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Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵)
Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken.
Born	Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin c. June 13, 1584(1584-06-13) Harima Province, Japan
Died	c. June 13, 1645 (aged 61) Higo Province, Japan from natural causes (probably stomach cancer)
Residence	Japan
Other names	Shinmen Takezō; Miyamoto Bennosuke; Niten Dōraku; Shinmen Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Genshin
Martial art practiced	Kenjutsu
Teacher(s)	none verified
Notable students	Terao Magonojo; Terao Motomenosuke; Furuhashi Sozaemon

In this Japanese name, the family name is Shinmen.

Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵, Miyamoto Musashi^?) (c. 1584–June 13 (Japanese calendar: May 19), 1645), also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or by his Buddhist name Niten Dōraku^[1], was a Japanese swordsman famed for his duels and distinctive style. Musashi, as he is often simply known, became legendary through his outstanding swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age. He is the founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and the author of The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin No Sho^?), a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today. Image File history File links Musashi_ts_pic. ... A pair of bokken A bokken (, bok(u), wood, and ken, sword), is a wooden Japanese sword used for training, usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1584 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Harima (播磨国; -no kuni) or Banshu (æ’­å·ž banshÅ«) was a province of Japan in the part of Honshu that is the southwestern part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // Events January 10 - Archbishop Laud executed on Tower Hill, London. ... The article incorporates text from OpenHistory. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Kenjutsu ) is the Japanese martial art specializing in the use of the Japanese sword (katana). ... Terao Magonojo a famed swordsman during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Terao Motomenosuke a famed swordsman during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Furuhashi Sozaemon a famed swordsman during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Yamada Tarō (), a typical Japanese name (male), equivalent to John Smith in English. ... Last name redirects here. ... 1584 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Koinobori, flags decorated like koi, are popular decorations around Childrens Day This mural on the wall of a Tokyo subway station celebrates Hazuki, the eighth month. ... is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // Events January 10 - Archbishop Laud executed on Tower Hill, London. ... A swordsman is one skilled in the use of swords. ... Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryÅ« ), which can be loosely translated as the school of the strategy of two heavens as one, is a style of classical Japanese swordsmanship conceived by the famous warrior Miyamoto Musashi. ... Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ...

Biography

Birth

The details of Miyamoto Musashi's early life are difficult to verify. Musashi himself simply states in Gorin no Sho that he was born in Harima Province.^[2] Niten Ki (an early biography of Musashi) supports the theory that Musashi was born in 1584: "[He] was born in Banshū, in Tenshō 12 [1584], the Year of the Monkey."^[3] The historian Kamiko Tadashi, commenting on Musashi's text, notes: "[...]Munisai was Musashi's father...he lived in Miyamoto village, in the Yoshino district [of Mimasaka Province]. Musashi was most probably born here."^[4] His childhood name was Bennosuke 弁之助. Harima (播磨国; -no kuni) or Banshu (æ’­å·ž banshÅ«) was a province of Japan in the part of Honshu that is the southwestern part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture. ...

Musashi gives his full name and title in Gorin no Sho as "Shinmen Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Genshin."^[5] His father, Shinmen Munisai 新免無二斎, was an accomplished martial artist and master of the sword and jutte.^[6] Munisai, in turn, was the son of Hirata Shōgen 平田将監, a vassal of Shinmen Iga no Kami, the lord of Takeyama Castle, in the Yoshino district of Mimasaka Province.^[7] Hirata was relied upon by Lord Shinmen, and so was allowed to use the Shinmen name. As for "Musashi," Musashi no Kami was a court title, making him the nominal governor of Musashi province. "Fujiwara" was the lineage from which Musashi claimed nominal descent. A jitte, or jutte (Japanese: 十手; the power of ten hands weapon), is a specialized weapon used by law enforcement officers in Edo period Japan. ...

Munisai and Musashi's birth date

In his youth, Munisai won 2 out of 3 bouts against a master swordsman named Yoshioka in front of the then-shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki; the shogun granted him the title "Best in Japan". Munisai also taught in a local dojo his family jitte techniques. Mysteriously, his tomb says he died in 1580, which obviously conflicts with the accepted birth date of 1584 for Musashi. Further muddying the waters, according to the family genealogy of the extant Miyamoto family, Musashi was born in 1582. Kenji Tokitsu has suggested that the accepted birth date of 1584 for Musashi is wrong, as it is primarily based on a literal reading of the introduction to the Go Rin No Sho where Musashi states that the years of his life "add up to 60" (yielding the twelfth year of the Tensho era, or 1584, when working backwards from the well-documented date of composition), when it should be taken in a more literary and imprecise sense, indicating not a specific age but merely that Musashi was in his sixties when he wrote it. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate Shōgun )   is supreme general of the samurai,a military rank and historical title in Japan. ... Ashikaga Yoshiaki (足利 義昭 Ashikaga Yoshiaki, December 5, 1537–October 9, 1597) was the 15th, and last, shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan who reigned from 1568 to 1573. ... Genealogy (from Greek: γενεα, genea, family; and λόγος, logos, knowledge) is the study and tracing of family pedigrees. ... ESkog 18:58, 20 July 2005 (UTC) Categories: Possible copyright violations ...

Because of the uncertainty centering around Munisai (when he died, whether he was truly Musashi's father, etc.), Musashi's mother is known with even less confidence. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Munisai's tomb was correct. He died in 1580, leaving two daughters; his wife adopted a recently born child, from the Akamatsu clan, intended to succeed Munisai at his jitte school. Omasa, Munisai's widow, was not truly Musashi's mother.
2. The tomb was wrong. Munisai lived a good deal longer, later than 1590 possibly. Musashi, then, was born to Munisai's first wife, Yoshiko (daughter to Bessho Shigeharu, who formerly controlled Hirafuku village until he lost a battle in 1578 to Yamanaka Shikanosuke). Munisai divorced her after Musashi's birth, whereupon she decamped for her father's house, leaving Musashi with Munisai. Musashi grew up treating Munisai's second wife, Omasa (daughter to Lord Shinmen) as his mother. This second scenario is laid out in an entry to the Tasumi family's genealogy:

   "The daughter of Bessho Shigeharu first married Hirata Muni and was divorced from him a few years later. After that she married Tasumi Masahisa. The second wife of Tasumi Masahisa was the mother of Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi's childhood name was Hirata Den. He later became famous on account of his swordsmanship. During his childhood, he went to Hirafuku to find his real mother. He moved in with the Tasumi family."^[8]

3. A variant of this second theory is based on the fact that the tombstone states that Omasa gave birth to Musashi on 4 March 1584, and died of it. Munisai then remarried to Yoshiko. They divorced, as in the second theory, but Yoshiko took Musashi with her, and married Tasumi Masahisa.
4. Kenji Tokitsu prefers to assume a birth date of 1581, which avoids the necessity of assuming the tombstone to be erroneous (although this poses the problem of from whom then Musashi received the transmission of the family martial art).

Upbringing

Regardless of the truth about Musashi's ancestry, when Musashi was seven years old, the boy was raised by his uncle, Dorinbo (or Dorin), in Shoreian temple, three kilometers (~1.8 mi.) from Hirafuku. Both Dorin and Musashi's uncle by marriage - Tasumi - educated him in Buddhism and basic skills such as writing and reading. This education is possibly the basis for Yoshikawa Eiji's fictional education of Musashi by the historical Zen monk Takuan. He was apparently trained by Munisai in the sword, and in the family art of the jitte. This training did not last for a very long time, as in 1589, Munisai was ordered by Shinmen Sokan to kill Munisai's student, Honiden Gekinosuke. The Honiden family was displeased, and so Munisai was forced to move four kilometers (~2.5 mi.) away to the village of Kawakami. Dorinbo (c. ... Eiji Yoshikawa (吉川 英治 Yoshikawa Eiji, August 11, 1892 - September 7, 1962) was a Japanese author specializing in historical novels. ... For other uses, see Zen (disambiguation). ... Takuan Sōhō ), 1573 - 1645) was a major figure in the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. ...

