Itto Ryu Kenjutsu
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Restricted to Honorable Alignments. Requires a minimum P.E. of 12.
Skill Cost: 11 years (6 years as a Secondary Martial Art Style).

This is a Japanese sword style. It was created by Itto Ittosai Kagehisa (1560-1653) during the Early Edo Period, circa 1630. This style was later revised by Ono Jirouemon Tadaaki and called Ono-Ha Itto Ryu. This school teaches students to master Ki (Chi), Ryoku (energy of the body), and Shin (spirit-heart). By mastering these fundamentals, they learn to act only when the emotions are quiet and free from any fear and evil intent. This style has had a profound influence on the development of kendo. This school primarily teaches sword technique, with little thought given to unarmed combat. One of the basic principles in Itto Ryu is Uchikachi (attack and defense in one blow). This style teaches kenjutsu and iaijutsu as a "one sword" technique. Training in this style can be found in Tokyo Prefecture Japan, The current headmaster is Sasamori Takemi.

Costume: Keikogi (quilted, navy-blue jacket) and Hakama.
Stance: Onken: Also known as Wakigame, Yo no Kamae, or Sha no Kamae. The key to this posture is to conceal the sword and expose the body to the enemy. This posture has the same spirit as does Jodan. There are two variations: Wakigamae Gedan in which the sword points down and back and Wakigamae Chudan in which the sword points back horizontally with the edge facing out. The body is turned but the head faces forward.
Migi (Right Hand) Onken: With the body turned to the right, the sword is held on the right side, with the left hand in front of the center of the body.
Hidari (Left Hand) Onken: With the body turned to the left, the sword is held on the left side, with the right hand in front of the center of the body.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +10 to Chi
Add +1 to M.E.
Add +1 to P.P.
Add +2 to P.E.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 4
Escape Moves: Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Breakfall, Circular Parry, Combination Parry/Attack, Multiple Dodge.
Hand Attacks: Strike (Punch)
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack
Jumping Foot Attacks: None
Special Attacks: Backward Thrust (New!), Combination Strike/Parry, Death Strike (New!), Hilt Strike (New!).
Holds/Locks: None
Weapon Kata: W.P. Katana (Large Sword), W.P. Wakizashi (Short Sword).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receives Iaijutsu. Select a total of ONE (1) Martial Art Powers from among Martial Art Techniques or Special Kata (including Chi Kata). Except for Iaijutsu, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Languages: Japanese
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Katana (Large Sword), W.P. Wakizashi (Short Sword).
Philosophical Training: Zen Buddhism/Bushido
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu (3 Years), Kasumi Shinto Ryu (2 Years), Kendo (3 Years), Kurama Ryu (5 Years), Muso Jukiden Eishin Ryu (5 Years), Muso Shinden Ryu (5 Years), Shinmuso Hayashizaki Ryu (5 Years), Suio Ryu (4 Years), Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu (4 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Critical Strike from Behind.
2nd: +1 to Parry, +1 to Damage, +1 to Initiative.
3rd: +1 to Maintain Balance, Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20.
4th: +1 Attack per Melee, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery (including Advanced), or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata (including Chi Kata).
5th: +1 to Damage.
6th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Death Strike on a Natural 20.
7th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery (including Advanced), or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata (including Chi Kata).
8th: +1 Attack per Melee, Add +10 to Chi, +1 to Maintain Balance.
9th: +1 to Damage, +1 to Strike.
10th: +1 Attack per Melee, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery (including Advanced), or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata (including Chi Kata).
11th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Parry.
12th: +2 to Damage, +1 to Initiative.
13th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Maintain Balance.
14th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery (including Advanced), or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata (including Chi Kata).
15th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Damage.
Why Study Itto Ryu Kenjutsu?
A lethal martial art that has the disadvantage of being dependent on a weapon. The access to Chi Mastery Abilities at high levels do make this style much more versatile.