Miyamoto Musashi – His Life And Legacy
If you’ve had anything to do with the world of Japanese sword arts, for any length of time, then it is very likely you have heard the name Miyamoto Musashi or the sword named after him , the Miyamoto Musashi Katana.
Although some may argue this fact, it is very likely that he the most famous swordsmen that ever lived. He is famed for his battles, his distinct styles of swordsmanship, and he created a legacy that has out lived him by close to 400 years!
THE LIFE OF MIYAMOTO MUSASHI
Miyamoto Musashi was born Shinmen Takezo in Harima Province around 1584. There is some that argue the date and place where he was born. There are some discrepancies between the facts that we know, but for the purposes of our article that place and date works fine. We do know that he lived for around 60 years, and authored his book near the end of his life.
Here are some of the more notable events throughout the life of Musashi:
- 1596 – At the age of 13 Miyamoto Musashi won his battle against Arima Kihei
- 1600 – It is believed that Musashi fought in the battle of Sekigahara, on the losing side.
- 1604 – Musashi wins Musashi has 3 matches with the Yoshioka clan in Kyoto. He also battled a Buddhist priest trained in the style of Hozoin-ryu.
- 1612 – After a time of travel, and various duels, Musashi has his most famous battle with Sasaki Kojiro.
- 1615 to 1621 It is believe that Miyamoto served at Osaku castle, and worked as a construction supervisor that this time.
- 1630 – Begins to further his knowledge of the arts
- 1637 – Plays an important role in the Shimabara rebellion
- 1645 – Finishes his book Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings).
Obviously this is a brief overview of Musashi’s life. Along with being a famed swordsman in his time, Miyamoto was also an accomplished artist, calligrapher, and sculptor. Through most of his life he lived as a hermit, and spent his time studying Buddhism and the martial arts.
A LEGACY THAT LASTS THROUGH TO TODAY
Musashi was responsible for the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū styles of swordsmanship. Near the end of his life Miyamoto also the authored the Go Rin No Sho which literally translates to “A Book of Five Rings”. The book was considered to be a swordsman’s guide to strategy. A complete English translation of the book can be found here.
Whether you believe Musashi to be the world’s most famous swordsman or not, one thing does stand. His influence on the Japanese arts has had a legacy that lasts right through to today!
Comments
One Comment on Miyamoto Musashi – His Life And Legacy
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Friedrich on
Thu, 18th Sep 2008 12:45 am
For all aficionados: this is the best book on Musashi that I ever came across “Miyamoto Musashi - His Life and Writings” by Kenji Tokitsu, Weatherhill 2005, ISBN 0-8348-0567-7. Includes a new translation of the Book of Five Rings, with commentary and annotations. Even the famous fight with Sasaki Kojiro appears in a completely different light. Appeared first in French language.
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