In 1592, Munisai died, although Tokitsu believes that the person who died at this time was really Hirata Takehito.

Musashi contracted eczema in his infancy, and this adversely affected his appearance.^{[citation needed]} Another story claims that he never took a bath because he did not want to be surprised unarmed. While the former claim may or may not have some basis in reality, the latter seems improbable.^[9] An unwashed member of the warrior caste would not have been received as a guest by such famous houses as Honda, Ogasawara and Hosokawa. These and many other details are likely embellishments that were added to his legend, or misinterpretations of literature describing him. Eczema (from Greek έκζεμα) is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. ... Honda Tadakatsu ) (1548 – December 3, 1610), also called Honda Heihachirō (本多平八郎), was a Japanese general (and later a daimyo) of the late Sengoku through early Edo period, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Hosokawa clan is one of strong Shugo Daimyo. ...

His father's fate is uncertain, but it is thought that he died at the hands of one of Musashi's later adversaries, who was punished or even killed for treating Musashi's father badly. However, there are no exact details of Musashi's life, since Musashi's only writings are those related to strategy and technique.

Training in swordsmanship

Miyamoto Musashi having his fortune told. Print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

The name "Musashi" was thought to be taken from the name of a warrior monk named Musashibō Benkei who served under Minamoto no Yoshitsune, but this is unconfirmed. In any case, the name seems fitting, particularly when comparing the level of mastery of weaponry - both being able to masterfully use nine or more weapons. Download high resolution version (428x640, 113 KB)Picture of Miyamoto Musashi getting his fortune told. ... Download high resolution version (428x640, 113 KB)Picture of Miyamoto Musashi getting his fortune told. ... Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese: 歌川国芳) (1798 - 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese woodblock print. ... Benkei as portrayed in Kabuki plays. ... Yoshitsune by Kikuchi Yosai Yoshitsune and Benkei Viewing Cherry Blossoms, by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka Minamoto no Yoshitsune () (1159 – June 15, 1189) was a general of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura period. ...

It's said that he may have studied at the Yoshioka ryu school, which was also said to be a school Musashi defeated single-handedly during his later years, although this is uncertain. Ultimately the name was taken from his own original kanji, 武蔵, which can be read as Takezo or as Musashi, as stated in Eiji Yoshikawa's book Musashi. The Yoshioka ryÅ« (Yoshioka sword style) is a koryu (traditional sword fighting style) and is part of the Kyohachiryu (eight sword styles in old capital Kyoto) The Yoshioka ryu became famous during the latter half of the 16th century when Yoshioka Kempo (founder of the Yoshioka ryu) was assigned to... A dojo ) is a Japanese term which literally means place of the Way. Initially, Dojo were adjunct to temples. ... Musashi is a Japanese novel written by Eiji Yoshikawa and serialized in 1935 in Asahi Shimbun. ...

First duel

"I have trained in the way of strategy since my youth, and at the age of thirteen I fought a duel for the first time. My opponent was called Arima Kihei, a sword adept of the Shinto ryu, and I defeated him. At the age of sixteen I defeated a powerful adept by the name of Akiyama, who came from the province of Tajima. At the age of twenty-one I went up to Kyoto and fought duels with several adepts of the sword from famous schools, but I never lost." There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Categories: Japan geography stubs | Old provinces of Japan ...

—Miyamoto Musashi, Go Rin No Sho

According to the introduction of The Book of Five Rings, Musashi states that his first successful duel was at the age of thirteen, against a samurai named Arima Kihei who fought using the Kashima Shintō-ryū style, founded by Tsukahara Bokuden (b. 1489, d. 1571). The main source of the duel is the Hyoho senshi denki ("Anecdotes about the Deceased Master"). Summarized, its account goes as follows: Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ... Ichi no Tachi or Kashima no Tachi ? ... Tsukahara Bokuden (塚原 卜伝 1489 - 1571) was a famous swordsman of early Sengoku period. ...

In 1596, Musashi was 13, and Arima Kihei, who was traveling to hone his art, posted a public challenge in Hirafuku-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. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Sacrifice throws are considered risky since they put the thrower in a disadvantagous position. ...

—William Scott Wilson, The Lone Samurai^[10]

The duel is odd for a number of reasons, not least of which is why Musashi was permitted to duel Arima, whether the apology was a ruse, and why Arima was there in the first place. The Lone Samurai (ISBN 4-7700-2942-X) is a biography of the Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. ...

Travels and duels

In 1599, three years later, Musashi left his village, apparently at the age of 15 (according to the Tosakushi, "The Registry of the Sakushu Region", although the Tanji Hokin Hikki says he was 16 years old in 1599).^[8] His family possessions such as furniture, weapons, genealogy, and other records were left with his sister and her husband, one Hirao Yoemon.

He spent his time traveling and engaging in duels, such as with an adept called Akiyama from the Tajima province.

In 1600, a war began between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans. Musashi apparently fought on the side of the Toyotomi's "Army of the West", as the Shinmen clan (to whom his family owed allegiance) had allied with them. Specifically, he participated in the attempt to take Fushimi castle by assault in July 1600, in the defense of the besieged Gifu Castle in August of the same year, and finally in the famed Battle of Sekigahara. Some doubt has been cast on this final battle, as the Hyoho senshi denki has Musashi saying he is "no lord's vassal" and refusing to fight with his father (in Lord Ukita's battalion) in the battle. Omitting the Battle of Sekigahara from the list of Musashi's battles would seem to contradict the Go Rin No Sho's statement that Musashi fought in six battles, however. The Toyotomi family was powerful in the late Sengoku period in Japan. ... The Tokugawa clan crest The Tokugawa clan ) was a powerful daimyo family of Japan. ... Inabayama Castle Inabayama Castle, is a large castle built at Kinka, by Nikaido atop a mountain during the Kamakura Period. ... Combatants Forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyori, many clans from Western Japan Forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Clans of Eastern Japan Commanders Ishida Mitsunari, Mōri Terumoto, others Tokugawa Ieyasu, others Strength Approximately 100000 Approximately 80000 Casualties 5000-32000 dead Otani Yoshitsugu Shimazu Toyohisa Unknown; but not excessive The Battle of Sekigahara...

Regardless, as Toyotomi's side lost, it has been suggested that Musashi fled as well, and spent some time training on Mount Hiko. Mount Hiko ), is a mountain on the border between Fukuoka Prefecture and ÅŒita Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. ...

Ichijoji Sagarimatsu, Location of the battle between Musashi and the Yoshioka school

After the Battle of Sekigahara, Musashi disappears from the records; the next mention of him has him arriving in Kyoto at the age of 20 (or 21), where he famously began a series of duels against the Yoshioka School. Ichijoji Sagarimatsu Kyoto Japan Miyamoto Musashi Yoshioka I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ... Ichijoji Sagarimatsu Kyoto Japan Miyamoto Musashi Yoshioka I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ... Combatants Forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyori, many clans from Western Japan Forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Clans of Eastern Japan Commanders Ishida Mitsunari, Mōri Terumoto, others Tokugawa Ieyasu, others Strength Approximately 100000 Approximately 80000 Casualties 5000-32000 dead Otani Yoshitsugu Shimazu Toyohisa Unknown; but not excessive The Battle of Sekigahara... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ...

