Miyamoto Musashi was in few words, a badass mother ***er. He was a samurai born about 1580/84 they don't know for sure. He was involved in over 60 personal duels where he killed every single one of his opponents. He was also involved in 3 major battles in ancient Japan where he killed many more men. He was a master swordsman and towards the end of his life he wrote this book.
He had his first duel when he was 13, here's a short account of it:
In 1596, Musashi was 13, and Arima Kihei, who was traveling to hone his art, posted a public challenge in Hira***u-mura. Musashi wrote his name on the challenge. A messenger came to Dorin's temple, where Musashi was staying, to inform Musashi that his duel had been accepted by Kihei. Dorin, Musashi's uncle, was shocked by this, and tried to beg off the duel in Musashi's name, based on his nephew's age. Kihei was adamant that the only way his honor could be cleared was if Musashi apologized to him when the duel was scheduled. So when the time set for the duel arrived, Dorin began apologizing for Musashi, who merely charged at Kihei with a six-foot quarterstaff, shouting a challenge to Kihei. Kihei attacked with a wakizashi, but Musashi threw Kihei on the floor, and while Kihei tried to get up, Musashi struck Arima between the eyes and then beat him to death. Arima was said to have been arrogant, overly eager to fight, and not a terribly talented swordsman.
It is separated into 5 chapters or "Rings": The Earth, The Water, The Fire, The Wind and The Emptiness or The Void.
He wrote the book when he was in his 60's and died shortly after writing it and it speaks on the spiritual and physical connection about combat, death, life, strategy, tactics, and philosophy of combat and overcoming anything in life.
If you are into boxing, marital arts or just like to read about the strength of the spiritual and mind, it's a must read.
It's considered a literary masterpiece and one of the greatest works to come out of Japan. Something you will read over and over.
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