading about the itto ryu or is the guy trying to push how great kendo is?but the itto ryu stuff is great and thanx for sharing!

nice writing - nice picturesgood informationvery interesting for people who start with OHIR - also good guidline for advanced traineeslooking forward to read the sequel