Musashi's father had fought against an adept of the Yoshioka School in his youth, receiving the title of "Best In Japan" as mentioned earlier. The Yoshioka School (descended from either the Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū or the Kyo-hachi-ryū) was the foremost of the eight major schools of martial arts in Kyoto, the "Kyo-ryū" / "Schools of Kyoto". Legend has it that these eight schools were founded by eight monks taught by a legendary martial artist resident on the sacred mountain Kurama. At some point the Yoshioka family also began to make a name for itself not merely in the art of the sword but also in the textile business and for a dye peculiar to them. They gave up teaching swordsmanship in 1614 when they were in the Army of the West against Tokugawa Ieyasu, in the Battle of Osaka, which they lost. But in 1604, when Musashi began duelling them, they were still preeminent. There are various accounts of the duels—the Yoshioka family documents claim that there was only one, against Yoshioka Kenpō, which Musashi lost. Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryÅ« ) is one of the oldest extant Japanese martial arts, and an exemplar of koryÅ« bujutsu. ... Shrine at Kurama-dera Mount Kurama (Japanese: 鞍馬山, Kurama-yama) is a mountain to the northwest of Kyoto city. ... For other uses, see Textile (disambiguation). ... Look up dye in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Tokugawa Ieyasu January 31, 1543 – June 1, 1616)was the founder and first shogunof the Tokugawa shogunateof Japanwhich ruled from the Battle of Sekigaharain 1600until the Meiji Restorationin 1868. ... Combatants Tokugawa shogunate Toyotomi clan Commanders Tokugawa Ieyasu Toyotomi Hideyori Strength 164,000 (winter) 150,000 (summer) 113,000 (winter) 60,000 (summer) Inscription on bell at Hokoji in Kyoto The Siege of Osaka ), more commonly called ), was a series of battles undertaken by the Tokugawa shogunate against the Toyotomi...

Musashi challenged Yoshioka Seijūrō, master of the Yoshioka School, to a duel. Seijūrō accepted, and they agreed to a duel outside Rendaiji in Rakuhoku, in the northern part of Kyoto on 8 March 1604. Musashi arrived late, greatly irritating Seijūrō. They faced off, and Musashi struck a single blow, per their agreement. This blow struck Seijūrō on the left shoulder, knocking him out, and crippling his left arm. He apparently passed on the headship of the school to his equally accomplished brother, Yoshioka Denshichirō, who promptly challenged Musashi for revenge. The duel variously took place in Kyoto outside a temple, Sanjūsangen-dō. Denshichirō wielded a staff reinforced with steel rings (or possibly with a ball-and-chain attached), while Musashi arrived late a second time. Musashi disarmed Denshichirō and defeated him. This second victory outraged the Yoshioka clan, whose head was now the 12-year old Yoshioka Matashichiro. They assembled a force of archers, musketeers and swordsmen, and challenged Musashi to a duel outside Kyoto, near Ichijoji Temple. Musashi broke his previous habit of arriving late, and came to the temple hours early. Hidden, Musashi assaulted the force, killing Matashichiro, and escaping while being attacked by dozens of their supporters. With the death of Matashichiro, the branch of the Yoshioka School was destroyed. For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 14 – Hampton Court conference with James I of England, the Anglican bishops and representatives of Puritans September 20 – Capture of Ostend by Spanish forces under Ambrosio Spinola after a three year siege. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... Sanjusangen-dō SanjÅ«sangendō ) is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. ...

After Musashi left Kyoto, some sources recount that he travelled to Hozoin in Nara, to duel with and learn from the monks there, widely known as experts with lance weapons. There he settled down at Enkoji Temple in Banshu, where he taught the head monk's (one Tada Hanzaburo's) brother. Hanzaburo's grandson would found the Ensu-ryū based on the Enmei-ryū teachings and iaijutsu. Hōzōin-ryÅ« sōjutsu (寳藏院流槍術, 宝蔵院流槍術), a koryu school of martial arts, was founded by Hōzōin Kakuzenbō Hōin In-ei (寳藏院覚禅房胤栄) in the late Muromachi Period (c. ... Nara Prefecture ) is a prefecture in the Kinki region on HonshÅ« Island, Japan. ... Harima (播磨国; -no kuni) or Banshu (æ’­å·ž banshÅ«) was a province of Japan in the part of Honshu that is the southwestern part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture. ... Respect shown to the sword (To·ne·rei) before and after practice. ...

From 1605 to 1612 he travelled extensively all over Japan in Musha Shugyo, a warrior pilgrimage during which he honed his skills with duels. He was said to have used bokken or bokuto in actual duels. Most of the engagements from these times did not try to take the opponent's life unless both agreed, but in most duels it is known that Musashi did not care which weapon the other was using - such was his mastery of the way of strategy. A pair of bokken A bokken (, bok(u), wood, and ken, sword), is a wooden Japanese sword used for training, usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords. ...

On 5 September 1607, a document purports to be a transmission by Miyamoto Munisai of his teachings, suggesting Munisai lived at least to this date. In this year, Musashi departed Nara for Edo, during which he fought (and killed) a kusarigama practitioner named Shishido Baiken. In Edo, Musashi defeated Muso Gonnosuke, who would found an influential staff-wielding school known as Shinto Muso Ryu. is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1607 (MDCVII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... This article is about the history of the city now known as Tokyo. ... Kusarigama at Iwakuni Castle Kusari-gama (Alt. ... Shishido Baiken a famous swordsman of Japan following the earlier years of the Edo period of the 17th century. ... Muso Gonnosake by unknown artist Musô Gonnosuke Katsukichi (夢想權之助勝吉) was a samurai and the traditional founder of the Koryu school of jojutsu known as Shintō Musō-ryū (神道夢想流/神道無想流). He is perhaps most famous for his duels with the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. ... Shintō Musō-ryū, or Shindō Musō-ryū,(神道夢想流) most commonly known as Jodo (杖道), is a koryu (old school) of jojutsu, teaching the art of handling the Japanese quarterstaff jo. ...

Musashi is said to have fought over 60 duels and was never defeated, although this is a conservative estimate, most likely not accounting deaths by his hand in major battles. Japanese historians seem to believe that he could not have won all of them alone, without some assistance from his students.^{[citation needed]}

In 1611, Musashi began practicing zazen at the Myoshinji Temple, where he met Nagaoka Sado, vassal to Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki; Tadaoki was a powerful lord who had received the fief of Higo in west-central Kyūshū after the Battle of Sekigahara. Munisai had moved to northern Kyūshū and became Tadaoki's teacher, leading to the possibility that Munisai introduced the two. Nagaoka proposed a duel with a certain adept named Sasaki Kojirō. Tokitsu believes that the duel was politically motivated, a matter of consolidating Tadaoki's control over his fief. Kodo Sawaki practicing zazen Zazen (坐禅) is at the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. ... Taizo-in at Myoshin-ji Myōshin-ji is a temple complex in Kyoto, Japan. ... Nagaoka Sado a senior retainer of the japanese clan of Hosokawa during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Hosokawa Fujitakas eldest son, born in 1563, Tadaoki fought his first battle at the age of 15 in the service of Oda Nobunaga. ... The article incorporates text from OpenHistory. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Combatants Forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyori, many clans from Western Japan Forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Clans of Eastern Japan Commanders Ishida Mitsunari, Mōri Terumoto, others Tokugawa Ieyasu, others Strength Approximately 100000 Approximately 80000 Casualties 5000-32000 dead Otani Yoshitsugu Shimazu Toyohisa Unknown; but not excessive The Battle of Sekigahara... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Sasaki Kojirō also known as GanryÅ« Kojirō) (1585? - April 13, 1612) was a prominent Japanese swordsman, born in the Fukui Prefecture, from the Sengoku and early Edo period. ...

