Musashi’s: Book of Five Rings

Bibliography:

Quinn, Peyton. “Musashi’s: Book of Five Rings” Quinn Communications. Amazon Digital Services, inc. 2011.

Review: I have several interpretations of the book by Miyamoto Musashi, the sword saint. All of them are about translation of the original text, if the text is truly original to Musashi but in this instance it is a perspective, perception and contest toward modern fighting and self-defense. In his colorful way he provides the modern martial arts community, the modern self-defense community, with his rendition toward Musashi’s tenants on war, combat, and fighting in general. He does well in pulling those ancient anecdotes to a modern perspective that assists in creating a mind-set/mind-state of the modern SD warrior.

I can say, emphatically, that the prose as well as the substance of this book is amazing. The following quotes, redacted to fit a modern form called karate, will help tell this story of most excellent substantial prose that speaks to both a historical understanding of a great warriors writings as well as applicable substance of combat in modern times.

“Modern dojo are too far removed from the reality and simplicity of defeating an adversary and ten to make it ore complex that it really is. Sensei do this to maintain students and their fees. There are not that many ways to fight a person. You don’t need the many techniques such as martial arts schools might teach when you are in a real violent situation. Develop a since spirit, a willingness to engage and enter on the adversary and end the fight.” - Redacted from a quote by Peyton Quinn, Musashi’s Book of Five Rings

“Styles are just styles, styles of practice created by people who often have no real or limited experience in actual fights or self-defense situations. Practitioners who look good in the dojo but who would be defeated by a true fighter if that practitioner’s training had been NOT directed toward adherence to a style, but only on the pragmatic ways to fight and defeat an adversary. The practitioner must perfect the few techniques/tactics actually needed in a fight as the fight dictates, those that are not fancy or complex.”  - Redacted from a quote by Peyton Quinn, Musashi’s Book of Five Rings

“One develops skill in martial arts by awareness, observation and above all the correct practice.”  - Redacted from a quote by Peyton Quinn, Musashi’s Book of Five Rings

"A pleasant surprise and a wonderful addition to a martial art library. Upon choosing this as my next read I was somewhat hesitant but only after a few minutes found it to be one of the more important additions to my martial art library and martial philosophy." - Me 

Just finished the book of five rings as presented from the point of expertise Peyton Quinn, the author. I am starting from the beginning again to work through the entire thing and that says a lot. Normally, I wait a while then re-read to get a fresher perspective that sees from another angle but this one is just plain good and just plain relevant to modern martial systems be they sport, the Way or combative.

I really appreciate how Mr. Quinn related and inter-connected the historical aspects so that the modern martial practitioner can see and feel how closely history has repeated itself in the training, practice and teaching of modern martial systems. There were many, many "Oh Shit" moments through out the read.

Stay tuned, more to come ….