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Musashi's Book of Five Rings: The Definitive Interpertation of Miyomoto Musashi's Classic Book of Strategy
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.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2012
214 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Stephen F. Kaufman
45 books15 followersStephen F Kaufman is an acknowledged master speaker and educator, and a teacher of ancient wisdom made practical for contemporary global society. He is the author of "Sun Tzu's Art of War" and "Musashi's Book of Five Rings."
An authority on negotiation, management, motivation training, personal development, and spiritual ascension technique, he provides functional solutions that empower audiences to turn all challenges, real and imaginary, emanating from the worlds of business, military, and personal endeavor into viable opportunity by demonstrating definitive working techniques that bring about advantageous results.
An authority on negotiation, management, motivation training, personal development, and spiritual ascension technique, he provides functional solutions that empower audiences to turn all challenges, real and imaginary, emanating from the worlds of business, military, and personal endeavor into viable opportunity by demonstrating definitive working techniques that bring about advantageous results.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 8, 2025
“A slight error in judgement while at sea can throw you miles off course. You must constantly study your Way to ensure that you do not lose your way.”
This book is a powerhouse of historical significance in its own way, and mad respect for that. It just was not the book that I needed it to be. The writing style was a thing, and the content was a thing. They were both things that were not the thing to educate or benefit me. I had to dig deep and swap out words to find any amount of meaning that I could work with, which took from the reading experience.
“Whatever your determination or will-power, it is foolish to try to change the nature of things. Things work the way they do because that is the Way of things.”
I can now confidently say that that my “Way” does not include books like this one.
QUOTES:
“You cannot take a certain attitude and depend upon it entirely. There are too many variations in attacks from the enemy. What you may think is effective may in fact be ineffective because of the way in which the enemy is “feeling” at that particular moment. Your attitude must be such that you can shift into any other mode of combat without having to make a conscious decision. You must be flexible and you must have no particular liking for any particular set of techniques.”
“To constantly be on the defensive means that you are weak in your resolve and that you do not truly understand the Way of the warrior.”
“Why would you want to change your basic attitudes towards life simply because a new set of events is occurring? If you take the time to change your methodology in midstream your spirit has to catch up, regardless of how quickly you move. Eventually you are going to have to come back to your natural state. So why leave it in the first place?”
“When you are your own self and are not concerned with the motions of others, you will be in control of the situation and in control of the enemy and the movements with which he may or may not attack you.”
Two stars to a book better suited for somebody else.
A FUNNY STORY ABOUT THIS ONE:
A few months back my husband told me he had ordered the perfect book for me. I quizzed him relentlessly, but all I could get out of him was that he saw it and instantly thought of me. I was beyond excited.
Flash forward to the day he opened the mail and handed me this book. I was thrown off by the title and cover, but I trusted him. A dozen or so pages in, and I was perplexed. It was not reading like anything that I would be remotely interested in. My faith in him was still strong, so I decided the problem was with me. That I needed to dig deep for the meaning. I put my all in and went for it. When I finished it, I was speechless. There was no meaning, there was no connection, there was nothing. Was I supposed to fight somebody? Was somebody going to fight me? What was going on?
The answer: He did not buy THIS book for me. This was a book he bought for himself. The reason he handed it to me was so that I could smell the pages. A me thing that I do with all books that enter our home. (Watch yourself. Only those of us free of weird quirks can cast out insults.)
His perfect book for me was still out for delivery. To be continued….
This book is a powerhouse of historical significance in its own way, and mad respect for that. It just was not the book that I needed it to be. The writing style was a thing, and the content was a thing. They were both things that were not the thing to educate or benefit me. I had to dig deep and swap out words to find any amount of meaning that I could work with, which took from the reading experience.
“Whatever your determination or will-power, it is foolish to try to change the nature of things. Things work the way they do because that is the Way of things.”
I can now confidently say that that my “Way” does not include books like this one.
QUOTES:
“You cannot take a certain attitude and depend upon it entirely. There are too many variations in attacks from the enemy. What you may think is effective may in fact be ineffective because of the way in which the enemy is “feeling” at that particular moment. Your attitude must be such that you can shift into any other mode of combat without having to make a conscious decision. You must be flexible and you must have no particular liking for any particular set of techniques.”
“To constantly be on the defensive means that you are weak in your resolve and that you do not truly understand the Way of the warrior.”
