Synopses & Reviews
This classic interpertation of Miyamoto Musashi's famous
Book of Five Rings is penned specifically 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 martial 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.
Review
"Finally, someone has interpreted this classic book specifically for the martial artist as it was originally intended."—Inside Kung-Fu
Review
"…Kaufman does an excellent job of translating the text."—Dr. Henry Smith, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of East Asian Languages & Cultures, Columbia University
Review
"There was a time when I was reading this book before all my major competition. It focused my mind on the conceptual behind skill development and application. If you have the ability to understand concepts and apply them to your interests, this book is for you."—BJJ Canvas
Synopsis
Often used to explain Japanese business competition, "
Synopsis
Often used to explain Japanese business competition, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is more properly a definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japan's most formidable warriors - the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi. Famed martial artist Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual commercial bias, driving straight to the heart of Musashi's incisive martial arts stratagems. The result is an enthralling combination of powerful technical wisdom and the philosophical elucidation offered to martial artists by Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and Taoism. From the metaphor of the Four Elements and fundamentals of physical practice and strategy to an offering of Zen wisdom on the "way" of nature, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is as profound and important a book on martial arts as you will find.
Synopsis
A definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japan's most formidable warriors—the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi
Synopsis
Miyamoto Musashi is the greatest martial artist and warrior Japan has ever known. His Book of Five Rings is the definitive Japanese treatise on warfare, mortal combat and the chivalrous code of the samurai known simply as Bushido—the "Way of the Warrior." This classic book by Stephen Kaufman is a modern interpretation of Musashi's work specifically intended for today's martial artist. It explains the essential truths found in the Book of Five Rings that are necessary for a full understanding of Musashi's message as it was originally intended—as a practical training manual for warriors. The result is an enthralling treatise on martial strategy combining a warrior's instincts with the deep philosophical insights of Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism. It is a book that every modern warrior should read and absorb.
About the Author
Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi, 10th Dan, is the holder of the highest title and rank attainable in the martial arts. His martial system, Hebi-ryu ("School of the Snake"), is recognized as one of the most effective martial methods in the world. A career spanning close to 60 years began in Okinawa in the 1950's. He's acknowledged as the "founding father" of American karate and has received countless awards and honors, including an induction into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Author of the Year in 2011.
Kaufman has authored and interpreted many martial arts titles including The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Way of the Modern Warrior, and The Shogun's Scroll, all available from Tuttle Publishing.