LITMIR.BIZ

      PREFACE

      Musashi is well known to most martialists. He is considered the Kensei, sword-saint of Japan. While his teachings are essentially centered around swordsmanship, his teachings fall without question into the domain of study for practitioners of all the martial arts, including karate, judo, Western fencing and other killing forms as well, but, only if they are used to take life in combat.

      The Book of Five Rings is Miyamoto Musashi’s teaching on the art of strategy in combat based on swordsmanship. It must be understood that whether or not you practice the martial arts or use the teachings for other disciplines, there are profound truths to be gleaned from this work, Musashi’s legacy.

      My own personal involvement in the art of karate for nearly forty years, along with my ten-year study of the “Rings,” has led me to take the responsibility of interpreting these teachings for the martialist who wishes to understand the true “Way.”

      This is a profound work on life and death in combat. It is not for the immature. I do not advocate the taking of life for any reason. Keep in mind that Musashi’s work was done at a time when mortal combat was a way of life. The teachings of Musashi, and this interpretation are to explain the principles and philosophy of a warrior’s life in ancient Japan.