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.
