noun
secret techniques; esoteric knowledge; mysteries
Refers to the deepest, most closely guarded secrets of an art, craft, or martial tradition. Often used in contexts like 奥義秘伝を伝授する (to impart the secret teachings).
その流派の奥義秘伝は、一子相伝で受け継がれてきた。
The secret techniques of that school have been passed down from father to son.
彼は師匠から奥義秘伝を授かった。
He was initiated into the esoteric knowledge by his master.
Compound of 奥義 (inner mysteries, profound principles) and 秘伝 (secret transmission). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with esoteric teachings in traditional Japanese arts and martial arts.