Duel with Sasaki Kojirō

Main article: Sasaki Kojirō

In April 13, 1612, Musashi (aged approximately 30) had his most famous duel with Sasaki Kojirō who wielded a nodachi. Musashi came late and unkempt to the appointed place — the remote island of Funajima, north of Kokura. The duel was short and Musashi killed his opponent with a bokken that he had carved from an oar while traveling to the island. Musashi designed it to be longer than the nodachi, making it closer to a modern suburito. Sasaki Kojirō also known as GanryÅ« Kojirō) (1585? - April 13, 1612) was a prominent Japanese swordsman, born in the Fukui Prefecture, from the Sengoku and early Edo period. ... is the 103rd day of the year (104th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 20 - Mathias becomes Holy Roman Emperor. ... Sasaki Kojirō also known as GanryÅ« Kojirō) (1585? - April 13, 1612) was a prominent Japanese swordsman, born in the Fukui Prefecture, from the Sengoku and early Edo period. ... A nodachi ) is a large two-handed Japanese sword. ... Ganryujima (formerly Funajima) is an island in Japan noted for the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. ... Kokura (小倉) is an ancient castle town and the center of KitakyÅ«shÅ«, Japan, guarding, via its suburb Moji, the Straits of Shimonoseki between HonshÅ« and KyÅ«shÅ«. Kokura is also the name of the penultimate station on the southbound Sanyo Shinkansen line, which is owned by JR KyÅ«shÅ« and... A pair of bokken A bokken (, bok(u), wood, and ken, sword), is a wooden Japanese sword used for training, usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords. ... A suburito is a bokken of weight significantly greater than that of a typical bokken; as such, it is used for practicing Suburi (sword swining practice) and solo katas only, and is not used for bokken-on-bokken combat. ...

Musashi's late arrival is controversial. Sasaki's outraged supporters thought it was dishonorable and disrespectful while many others thought it was a fair way to unnerve his opponent. Another theory is that Musashi timed the hour of his arrival to match the turning of the tide. The tide carried him to the island then it turned by the time the fight ended. After his victory, Musashi immediately jumped back in his boat and his flight from Sasaki's vengeful allies was thus helped by the turning tide. He briefly established a fencing school that same year.

Service

In 1614–1615 Musashi participated in the war between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa. The war had broken out because Tokugawa Ieyasu saw the Toyotomi family as a threat to his rule of Japan; most scholars believe that as in the previous war, Musashi fought on the Toyotomi side. Osaka Castle was the central place of battle. The first battle (the Winter Battle of Osaka; Musashi's fourth battle) ended in a truce, and the second one (the Summer Battle of Osaka; Musashi's fifth battle) resulted in the total defeat of Toyotomi Hideyori's Army of the West by Ieyasu's Army of the East in May 1615. Some reports go so far as to say that Musashi entered a duel with Ieyasu, but was recruited after Ieyasu sensed his defeat was at hand. This seems unlikely, however, and it remains unknown how Musashi came into Ieyasu's good graces. Tokugawa Ieyasu January 31, 1543 – June 1, 1616)was the founder and first shogunof the Tokugawa shogunateof Japanwhich ruled from the Battle of Sekigaharain 1600until the Meiji Restorationin 1868. ... Osaka Castle Osaka Castle (大坂城・大阪城; ÅŒsaka-jō) is a castle in Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan. ...

Other accounts claim he actually served on the Tokugawa side, but such a claim is unproven, although Musashi had a close relationship with some Tokugawa vassals through his duel with Sasaki Kojirō, and in the succeeding years, he did not drop out of sight as might be expected if he were being persecuted for being on the losing side. In his later years, Lords Ogasawara and Hosokawa supported Musashi greatly—an atypical course of action for these Tokugawa loyalists, if Musashi had indeed fought on behalf of the Toyotomis.

In 1615 he entered the service of Lord Ogasawara Tadanao (小笠原忠直) of Harima Province, at Ogasawara's invitation, as a foreman or "Construction Supervisor," after previously gaining skills in craft. He helped construct Akashi Castle and to lay out the organization of the town of Himeji (this last in 1621). He also taught martial arts during his stay, specializing in instruction in the art of shuriken-throwing. During this period of service, he adopted a son. Harima (播磨国; -no kuni) or Banshu (æ’­å·ž banshÅ«) was a province of Japan in the part of Honshu that is the southwestern part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture. ... In construction, the foreman is the worker or tradesman who is in charge of the construction crew. ... Akashi Castle Akashi Castle ) is a Japanese castle in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. ... Himeji (Japanese: 姫路市, Himeji-shi) is a city located in Hyōgo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. ... Shuriken (手裏剣; lit: hand hidden blade) is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing an opponents arteries. ...

In 1621, Musashi defeated Miyake Gunbei and three other adepts of the Togun ryu in front of the lord of Himeji; it was after this victory that he helped plan Himeji. Around this time, Musashi developed a number of disciples for his Enmei-ryū although he had developed the school considerably earlier; at the age of 22, Musashi had already written a scroll of Enmei-ryū teachings called "Writings on the Sword Technique of the Enmei-ryū" (Enmei-ryū kenpo sho). 円/"En" meant "circle" or "perfection"; 明/"mei" meant "light"/"clarity", and 流/"ryū" meant "school"; the name seems to have been derived from the idea of holding the two swords up in the light so as to form a circle. The school's central idea is given as training to use the twin swords of the samurai as effectively as a pair of sword and jitte. Kenpo may also refer to the Constitution of Japan (憲法) Kenpo or Kempo (拳法 Kenpō; lit. ... The jutte or jitte (Japanese: 十手 literally ten-hand, i. ...

In 1622, Musashi's adoptive son, named Miyamoto Mikinosuke became a vassal to the fief of Himeji. Possibly this prompted Musashi to leave, embarking on a new series of travels, winding up in Edo in 1623, where he became friends with the Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan, who was one of the shogun's advisors. Musashi applied to become a swordmaster to the Shogun, but as he already had two swordmasters (Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki and Yagyu Munenori - the latter also a political advisor to the Shogun, in addition to his position as the head of the Shogunate's secret police), his application was denied. Musashi left Edo in the direction of Ōshū, ending up in Yamagata, where he adopted a second son, Miyamoto Iori. The two then travelled, eventually stopping in Osaka. Look up vassal in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Under the system of feudalism, a fiefdom, fief, feud or fee, consisted of heritable lands or revenue-producing property granted by a liege lord in return for a vassal knights service (usually fealty, military service, and security). ... Himeji (Japanese: 姫路市, Himeji-shi) is a city located in Hyōgo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. ... Confucianism (儒家 Pinyin: rújiā The School of the Scholars), sometimes translated as the School of Literati, is an East Asian ethical, religious and philosophical system originally developed from the teachings of Confucius. ... Hayashi Razan (1583-1657) was a Japanese Neo-Confucianist philosopher, serving as an advisor to the first three shoguns of the Tokugawa bakufu. ... Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate Shōgun )   is supreme general of the samurai,a military rank and historical title in Japan. ... YagyÅ« Munenori )(1571-1646 May 11) was a Japanese swordsman who inherited leadership of the school of swordsmanship called YagyÅ« Shinkage-ryÅ« from his father YagyÅ« Sekishusai Muneyoshi. ... Mutsu (陸奥国; -no kuni) is an old province of Japan, which today composes Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate and Aomori prefectures and the city of Kazuno and the town of Kosaka in Akita prefecture. ... Yamagata is the name of several places: Yamagata Prefecture Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan Yamagata, a village located in Higashichikuma District, Nagano, Japan. ... For other uses, see Osaka (disambiguation). ...