“Why would you want to change your basic attitudes towards life simply because a new set of events is occurring? If you take the time to change your methodology in midstream your spirit has to catch up, regardless of how quickly you move. Eventually you are going to have to come back to your natural state. So why leave it in the first place?”
“When you are your own self and are not concerned with the motions of others, you will be in control of the situation and in control of the enemy and the movements with which he may or may not attack you.”
Two stars to a book better suited for somebody else.
A FUNNY STORY ABOUT THIS ONE:
A few months back my husband told me he had ordered the perfect book for me. I quizzed him relentlessly, but all I could get out of him was that he saw it and instantly thought of me. I was beyond excited.
Flash forward to the day he opened the mail and handed me this book. I was thrown off by the title and cover, but I trusted him. A dozen or so pages in, and I was perplexed. It was not reading like anything that I would be remotely interested in. My faith in him was still strong, so I decided the problem was with me. That I needed to dig deep for the meaning. I put my all in and went for it. When I finished it, I was speechless. There was no meaning, there was no connection, there was nothing. Was I supposed to fight somebody? Was somebody going to fight me? What was going on?
The answer: He did not buy THIS book for me. This was a book he bought for himself. The reason he handed it to me was so that I could smell the pages. A me thing that I do with all books that enter our home. (Watch yourself. Only those of us free of weird quirks can cast out insults.)
His perfect book for me was still out for delivery. To be continued….
February 7, 2024
unnecessary read
June 25, 2025
The mental and spirit aspects of this short study on Zen and fighting are forever practical. Rather than the minor details of sword technique or weapon design, Miyamoto notes that preparing the mind for battle and making plans with rapid adjustments, keeping attack initiative and confusing your enemy with subtle ruses and mental tricks, are most critical to winning. He seems profoundly correct, as I would expect from 50 years of life and death study.
I sadly acknowledge that I have never in my life undertaken any activity with the focus and grit of a samurai preparing for katana battle. If I took any specific details as a matter of imminent death, I'd truly be living in that effort.
We can see people who are called action at specific moments in their life, yet managed to act correctly only due to a lifetime of preparation. I have yet to face such a calling, and just pray I would be ready for it. I do successfully serve in more humble and ordinary ways every day.
I sadly acknowledge that I have never in my life undertaken any activity with the focus and grit of a samurai preparing for katana battle. If I took any specific details as a matter of imminent death, I'd truly be living in that effort.
We can see people who are called action at specific moments in their life, yet managed to act correctly only due to a lifetime of preparation. I have yet to face such a calling, and just pray I would be ready for it. I do successfully serve in more humble and ordinary ways every day.
August 30, 2025
This book is in general a pointless read. It is very specifically a book for people who are fighting to the death. Yet, it is very broad and unspecific in its explanation of its concepts. I wouldn’t say that there is NO usable concepts in this book but it is very close to unusable information. Therefore, 2 stars but almost a 1 star.
October 18, 2017
Most probably the purest translation on Musashi’s writing
Steve Kaufman does not mess around. He's a Hanshi, a 10th Dan of Karate, and he has been practicing his craft for 40 years as well as studying Musashi for 10 years.
And right from the beginning he clearly state that his translation is not merely an intellectual exercise in translating Japanese to English, that this is not a book about a business strategy ("there is a significant difference between not getting a deal signed and having your head cut off"), and that the Book of Five Rings is a book for martialists, not martial "artists."
Moreover, in his translation he is putting the utmost respect on the Samurai Warrior and giving the context of his era, where mortal combat was the way of life. As a result, this might just be the purest translation of Miyamoto Musashi's masterpiece, with the focus on what it should be, a book of war.
Steve Kaufman does not mess around. He's a Hanshi, a 10th Dan of Karate, and he has been practicing his craft for 40 years as well as studying Musashi for 10 years.
And right from the beginning he clearly state that his translation is not merely an intellectual exercise in translating Japanese to English, that this is not a book about a business strategy ("there is a significant difference between not getting a deal signed and having your head cut off"), and that the Book of Five Rings is a book for martialists, not martial "artists."
Moreover, in his translation he is putting the utmost respect on the Samurai Warrior and giving the context of his era, where mortal combat was the way of life. As a result, this might just be the purest translation of Miyamoto Musashi's masterpiece, with the focus on what it should be, a book of war.
April 27, 2019
I suspect much of this book is hyperbole, however as a fighter myself I learned several things that I would apply if I do step in the Ring/Mat again. Ok but I am not planning on fighting to the death ;)
It is however classic literature with a final battle that is right out of something in Hollywood.
