Miyamoto Musashi

In 1642, he suffered from attacks of neuralgia, which led to a deteriorating health condition. The following year, he retired to the cave called Reigando where he penned the book, ‘The Book of Five Rings’. By 1645, he finished the work.

He died on June 13, 1645 of thoracic cancer. His body was interred in armor within the village of Yuge, near the main road near Mount Iwato, facing the direction the Hosokawas would travel to Edo

Exact details of Miyamoto Musashi’s birth is not known but it is said that he was born in 1584 in the Miyamoto village in Harima Province to Shinmen Munisai, a martial artist and master of the sword and jutte.

It is speculated that when young Musashi turned seven, he was raised by his uncle Dorinbo, in Shoreian temple. A Buddhist follower himself, Dorindo trained the young lad at Buddhism. He was even taught the basic reading and writing skills

His father gave him training in sword and in the family art of jutte. However, the training was short lived and ended with his father’s relocation to the village of Kawakami. He received his formal education from Yoshioka-ryu dojo school.

His first ever duel was at the age of thirteen against the samurai Arima Kihei, who fought using the Kashima Shinto-ryu style, founded by Tsukahara Bokuden. He successfully challenged the latter with his excellence at swordsmanship.

In 1599, he moved out of his village leaving his family possessions with his sister and brother-in-law. He spent much of his time in engaging himself in duels.

The following year, i.e. in 1600, a war incurred between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa during which he supported and fought from the Toyotomi side against the Tokugawa. Not much is known of what occurred later on as he disappeared from the side.

He is next reported to have challenged Yoshioka Seijuro, master of the Yoshioka School for a duel. The latter accepted the duel which was to be held outside Rendaiji in Rakuhoku, in the northern part of Kyoto. He won the duel and received the title of ‘Unrivaled Under Heaven’.

From 1605 to 1612, he travelled extensively all over Japan in Musho Shugyo, which was a warrior pilgrimage site. It was during this time that he honed his skills for the duels.

He is the author of the famous work on Japanese samurai strategy, ‘The Book of Five Rings’.