In 1626, Miyamoto Mikinosuke, following the custom of junshi, committed seppuku because of the death of his lord. In this year, Miyamoto Iori entered Lord Ogasawara's service. Musashi's attempt to become a vassal to the Lord of Owari, like other such attempts, failed. Junshi refers to the medieval Japanese act of killing oneself by means of seppuku. ... Hara-kiri redirects here. ... Owari can mean: The Owari Province The game Oware (an alternate spelling). ...

In 1627, Musashi began to travel again. In 1634 he settled in Kokura with Iori, and later entered the service of daimyo Ogasawara Tadazane, taking a major role in the Shimabara Rebellion. Iori served with excellence in putting down the rebellion and gradually rose to the rank of karo—a position equal to a minister. Musashi, however was reputedly injured by a thrown rock while scouting in the front line, and was thus unable to accrue any form of merit. Kokura (小倉) is an ancient castle town and the center of KitakyÅ«shÅ«, Japan, guarding, via its suburb Moji, the Straits of Shimonoseki between HonshÅ« and KyÅ«shÅ«. Kokura is also the name of the penultimate station on the southbound Sanyo Shinkansen line, which is owned by JR KyÅ«shÅ« and... Daimyo Matsudaira Katamori visits the residence of a retainer. ... Tadazane Ogasawara (b. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Karo is also a town in Chad. ... A minister or a secretary is a politician who heads a government ministry or department (e. ...

Later life and death

Six years later, in 1633, Musashi began staying with Hosokawa Tadatoshi, daimyo of Kumamoto Castle, who had moved to the Kumamoto fief and Kokura, to train and paint. Ironically, it was at this time that the Hosokawa lords were also the patrons of Musashi's chief rival, Sasaki Kojirō. While there he engaged in very few duels; one would occur in 1634 at the arrangement of Lord Ogasawara, in which Musashi defeated a lance specialist by the name of Takada Matabei. Musashi would officially become the retainer of the Hosokowa lords of Kumamoto in 1640. The Niten Ki records "[he] received from Lord Tadatoshi: 17 retainers, a stipend of 300 koku, the rank of ōkumigashira 大組頭, and Chiba Castle in Kumamoto as his residence."^[11] This article needs to be wikified. ... Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle (熊本城; -jō) is a castle in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan that has been opened to the public for tours. ... A koku ) is a unit of volume in Japan, equal to ten cubic shaku. ...

In the second month of 1641, Musashi wrote a work called the Hyoho Sanju Go ("Thirty-five Instructions on Strategy") for Hosokawa Tadatoshi; this work overlapped and formed the basis for the later Go Rin No Sho. This was the year that his third son, Hirao Yoemon, became Master of Arms for the Owari fief. In 1642, Musashi suffered attacks of neuralgia, foreshadowing his future ill-health. In 1643 he retired to a cave named Reigandō as a hermit to write The Book of Five Rings. He finished it in the second month of 1645. On the twelfth of the fifth month, sensing his impending death, Musashi bequeathed his worldly possessions, after giving his manuscript copy of the Go Rin No Sho to his closest disciple (Terao Magonojo)'s younger brother. He died in Reigandō cave around the nineteenth of the fifth month, or possibly June 13, 1645. The Hyoho senshi denki described his passing: Neuralgia is a painful disorder of the nerves. ... Reigandō is the name of a cave that lies to the west of Kumamoto, Japan, that became a temporary home to legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. ... Reigandō is the name of a cave that lies to the west of Kumamoto, Japan, that became a temporary home to legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The grave-marker of Miyamoto Musashi, in present-day Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県).

"At the moment of his death, he had himself raised up. He had his belt tightened and his wakizashi put in it. He seated himself with one knee vertically raised, holding the sword with his left hand and a cane in his right hand. He died in this posture, at the age of sixty-two. The principal vassals of Lord Hosokawa and the other officers gathered, and they painstakingly carried out the ceremony. Then they set up a tomb on Mount Iwato on the order of the lord."

It is notable that Musashi died of what is believed to be thoracic cancer, and was not killed in combat. He died peacefully after finishing the Dokkodo ("The Way of Walking Alone", or "The Way of Self-Reliance"), 21 precepts on self-discipline to guide future generations. Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. ... The Dokkodo (独行道 Dōkkodō; The Way to Be Followed Alone) was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. ...

His body was interred in armor within the village of Yuge, near the main road near Mount Iwato, facing the direction the Hosokawas would travel to Edo; his hair was buried on Mount Iwato itself.

Nine years later, a major source about his life — a monument with a funereal eulogy to Musashi — was erected in Kokura by Miyamoto Iori; this monument was called the Kokura hibun. An account of Musashi's life, the Niten-ki 二天記, was published in Kumamoto in 1776, by Toyota Kagehide, based on the recollections of his grandfather Toyota Masataka, who was a second generation pupil of Musashi.

Teachings

A picture of Musashi engaged in fantastic combat, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861).

Musashi created and perfected a two-sword kenjutsu technique called niten'ichi (二天一, "two heavens as one") or nitōichi (二刀一, "two swords as one") or "Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu" (A Kongen Buddhist Sutra refers to the two heavens as the two guardians of Buddha). In this technique, the swordsman uses both a large sword, and a "companion sword" at the same time, such as a katana and wakizashi. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1881x901, 395 KB) Miyamoto Musashi plunging his sword into a giant whale Source: http://visipix. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1881x901, 395 KB) Miyamoto Musashi plunging his sword into a giant whale Source: http://visipix. ... Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese: 歌川国芳) (1798 - 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese woodblock print. ... Kenjutsu ) is the Japanese martial art specializing in the use of the Japanese sword (katana). ... Siddhartha and Gautama redirect here. ... For other uses, see Katana (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

It is said the two-handed movements of temple drummers inspired him, although it seems more likely that the technique was forged by a means of natural selection through Musashi's combat experience, or from jitte techniques which were taught to him by his father- the jitte was often used in battle paired with a sword; the jitte would parry and neutralize the weapon of the enemy whilst the sword struck or the practitioner grappled with the enemy. In his time a long sword in the left hand was referred to as gyaku nito. Today Musashi's style of swordsmanship is known as Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū. The jutte or jitte (Japanese: 十手 literally ten-hand, i. ... Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryÅ« is a style of classical Japanese swordsmanship conceived by the legendary warrior Miyamoto Musashi. ...

Musashi was also an expert in throwing weapons. He frequently threw his short sword, and Kenji Tokitsu believes that shuriken methods for the wakizashi were the Niten Ichi Ryu's secret techniques. (see Hayakutake-Watkin: [1]) ESkog 18:58, 20 July 2005 (UTC) Categories: Possible copyright violations ... Shuriken (手裏剣; lit: hand hidden blade) is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing an opponents arteries. ...

Musashi was a loner. He spent many years studying Buddhism and swordsmanship. He was an accomplished artist, sculptor, and calligrapher. Records also show that he had architectural skills. Also, he had a rather straightforward approach to combat, with no additional frills or aesthetic considerations. This was probably due to his real-life combat experience.