The main thing that seperates Musashi from others is his ability to understand, learn and plan.
It is however classic literature with a final battle that is right out of something in Hollywood.
The main thing that seperates Musashi from others is his ability to understand, learn and plan.
April 27, 2019
What I read I liked, and was pushing for more than 1-star, but as I didn't finish it, 1-star.
April 15, 2021
I thought this book was going to be like Art of War...it is not
May 24, 2025
A good book that touches a lot on the spirit of things (or the spirit of nothing), a lot of what Miyamoto Mushahi seems to preach in this is about how you have what it takes to do anything aslong as you stay on the path of what you choose to be. In the book he talks about the path of the warrior and it’s good to remember that Miyamoto Mushashi was an actual samurai who killed over 50 people and that he means everything in the book literally to how to kill somebody with a sword. One of my favorite things about Mushashi is that he understood the flow of time and this is evident in just how he talks about taking this book into your own interpretation. To me it’s apparent he realized that the fall off of the Samurai was soon and took the time to write a book not just about the path of a swordsman but about the mind and the attitude that a “warrior” carry’s into everyday life.
September 18, 2024
While not a pure translation, Kaufman gets the great samurai's opinions about the way of fighting in a way you can understand. I think the depth of reading would be better if I was actually a fighter and I could relate my own experiences to it, but unfortunately the translation falls flat in some aspects because it seems very hyperbolic. As with any translation of an ancient writing, you must approach it with the mindset that you might want to read other translations to truly understand the intentions of the author and their efforts in the translation. I plan on reading another translation but I did find this book very cool philosophically and was a fun and short read about mastery with some good knowledge about learning 4.2/5.
February 29, 2024
When I give this book 3 stars it is not to say that its mediocre or average. I think it is a very good and important read especially the first and last “ways”.
The three other ways in the middle focus alot more on physical and mental techniques in terms of martial arts and battle, which doesn’t apply to me. But, the first and last ways focus more broadly on mental techniques and concepts that can be applied to life in a more general way. Musashi’s abilities as a swordsman cannot be understated but his ability to learn, teach, and as a philosopher in my opinion make him someone to take interest in and to learn from.
The three other ways in the middle focus alot more on physical and mental techniques in terms of martial arts and battle, which doesn’t apply to me. But, the first and last ways focus more broadly on mental techniques and concepts that can be applied to life in a more general way. Musashi’s abilities as a swordsman cannot be understated but his ability to learn, teach, and as a philosopher in my opinion make him someone to take interest in and to learn from.
July 24, 2024
I don't recommend this book, if you can't control yourself but it depends on how you understand the teachings of Miyamoto Musashi.
Miyamoto Musashi is a famous swordman and philosopher in Japan. He was a ronin (a samurai without a master)
Book 1 Earth - focus on the fundamentals of the book
Book 2 Water - focus on how to apply the principles of strategy of musashi
Book 3 Fire - How to apply the Earth and Water. The rhythm and timing.
Book 4 Wind - Focus on strength and weaknesses of schools.
Book 5 No-Thing - No thing less represents the essence of spiritual and philosophical musashi's teaching
Miyamoto Musashi is a famous swordman and philosopher in Japan. He was a ronin (a samurai without a master)
Book 1 Earth - focus on the fundamentals of the book
Book 2 Water - focus on how to apply the principles of strategy of musashi
Book 3 Fire - How to apply the Earth and Water. The rhythm and timing.
Book 4 Wind - Focus on strength and weaknesses of schools.
Book 5 No-Thing - No thing less represents the essence of spiritual and philosophical musashi's teaching
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
First off, the translation work done was well done. Thinking that Japanese was the original text, the english comes off quite smoothly.
Of course, this book talks about battle and winning the fight first and foremost. However, you can apply the same logic here to life, business, and private matters.
Attack first, focus on your mission, and do not flout your own success. A solid book for history buffs and those seeking guidance in the modern world.
Of course, this book talks about battle and winning the fight first and foremost. However, you can apply the same logic here to life, business, and private matters.
Attack first, focus on your mission, and do not flout your own success. A solid book for history buffs and those seeking guidance in the modern world.
October 12, 2023
the only reason why i read this book was because my roommate lended it to me. I wish he never did. I was not a fan of this "interpretation" if you want to call it that, as well as the nonsense and word soup in this mumbo jumbo of a mess. I would rather listen to a blind man describe the color orange to me over reading this abomination again. giving this one star would not be my honest rating of the book, that would be one star too high of what it actually is. -10 / 5 stars is my rating.
