The Book of Five Rings 1st (first) edition Text Only

Miyamoto musashi poured his life thoughts into this master piece. Since I was young, I heard of different Sifus and masters, how important and meaningfull where miyamoto's 5 rings. Now that in older, and had a chance to get a real copy, I can say, they where right all along.
Taken your time to read this masterpiece. It's not a bathroom book.
It has lessons of economy, family, humbleness, hope, honor and love. All the way.
I'm Profoundly grateful for his work.

This is a general view of how warriors should approach battle, conflict, different styles and situations. The swordsman's viewpoint is extremely relevant to all fighters even though your particular method of martial art differs.

An amazing and thought provoking book. To see the transformation of the life, and the philosophies of one of the most gifted and perhaps troubled warriors the world has ever known... simply incredible. This should be mandatory reading for anyone who has ever felt to call to battle. If you have a drop of warriors blood in you, read this book.

This timeless classic (The Book of Five Rings) on warrior strategy and principles written by the Japanese sword saint, Miyamoto Musashi, is a book that is a must read for anyone who is involved in the martial arts. I have read several different versions and translations of this classic book in the past; however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this graphic novel version adapted by Sean Michael Wilson, illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada and based on the translation by William Scott Wilson was absolutely fantastic.

The basic five principles of combat Musashi emphasized in his fighting system includes "Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Emptiness. I was also very pleased to see Musashi's two-sword (Niten Ichi-ryu) system being emphasized in this text. The lessons he teaches are based upon his own observations and study of Zen and other esoteric writings. Even though he is most known for his expert Japanese swordsmanship, he emphasized to be familiar with all weapons to be a complete warrior. The great illustrations really make this story come alive.

In conclusion, this book is for anyone who is serious about his martial arts education. However, I do suggest you also read other translations along with this wonderful graphic novel version.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Wakizashi-jutsu: An official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu)

For those who are interested in this book, should first research who Miyamoto Musashi really was in Japan during the late 1500's through the early 1600's. He was a very interesting person in history.

I give the book 5 stars for teaching strategy. The author teaches sword mastery and at the same time there are deeper lessons in the book. Strategy lessons flow throughout the book. You can apply these teachings to life and business.

This book was written in the 17rh century and translated into English much later. Translation aside, much of what was written then rings strikingly true today. The lessons herein are applicable to our modern lives. Impressive.

Outstanding!!! Needs to be read by anyone who ever wants to be a manager, and that means everybody, because, first and foremost, you need to manage yourself, rather than let somebody else do it!!! Somebody else rarely has a suggestion or a complaint box for you!!!

Musashi's treatise on combat is, in many places, a rather dry recitation on footwork. But it is also, in many places, a thoughtful critique of traditions that serve no practical purpose in real life, and the need to experiment, to learn, and to embrace those ideas or skills that allow you to truly succeed in real life. Not the most engaging or accessible text, but very interesting and fairly short.

This book left me with a double feeling. Happiness, about being able to read about ancient wisdom and the sense it all made. Sadness, not being able to apply all knowledge in our era.

As Sun Tzu's Art of War was written even more abstract than this book, I found it easier to convert its knowledge into practice. As this book is more focussed on the inner-self of a human being, I strongly recommend you first read some Zen books before digging in on this one. Then I would recommend Zen Mind, Beginners Mind.

The knowledge of this book is definitly four-star material, but this translation into English misses out on some key points. Excellent to read, but don't expect any miracles without years of dedicated training.

After reading 2 other versions of the book within 4 days, getting this book with cd's to rest my reading part of my brain and turn on the listening part was so refreshing. Id say i listened to this cd just for the tranquility of being a middle-aged martial artist myself, not understanding why this mortal man could have so much energy to practice and I cant get thru a 2 hour non stop workout at my school without wanting to puke. I mean, this guy had to train bare minimum 16 hours a day. He had no girlfriends, no kids, didnt bathe, didnt seem to have any pleasures at all. In fact, he talks about martial arts being a "way" to live that is ultimate, yet the paradox is this man describes almost no joyous moments in his life at all.

Truthfully one must be very suspect as to how stunted emotionally and socially he actually was. You dont defeat/maim/kill 60 men by age 30, and then suddenly stop and do....what????? Wait 30 more years to recieve a request for your autobiography. He seemed very taoist-buddhist in his thinking and actions but a buddhist doesnt slaughter 60 men just to become a "great artist."

What is either amazing or pure fiction on musashis part is how he could have killed his first man at 13 and never lost....and yet never had a teacher. This would only infer he was blessed/taught by the heavens or God himself. Plus, why did only one of his students even come remotely close to his skill. Thats always bothered me about the old martial lore is that the further you go back the better the teacher. Martial arts is the only skill where as time goes on, the student is never quite as good as the teacher. Who got as good as Ueshiba? Yip-Man? Go even to Bruce Lee or Steven Seagal if you want to use modern times.

The fact that there IS so much missing and unexplained makes this a fascinating read/listen. I do have to say that I think it is all publishing hype that this book can be applied to all facets of life today. B.S.! HOW DO COMMENTS LIKE "Step on his sword to crush him" or "Always have the sun to your back" and "move your opponent to your left". How do these things apply to raising children or doing a business deal? LOL Too bad Ueshiba and Musashi did not live in the same place and time. It would be like Ali-Forman. But at least we "know" Ueshiba existed, and how good he was, we can at least guess. But why arent there many, many second hand testimonials of this most remarkable man? True he was a victim of his times with slow transportation and communication. But.............did he exist at all, or was this entirely a self-promotion? Or, to me what was more likely, it was a little bit of neither. He did actually say in his own words that to follow his trail, you could be "unbeatable" like him. Yet he says all other schools were "weak." Id like to hear what other readers felt were missing from this book. Im not a big MMA fan, but every MMA or pro boxer today would eagerly say about him......"Age 60??? Put him in the ring with me,he wouldnt last 15 seconds." I want to believe this guy is true, but heck, we cant even find a pro fighter today who can last past his late thirties and not be punchy, imagine back then when it was life and death. And he got no challenges after he "retired" at age 30 either, right? Hmmmmmm.......