Especially in his later life Musashi also followed the more artistic side of bushido. He made various Zen brush paintings and calligraphy and sculpted wood and metal. Even in The Book of Five Rings he emphasizes that samurai should understand other professions as well. It should be understood that Musashi's writings were very ambiguous. Translating them into English makes them even more so. That is why we find so many copies of Gorin no Sho. One needs to read this work, Dokkodo and Hyoho Shiji ni Kajo to get a better idea of what he was about and understand his transformation from Setsuninto (the sword that takes life) to Katsujinken (the sword that gives life). Japanese samurai in armor, 1860s. ... For other uses, see Zen (disambiguation). ... Contemporary Western Calligraphy. ... Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ...

Timeline

The following timeline follows, in chronological order (of which is based on the most accurate and most widely accepted information), the life of Miyamoto Musashi as of yet.^{[citation needed]}

A replica of an ancient statue found among the ruins of a temple at Sarnath Buddhism is a philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, a prince of the Shakyas, whose lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 486 BCE. It had subsequently been accepted by... Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県 Hyōgo-ken) is located in the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県 Hyōgo-ken) is located in the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... Combatants Forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyori, many clans from Western Japan Forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Clans of Eastern Japan Commanders Ishida Mitsunari, Mōri Terumoto, others Tokugawa Ieyasu, others Strength Approximately 100000 Approximately 80000 Casualties 5000-32000 dead Otani Yoshitsugu Shimazu Toyohisa Unknown; but not excessive The Battle of Sekigahara... The Battle of Sekigahara was a decisive battle on September 15, 1600 (on the ancient Chinese calendar, October 21 on the modern calendar) that cleared the path to the Shogunate for Tokugawa Ieyasu. ... Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県 Gifu-ken), is located in the Chubu region of central Japan. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... Categories: Japan geography stubs | Old provinces of Japan ... Kinkaku, the Golden Pavillion of Rokuon-ji, is one of the most famous landmarks of Kita-ku. ... For the temple in Nagasaki Prefecture, see [[Kōfuku-ji (Nagasaki)]]. Grounds of Kofukuji The golden buddha inside the temple Kōfuku-ji ) is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. ... Nara ) is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. ... The Hozoin-ryÅ« sōjutsu (寳藏院流,宝蔵院流), a school of martial arts, was founded by Hozoin Kakuzenbo Hoin ln-ei in the late Muromachi Period (c. ... Kusarigama at Iwakuni Castle Kusari-gama (Alt. ... Shishido Baiken a famous swordsman of Japan following the earlier years of the Edo period of the 17th century. ... Mie Prefecture (三重県; Mie-ken) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... Muso Gonnosake by unknown artist Musô Gonnosuke Katsukichi (夢想權之助勝吉) was a samurai and the traditional founder of the Koryu school of jojutsu known as Shintō Musō-ryÅ« (神道夢想流/神道無想流). He is perhaps most famous for his duels with the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. ... This article is about the history of the city now known as Tokyo. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... This article is about the history of the city now known as Tokyo. ... Kodo Sawaki practicing zazen Zazen (坐禅) is at the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. ... For other senses of this word, see Meditation (disambiguation). ... Sasaki Kojirō also known as GanryÅ« Kojirō) (1585? - April 13, 1612) was a prominent Japanese swordsman, born in the Fukui Prefecture, from the Sengoku and early Edo period. ... Shimonoseki (下関市; -shi) is a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan. ... Tokugawa Ieyasu January 31, 1543 – June 1, 1616)was the founder and first shogunof the Tokugawa shogunateof Japanwhich ruled from the Battle of Sekigaharain 1600until the Meiji Restorationin 1868. ... Combatants Tokugawa shogunate Toyotomi clan Commanders Tokugawa Ieyasu Toyotomi Hideyori Strength 164,000 (winter) 150,000 (summer) 113,000 (winter) 60,000 (summer) Inscription on bell at Hokoji in Kyoto The Siege of Osaka ), more commonly called ), was a series of battles undertaken by the Tokugawa shogunate against the Toyotomi... Osaka Castle Osaka Castle (大坂城・大阪城; ÅŒsaka-jō) is a castle in Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan. ... The article incorporates text from OpenHistory. ... Miyake Gunbei a famous vassal serving under Honda Tadamasa, the lord of the Himeji castle during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Tatsuno (龍野市; -shi) is a city located in Hyogo, Japan. ... A castle town is a kind of town or city where residents live surrounding the castle at the center. ... Himeji (Japanese: 姫路市, Himeji-shi) is a city located in Hyōgo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. ... Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県 Hyōgo-ken) is located in the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... This article is about the history of the city now known as Tokyo. ... Miyamoto Iori November 13, 1612–May 18, 1678) was a samurai during the Edo period (17th century) of Japan. ... Hara-kiri redirects here. ... Junshi refers to the medieval Japanese act of killing oneself by means of seppuku. ... YagyÅ« Hyōgonosuke ) or — Toshiyoshi/Toshitoshi (利厳) was the 3rd sōke of the Owari mainline of the YagyÅ« Shinkage-ryÅ« style of swordsmanship in the early Edo period. ... Nagoya ) is the fourth largest city in Japan. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... Fine art is a term used to refer to fields traditionally considered to be artistic. ... Kokura (小倉) is an ancient castle town and the center of KitakyÅ«shÅ«, Japan, guarding, via its suburb Moji, the Straits of Shimonoseki between HonshÅ« and KyÅ«shÅ«. Kokura is also the name of the penultimate station on the southbound Sanyo Shinkansen line, which is owned by JR KyÅ«shÅ« and... Fukuoka Prefecture ) is located on KyÅ«shÅ« Island, Japan. ... Tadazane Ogasawara (b. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Neuralgia is a painful disorder of the nerves. ... Reigandō meaning Spirit Rock Cave) is a cave that lies to the west of Kumamoto, Japan, that became a temporary home to legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. ... For other uses, see Hermit (disambiguation). ... Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ... The thoracic cavity is the chamber of the human body (and other animal bodies) that is enclosed by the ribcage and the diaphragm. ...

Legends

After his death, various legends began to appear. Most talk about his feats in kenjutsu and other martial arts, some describing how he was able to hurl men over 5 feet backwards, other about his speed and technique. Other legends tell of how Musashi killed giant lizards in Echizen, as well as Nue in various other provinces. He gained the stature of Kensei, or "sword saint" for his mastery in swordsmanship. Some even believed he could run at super-human speed, walk on air, water and fly through the clouds. A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, ′ – a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... Echizen (越前国; -no kuni) was an old province of Japan, which is today the northern part of Fukui prefecture. ... Kuniyoshi Utagawa, Taiba (The End), 1852. ... In ancient Japan, a kensei (剣聖; also sometimes erroneously rendered in English as Kensai, Ken Sai, Kansei, or Kenshei) was a warrior of legendary skill in swordsmanship. ...

Philosophy

Throughout Musashi's last book, The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin no Sho^?), Musashi seems to take a very philosophical approach to looking at the "Craft of War"; "There are four Ways in which men pass through life: as Gentlemen Warriors, Farmers, Artisans and Merchants." these falling into one of the few profession groups that could be observed in Musashi's time. Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ... For other uses, see Gentleman (disambiguation). ... Agriculture refers to the production of goods through the growing of plants, animals and other life forms. ... An artisan, also called a craftsman,[1] is a skilled manual worker who uses tools and machinery in a particular craft. ... A merchant making up the account by Shiatsus Hokusai Merchants function as professionals who deal with trade, dealing in commodities that they do not produce themselves, in order to produce profit. ...