June 3, 2024
Brilliant Strategies for Life
Far from being a book only for the warrior, I would argue this book needs to be a must read for everyone. Loved it. Best thing about it, it's a short read. What I disliked: the translation seems weird to me somehow, unpolished. And too much repetition for my taste, but perhaps that was the intention of the translator. Thus the 4/5. Thus ends my review of Musashi's book of five rings (get it?).
Far from being a book only for the warrior, I would argue this book needs to be a must read for everyone. Loved it. Best thing about it, it's a short read. What I disliked: the translation seems weird to me somehow, unpolished. And too much repetition for my taste, but perhaps that was the intention of the translator. Thus the 4/5. Thus ends my review of Musashi's book of five rings (get it?).
January 13, 2025
It was a good book for sure; I just don’t feel like I was the target audience. I’d give it four stars, but I don’t want to do that just because I couldn’t relate to a lot of the lessons. I think people in the world of martial arts would definitely appreciate this more.
For us non-combat plebeians, I still think there is a lot to be learned from the lessons (especially books 1 and 5, but there is still some good stuff littered throughout). I probably will re-read later in life.
For us non-combat plebeians, I still think there is a lot to be learned from the lessons (especially books 1 and 5, but there is still some good stuff littered throughout). I probably will re-read later in life.
July 29, 2018
This man Musashi was very wise. I guess a man who has killed over 60 people in fights to the death, who meditates and writes poetry knows a thing or two. I would recommend this book for anyone who is a warrior, a soldier, a leader in military, or who study kendo, swordsmanship or martial arts. This book is for those who are SERIOUS in their training to win in combat...To kill the enemy.
March 29, 2023
This book overall was a very typical war strategy/philosophical book. The translation of the original book seems to hold well, with writing into the warriors mindset, with the writing being straightforward but also very insightful. I’ve always been a big fan of Musashi’s teachings, and this definitely is a good read for anyone curious in the philosophy of a warrior.
January 22, 2025
I definitely enjoyed the book and took some good ideas and ideologies away from what I read. The book dives heavy into both sword to sword, and hand to hand combat techniques and mental practices to better one over their opponents. Some of these practices can be applied to our day to day lives, and can strengthen our minds by practicing these strategies often.
February 6, 2020
I like this work. It does a succinct and clear job of conveying the philosophy of Japan's most controversial, if not greatest, swordsman. As a martial arts teacher, I tend to gravitate to translations done either by military men or by practitioners of Asian martial arts, as Kaufman is.
February 14, 2021
The best translation I have read. This book is worth a read for anyone who is a student of, or is pursuing, mastery. The author is the most exceptional swordsman of all time and had a fascinating life. His life principles are in this book.
March 26, 2022
Well written and about what you'd expect. Miyamoto is able to articulate his ideas well and in a way that a modern person can easily understand. Hes able to get to the point quickly and moves through thoughts well. You can tell the concepts are coming from a true master
January 9, 2024
YOU are the Spirit of the Thing Itself!
A book I will have by my bed side.. Way of the warrior can be translated into what we do in our everyday lives. I love this book! Always go for the kill. No-thing-ness!
A book I will have by my bed side.. Way of the warrior can be translated into what we do in our everyday lives. I love this book! Always go for the kill. No-thing-ness!
May 25, 2024
Throughout reading this, I was applying all of Musashi’s techniques to my everyday life. While this is a book about the way of the warrior, there’s something to be taught in every section of this book that can be applied to your life and ways to better the situation(s).
December 16, 2024
I loved the book
I had to read it a couple of times, but after a couple reads the book began to make sense. You really have to banish all preconceptions of the terms that being used.
Great book.
I had to read it a couple of times, but after a couple reads the book began to make sense. You really have to banish all preconceptions of the terms that being used.
Great book.
September 25, 2018
Overall a really easy read and relatable interpretation of the Book of Five Rings. This would be a good read for anyone studying martial arts, fencing, or just interested in samurai history.
June 14, 2019
A timeless classic of Japanese swordsmanship and strategy.
I have read “The Book of Five Rings” before and look forward to reading it again!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I have read “The Book of Five Rings” before and look forward to reading it again!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
April 16, 2021
OK wisdom if you expand your mind a bit and allow the martial arts conversation show you some things.
January 20, 2023
Highly recommended!
September 18, 2023
This paperback book is 106 pages of well translated warrior wisdom!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews