Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – June 13, 1645), also known as Shinmen Takezo, was an expert Japanese swordsman and ronin. Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent and unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 60 duels. He was the founder of the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu style of swordsmanship and in his final years authored The Book of Five Rings, a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today.

This little book is not about aikido, doesn’t even contain a hint on it but it does have a lot information for you to understand the way of successful swordman, his mind and spirit. Aikido is a martial art and if there will be a need to use your skills in a real life – your spirit then should have a suitable pose for you not to fail.  Your good irimi-nage during the usual classes won’t do it by itself. If you ever had a real street fight without the rules you know that wins the one with a bigger temper (spirit), not with a bigger biseps or a best technique. Musashi had much to say about this and he did it through the book.

It’s kind of a dry text inside the book and it’s a good example where the deficiencies are a continuation of the qualities. No drama inside, nothing but the advices from the author like do this, work it out and some thoughts. But once you get fully in the book it’s up to your feelings and stories from inside that will have a new solution due to the Miyamoto Musashis spirit. You never know until you read.