Throughout the book, Musashi implies that the way of the Warrior, as well as the meaning of a "True strategist" is that of somebody who has made mastery of many art forms away from that of the sword, such as tea drinking (sado), laboring, writing, and painting as Musashi practiced throughout his life. Musashi was hailed as an extraordinary sumi-e artist in the use of ink monochrome as depicted in two such famous paintings: "Shrike Perched in a Dead Tree" (Koboku Meigekizu, 枯木鳴鵙図) and "Wild Geese Among Reeds" (Rozanzu, 魯山図). Going back to the Book of Five Rings, Musashi talks deeply about the ways of Buddhism. For other uses, see Tea (disambiguation). ... == [== Headline text ==]Link title == poo in my :Seiza woman tea. ... This article is about (usually written) works. ... Autumn Landscape (Shukei-sansui). ...

He makes particular note of Artisans and Foremen. In the time in which he writes the book, the majority of houses in Japan were made of wood. In the use of building a house, foremen have to employ strategy based upon the skill and ability of their workers. An artisan is a skilled manual worker. ... In construction, the foreman is the worker or tradesman who is in charge of the construction crew. ...

In comparison to warriors and soldiers, Musashi notes the ways in which the artisans thrive through events; the ruin of houses, the splendor of houses, the style of the house, the tradition and name or origins of a house. These too, are similar to the events which are seen to have warriors and soldiers thrive; the rise and fall of prefectures, countries and other such events are what make uses for Warriors, as well as the literal comparisons of the: "The carpenter uses a master plan of the building, and the Way of strategy is similar in that there is a plan of campaign".

The way of strategy

Throughout the book, Go Rin No Sho, the idea which Musashi pushes is that the "way of the strategist" (Heihō 兵法) is similar to how a carpenter and his tools are mutually inclusive, e.g. - A carpenter can do nothing without his tools, and vice versa. This too, he compares to skill, and tactical ability in the field of battle.

Initially, Musashi notes that throughout China and Japan, there are many "sword fencers" who walk around claiming they are Strategists, but are in fact, not - this may be due to the fact that Musashi had defeated some such Strategists, such as Arima Kihei. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

The idea is that by reading his writings, one can become a true strategist from ability and tactical skill that Musashi had learned in his lifetime. He pushes that Strategy and Virtue are something which can be earned by knowing the ways of life, the professions that are around, to perhaps learn the skills and knowledge of people and the skills of their particular professions.

However, Musashi seems to state that the value of Strategy seems to be homogeneous. He notes that:

The attendants of the Kashima Kantori shrines of the province Hitachi received instruction from the gods, and made schools based on this teaching, travelling from province to province instructing men. This is the recent meaning of strategy.

As well as noting that Strategy is destined to die;

Of course, men who study in this way think they are training the body and spirit, but it is an obstacle to the true Way, and its bad influence remains for ever. Thus the true Way of strategy is becoming decadent and dying out.

As a form, strategy was said to be one of "Ten Abilities and Seven Arts" that a Warrior should have, but Musashi disagrees that one person can gain Strategy by being confined to one particular style, which seems particularly fitting as he admits " I practice many arts and abilities - all things with no teacher" - this perhaps being one of the reasons he was so highly regarded a swordsman.

Musashi's metaphor for Strategy is that of the Bulb and the flower, similar to western philosophy of "The chicken or the egg", the "bulb" being the student, the "flower" being the technique. He also notes that most places seem to be mostly concerned with their technique and its beauty. Musashi writes, "In this kind of Way of strategy, both those teaching and those learning the way are concerned with coloring and showing off their technique, trying to hasten the bloom of the flower" (as opposed to the actual harmony between strategy and Skill.) For this articles equivalent regarding the East, see Eastern culture. ... The chicken or the egg is a reference to the causality dilemma which arises from the expression which came first, the chicken or the egg? Since the chicken emerges from an egg, and the egg is laid by a chicken, it is ambiguous which originally gave rise to the other. ...

With those who are concerned with becoming masters of strategy, Musashi points out that as a carpenter becomes better with his tools and is able to craft things with more expert measure, so too can a warrior, or strategist become more skilled in his technique. However, just as a carpenter needs to be able to use his tools according to plans, so too must a strategist be able to adapt his style or technique to the required strategy of the battle he is currently engaged in.

This description also draws parallels between the weapons of a trooper (or soldier) and the tools of a carpenter; the idea of "the right tool for the right job" seems to be implied a lot throughout the book, Go Rin No Sho. Musashi also puts into motion the idea that when a Carpenter is skilled enough in aspects of his job, and creates them with expert measure, then he can become a foreman.

Although it is not expressly mentioned, it may be seen that Musashi indicated that when you have learned the areas in which your craft requires, be it carpentry, farming, fine art or battle, and are able to apply them to any given situation, then you will be experienced enough to show others the wisdom of your ways, be it as a foreman of craftsmen, or as a general of an army.

From further reading into the book, the idea of "Weapons within strategy," as well as Musashi referring to the power of the Writer, may seem that the Strategy which Musashi refers to does not exclusively reside within the domain of weaponry and duels, but within the realm of war and battles with many men:

Just as one man can beat ten, so a hundred men can beat a thousand, and a thousand can beat ten thousand. In my strategy, one man is the same as ten thousand, so this strategy is the complete warrior's craft.

Of Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu

Within the book, Musashi mentions that the use of Two swords within strategy is mutually beneficial between those who utilise this skill. The idea of using two hands for a sword is an idea which Musashi disagrees with, in that there is not fluidity in movement when using two hands - "If you hold a sword with both hands, it is difficult to wield it freely to left and right, so my method is to carry the sword in one hand"; he as well disagrees with the idea of using a sword with two hands on a horse, and/or riding on unstable terrain, such as muddy swamps, rice fields, or within crowds of people.

In order to learn the strategy of Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu, Musashi employs that by training with two long swords, one in each hand, you will be able to overcome the cumbersome nature of using a sword in both hands. Although difficult, Musashi agrees that there are times in which the Longsword must be used with two hands, but if your skill is good enough, you should not need it. The idea of using two long swords is that you are starting with something to which you are unaccustomed, and that you will find difficult, but will adapt to after much use.

After using two long swords proficiently enough, Musashi then states that your mastery of a Longsword, and a "Companion Sword", most likely a wakizashi, will be much increased - "When you become used to wielding the long sword, you will gain the power of the Way and wield the sword well.". This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In short, it could be seen that from the excerpts from Go Rin No Sho, the real strategy behind Ni-Ten No Ichi Ryu, is that there is no real iron-clad method, path, or type of weaponry that is specific to the style of Ni-Ten No Ichi Ryu:

You can win with a long weapon, and yet you can also win with a short weapon. In short, the Way of the Ichi school is the spirit of winning, whatever the weapon and whatever its size.

Of the long sword

The strategy of the long sword is different than other strategies, in that it is much more straightforward. In the strategy of the longsword, it seems that Musashi's ideal was, that by mastering gripping the sword with two fingers, it could become a platform used for moving onto the mastery of Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu, as well as being able to use two broadswords, or more masterfully use a companion sword.

However, just because the grip is to be light, it does not mean that the attack or slash from the sword will be weak. Like with any other technique in the Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu, he notes:

"If you try to wield the long sword quickly you will mistake the Way. To wield the long sword well you must wield it calmly. If you try to wield it quickly, like a folding fan or a short sword, you will err by using "short sword chopping". You cannot cut down a man with a long sword using this method."

Like with most disciplines in martial arts, Musashi notes that the movement of the sword after the cut is made must not be superfluous; instead of quickly returning to a stance or position, one should allow the sword to come to the end of its path from the force used. In this manner, the technique will become freely flowing, as opposed to abrupt.

Musashi also discouraged the use of only one sword for fighting, and the use of over-large swords like nodachi due to the fact that they were cumbersome and unwieldy.

