There are at least a dozen different translations of this work… many focusing on a broader audience than just martial artists. In the 1980s and early 1990s it was an often quoted, must read, by business executives for adaptation to the workplace.

Since first reading a copy in the early 1980s, I have read several English editions, and portions of both Italian and Japanese versions. If you enjoy swordsmanship, swordplay or if you are a martial artist, I recommend this edition:

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We also have a free online version available at:
The book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

Here’s a great clip from the excellent movie Miyamoto Musashi (1967) starring Toshirô Mifune as the lead character:

If you think you might like to own the DVD:
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There is often a moment in a pleasant conversation, in which all sound ceases and you realize your partner is waiting for you to speak. Often, it’s subtle and other times there is a gentle nudge of, “And how about you?”

For me, speaking of my rank or years training is often akin to someone bragging about their greatness or skillfulness. For the most part, my rank is my own. It’s a measure of my journey for me… On the rare occasion I do speak of it, I almost never mention the actual level but prefer to be vague. And the more I see the new generation of students openly bragging of their rank, the more I cringe. It seems apparent to me that humility is quite lost today. I’m sorry, I digress.

So the moment was there, hanging before us. I remember opening my mouth and saying, “In the Bujinkan I have been training a little longer than you’ve been…” then thought about that number 24 (his age plus his years training), and said, “… alive.” Which made him smile and me say, “That’s not what I meant.” We laughed.

It is odd for me to think about these past 25 years of training. Has it really passed so fast? I can still remember my first meeting with Hatsumi-soke (1986) like it was yesterday.

Are you wondering how I’ve done it? How did I succeed at training over twenty-five years? And not missing a single week! Training where ever I was; whatever part of the world I was in. How?

My answer is simple. The first character of the word ninja stands for “nin” or “shinobu.” This is a concept that means perseverance. So, years ago I chose a path and it’s been an enriching one that has offered me many lessons and hardships.

My taijutsu journey began one day; I continued it one day at a time. I joined the Bujinkan, met Hatsumi-soke, became a shidoshi (1991). Some years have passed, but I still look forward to tomorrow’s lessons.

As a friend of mine wrote in his book, The Shadow Warrior: “Treasure Your Training!”

Buy this book:
The Shadow Warrior

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Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman [China (1986)]
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Moving Zen by C.W. Nicol [Japan (1976)]
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Autumn Lighting by David Lowry [USA (1985)]
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