This classic interpretation of Miyamoto Musashi's famous
Book of Five Rings
is explicitly intended for the martial artist—as Miyamoto Musashi originally intended.
It explains the underlying truths necessary for a full understanding of Musashi's message for warriors. The result is an enthralling book on military strategy that combines the instincts of the warrior with the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism. It is a crucial book for every martial artist to read and understand.
Like the original, this classic book of strategy is divided into five sections. The
Book of Earth
lays the groundwork for anyone wishing to understand Musashi's teachings; the
Book of Water
explains the warrior's approach to strategy; the
Book of Fire
teaches fundamental fighting techniques based on the Earth and Water principles; the
Book of Wind
describes differences between Musashi's own martial style and the styles of other fighting schools; while the
Book of No-thing
describes the "way of nature" as understood through an "unthinking" existing preconception.
Famed martial artist and bestselling author Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual academic or commercial bias, driving straight into the heart of Musashi's martial teachings and interpreting them for his fellow martial artists. The result is an enthralling combination of warrior wisdom and philosophical truths that Musashi offered to other warriors who wished to master the martial way of bushido.