Religion

Even from an early age, Musashi separated his religion from his involvement in swordsmanship. Excerpts such as the one below, from The Book of Five Rings, demonstrate a philosophy that is thought to have stayed with him throughout his life: Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ...

"There are many ways: Confucianism, Buddhism, the ways of elegance, rice-planting, or dance; these things are not to be found in the Way of the Warrior."^[12]

However, the belief that Musashi disliked Shinto is inaccurate, as he criticises the Shintō-ryū style of swordsmanship, and not Shinto, the religion. In Musashi's Dokkodo, his stance on religion is further elucidated: "Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.". ^[13] Shinto ) is the native religion of Japan and was once its state religion. ... Kashima Shintō-ryÅ« ) is a traditional (koryÅ«) school of Japanese martial arts founded by Tsukahara Bokuden in the Muromachi period (c. ... The Dokkodo (独行道 Dōkkodō; The Way to Be Followed Alone) was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. ...

Musashi as an artist

In his later years, Musashi claimed in his Go Rin No Sho that "When I apply the principle of strategy to the ways of different arts and crafts, I no longer have need for a teacher in any domain." He proved this by creating recognized masterpieces of calligraphy and classic ink painting. His paintings are characterized by skilled use of ink washes and an economy of brush stroke. He especially mastered the "broken ink" school of landscapes, applying it to other subjects, such as his "Koboku meikakuzu" ("Kingfisher Perched on a Withered Branch"; part of a triptych whose other two members were "Hotei Walking" and "Sparrow on Bamboo"), his "Hotei Watching a Cockfight", and his "Rozanzu" ("Wild Geese Among Reeds"). Contemporary Western Calligraphy. ... The art of brush painting using brush and ink is of Chinese origin, but has developed extensively throughout the region. ... The art of brush painting using brush and ink is of Chinese origin, but has developed extensively throughout the region. ... The Raising of the Cross, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp A triptych (from the Greek tri- three + ptychē fold) is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together. ... Statue of Hotei in the familiar likeness of the Chinese tradition. ...

Partial bibliography

1. The 35 Articles of Swordsmanship
2. Dokkodo (The Path of Self-Reliance)
3. Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings; a reference to the Five Rings of Zen Buddhism)

The Dokkodo (独行道 Dōkkodō; The Way to Be Followed Alone) was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. ... Miyamoto Musashi in his prime, wielding two bokken. ...

Lore

• It has also been said that Musashi used nothing but a wakizashi and a katana. This is untrue; one of Musashi's signature peculiarities was that he would prefer a wooden sword (bokken) over a katana in duels. In fact, in the Earth chapter of the Book of Five Rings he talks much about how the warrior should not have a favorite weapon, the true way is to be acquainted with all weapons.
• Rumours stated that Musashi never bathed, for fear of being caught without his swords. Since he was a frequent visitor in the courts of nobles, and the dojos of renowned masters, this is unlikely. These rumors were reinforced due to inclusion in the introduction to Victor Harris's translation of Gorin no Sho.^[14]
• It has been suggested by some historians that Musashi created the two swords style after seeing a European duel in the Nagasaki area. European swordsmanship at the time would have used a long sword with a short one - side-swords and daggers. From certain documents, however, it seems that he naturally pulled out his wakizashi during a duel because he felt he needed it. He won and after the fight he began to refine his technique.^{[citation needed]}

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Katana (disambiguation). ... A duel is a formalized type of combat. ... Megane-bashi (Spectacles Bridge) Nagasaki   listen? (長崎市; -shi, literally long peninsula) is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture located at the south-western coast of Kyushu, Japan. ... The first page of the Codex Wallerstein shows the typical arms of 15th century fencing Historical European Martial Arts are martial arts of European origin which were formerly practiced, but have since died out or evolved into very different forms. ... A side-sword was a type of war sword used by infantry during the Renaissance of Europe. ... An example of main-gauche use In sword fighting, the main-gauche (French for left hand; IPA: ) is a dagger used in the off-hand, mainly to assist in parrying incoming thrusts, while the dominant hand wields a rapier or similar longer weapon intended for one-handed use. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Musashi in Modern Culture

For more details on this topic, see Miyamoto Musashi in fiction.

There have been thirty-six films made about Musashi, including six with the title of Miyamoto Musashi. One of these, released in the English-speaking world as Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto, is the Academy Award-winning film by Hiroshi Inagaki starring Toshirô Mifune. There was a television series about his life. Even in Musashi's time there were fictional texts resembling comic books. It is therefore quite difficult to separate fact from fiction when discussing Musashi. Eiji Yoshikawa's novelization has greatly influenced successive fictional depictions (including the ongoing manga, Vagabond, by Takehiko Inoue, which is directly based on Yoshikawa's novel) and is often mistaken for a factual account of Musashi's life. The character Kyuzo in Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa is said (in a documentary accompanying the DVD of the movie) to "resemble" Musashi. In the recently made anime Samurai Champloo's session 21, the character Jin is helped by a character who hints at being Musashi. Despite the fact that he teaches Jin a great lesson of dueling, the man is a happy-go-lucky character which leaves his true identity questionable. Another modern day media that hits at musashi at the video games for the play station called Musashi: Samurai Legend were the main character has the powers from some of the legends about musashi along with carrying the name There have been thirty six films made about Musashi. ... This article is about motion pictures. ... A comic book is a magazine or book containing the art form of comics. ... Eiji Yoshikawa (吉川 英治 Yoshikawa Eiji, August 11, 1892 - September 7, 1962) was a Japanese historical novelist, who is mostly retelling existing stories. ... This article is about the comics created in Japan. ... Serialized in Weekly Morning Original run 1998 (series), 1999 (volume) – ongoing No. ... Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦 Inoue Takehiko, January 12, 1967 - ) is one of the most famous Japanese manga artists. ... Kyuzo is a character of the highly acclaimed movie Seven Samurai. ... For other uses, see Seven Samurai (disambiguation). ... Kurosawa redirects here. ... Original run May 20, 2004 – March 19, 2005 Episodes 26 (approx. ...

See also

• Miyamoto Musashi Station
• Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu

Miyamoto Musashi Station (宮本武蔵駅) is on the Chizu Express line in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. ... Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū is a style of classical Japanese swordsmanship conceived by the legendary warrior Miyamoto Musashi. ...

Further reading

• Wilson, William Scott (2004). The Lone Samurai. Kodansha International. ISBN 4-7700-2942-X. 
• Eiji Yoshikawa (1995). Musashi, reprint edition, Kodansha International.  (Historical fiction)
• Stephan Turnbull. "The Lone Samurai and the Martial Arts Arms and Armour". 
• Takehiko Inoue (1998). Vagabond. Viz Communications. 
• Tokitsu, Kenji (2004). Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings. Shambhala Publications, Inc.. 

The Lone Samurai (ISBN 4-7700-2942-X) is a biography of the Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. ... Musashi is a Japanese novel written by Eiji Yoshikawa and serialized in 1935 in Asahi Shimbun. ... Look up historical fiction in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Serialized in Weekly Morning Original run 1998 (series), 1999 (volume) – ongoing No. ...

References

ESkog 18:58, 20 July 2005 (UTC) Categories: Possible copyright violations ... The Lone Samurai (ISBN 4-7700-2942-X) is a biography of the Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. ...

External links

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Miyamoto Musashi

• Tracking Musashi's Final Years
• Musashi & "The Book of Five Rings"
• Some artwork by Miyamoto Musashi
• Miyamoto Musashi and the "The Book of Five Rings" (English) - (Italian)
• Tribute page "Dedicated to the greatest Samurai of all time"