Look at the Japanese culture now of this "Succeed at any cxost-Work toll you drop attitude."Maybe that is why Musashi was lucky to even live till 60. Seems all these fanatical martial artists wear themselves out. Look at Ed Parker-dead at 56. Bruce Lee-33. Joe Louis-47,and on and on.

If you are a professional warrior in military or law enforcement this is a must read. As a student of military tactics and history it is truly fascinating. In many ways this is similar to The Art of War but written for warriors instead of generals.

The author's clarity of thought and level of insight is extraordinary.

I didn't really know what to expect when ordering this book. I have a great interest in Japanese culture and art. While the book is a bit of a challenge to read (the translator does note that this may be likely), Musashi's discipline shows through even in his writings. I have not finished reading the book as of the writing of this review, but I am enjoying the book, and love the artwork on the cover. The ribbon bookmark that is part of the book is a neat touch too!

This paperback includes the writings of two masters of their craft in the martial arts, Miyamoto Musashi and Yagyu Munenori. The text is deep in meaning, yet easily read. The closest allegory to the work, in my opinion, is found in another classic, The Art of War, as well as teachings of philosophy and eastern religions.

You won't become a master swordsman or tactician solely by reading the text, but it does lay out knowledge attained by two very different legends of their warrior path and at least some of the meaning behind that knowledge that they were able to pass on to the future in their later years. There is nothing riveting or glamorous to be found here in that knowledge, 'just' two lifetimes of knowledge translated in very readable text in one reasonably priced book. As such, it should be appreciated by anyone wishing a guide to better themselves in their own path of life.

The book is inspiring especially for me because I do tae kwon do (a form of martial arts). Karate and kung fo can also almost like translate this into their own thing. The book is great and to think it is written completely by the arguably best swordsman. Amazing and cool.

Musashi is an Easterner, and the way he describes things can be felt somewhat flourished, opaque and difficult by most westerners; certainly by me. I passed the phase of wondering eastern mystique long ago and I am very sceptic at exaggerated fighting ritual some martial arts present. But there is little doubt, once you read it carefully, that Musashi does know what he is talking about. He is a ruthless fighter. His book is indeed a very practical guide. His insights are useful far beyond sword fighting.

Interesting read into the principles and zen philosophy associated with the practice of martial arts.
Some of the sword strategy detailed may not be entirely applicable or relevant even as a metaphor for the modern reader, but I found some useful advice in how to perceive everyday life events/occurrences in a more fluid and accepting way, and I think the philosophy espoused in this book is useful and applicable to the development of any skill set, in the context of a martial art or elsewhere.

Musashi Miyamoto writes a brief but compelling account of strategy in sword fighting. This is a difficult topic to write about, imagine trying to write a manual on how to survive a street fight. The books value is not that it can be taken as a combat manual, but that it is historically significant for that time in samurai history, and that it is designed to open the reader's mind to ideas on strategy in the broader sense, not in the tactical sense. This is honestly depicted in the book. The reader will do well to start thinking about how to practice the strategies described in this book but in actual physical training. And that is the main purpose behind the writing of ths piece.

The book gives great detail about combat by giving great ways about the path of a warrior. I heard about this author through a show called Baki.
Before going into battle, I recall the techniques that were informed of this work into my motives. A great read. Would recommend highly

This was an interesting read, and a good insight into the philosophical and practical history of Japanese thought of the period. I can't say that I liked it, but I did find it valuable in terms of comprehending cultural values far different from my own.

There are a few typos in this translation, but it is a cheap, excellent read. Its focus is around dueling but an open minded person should be able to apply a lot of the subject matter to every day life. If you are a martial artist (or a craftsman/artisan), I sincerely recommend this.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in self improvement. It is about combat, specifically sword fighting, but the principles can be applied to other areas. It's fairly short and easy to understand. Would recommend.

I bought this book after watching a History Channel documentary about the warrior who wrote it. I must say, I was not disappointed with my purchase.

Written in the mid-17th century, "Five Rings" is a brilliant, if at times disjointed, presentation of strategy. Many drops of philosophical wisdom are interspersed among the tactical teachings, making it a book well beyond the average 'how you use a sword,' tome.

One thing that must be understood before purchase; despite how it has been categorized by many, this is NOT a Japanese version of "The Art of War." While Sun Tzu presented comprehensive ideas which can be easily applied across various competitive endeavors, Miyamoto's lessons are more subtle, requiring rigorous study to properly apply them.

This, in turn, has a positive side-effect; the more challenging a teaching is, the more satisfying it becomes once understood. I have only read this book once, barely scratching the surface of what Miyamoto had to say; I know I have much more to learn from him, and I am looking forward to the exploration.

This one is a challenging read, yes, but definitely a keeper.

After reading this book I have become a Samuri Master...

Well maybe not. But this book should not be judged only for the Samuri Master, but for anyone in facing a conflict. Its method can be related to business and other affairs figuratively and give you an edge in the heat of such battles.

I strongly recommend!