The Story of Miyamoto Musashi
Childhood and First Duels
In 1584 (“The Year of the Monkey”), Shinmen Bennosuke (later changing his name to Miyamoto Musashi) was born. It was common at the time for one to change his name during the span of one’s life often taking the name of a prestigious opponent defeated. He grew up in the Harima Province of Japan, at the end of the Golden Samurai Age. The Golden Samurai Age was filled with battles between samurai families to establish control of large areas of Japan.
Being born in a time of war, Musashi grew up learning the art of the sword from his father, Shinmen Hirata Munisai. Munisai was a proficient swordsman serving as a retainer of the Shimen clan. He instructed Musashi on Kenjutsu (Japanese art of the sword). Learning Kenjutsu proved to be monumental in his success in duels. At the age of 13, Musashi won his first duel against a trained swordsman. This was just the beginning, He later defeated a very skillful samurai named Tadashima Akiyama at only 16 years old.
From Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue on The Battle of Sekiagahara
The Battle of Sekigahara
The Battle of Sekiagahara started in 1600 and steered the destiny of Japan for the next three centuries. It was a battle between the Western armies led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Eastern armies led by Tokugawa Ieyasu to control Japan. Musashi fought on the western side. The eastern army captured two key castles (Sawayama and Osaka) in a matter of days, leading to a swift victory. Musashi survived and was deemed a ronin, or masterless samurai. This led him to set out on his quest to develop the perfect sword technique.
The Quest for the Perfect Sword Technique
The way to hone the perfect sword technique is to test your current techniques and learn in battle what works and what should be discarded. Musashi did just that by challenging all the most highly regarded schools in the area. In 1604, at the age of 21, Miyamoto Musashi emerged in Kyoto and quickly gained fame throughout Japan by defeating three crucial duels against members of the esteemed Yoshioka Lineage, who were responsible for instructing the House of Shogun Ashikaga in the ways of the sword. These duels marked the turning point in Musashi’s reputation. In the first two, he defeated the “Kenpo Brothers,” Seijuro and Denshijiro, making him a significant threat in the eyes of the Yoshioka followers. Seeking revenge, they arranged a third duel, pitting 13-year-old Matashichiro, Seijuro’s son, against Musashi. In a legendary confrontation, Musashi was ambushed by a large group of opponents armed with various weapons, including swords, spears, bows and arrows, and even muskets during the duel. Remarkably, Musashi emerged victorious, effectively ending the once-proud Yoshioka Lineage and solidifying his legendary status.
After these pivotal duels, Musashi embarked on a warrior’s pilgrimage known as “Musha Shugyo” and traveled extensively across Japan, seeking challenging duels. His reputation grew further due to his victories against the Yoshioka clan. Notable duels during this period included clashes with the Hozoin Temple Warrior Monks, renowned for their Sojutsu (spear techniques); Muso Gonnosuke, the founder of Jojutsu (Staff techniques) Shindo Muso Ryu; and Shishido Baiken, a specialist in the kusarigama, the chain and sickle technique. During this time, Mushai developed his Niten Ichi-Ryu (translated as two heavens as one school) technique. This technique incorporated two swords, one longer katana in one hand and a shorter sword (wakizashi) in the other. He had proven himself to be a very skilled swordsman but wasn’t satisfied he was still on the hunt for more formidable opponents to better his technique.
The Legendary Duel: Musashi and Kojiro
Miyamoto Musashi found his most formidable foe in 1612 when he faced Sasaki Kojiro, the founder of the Ganryu School and a renowned samurai of extraordinary skill. Kojiro’s expertise made him one of the most respected samurais in history. Unlike Musashi, who developed his unique martial school based on his duel experiences, Kojiro adhered to a revered lineage and tradition. He trained in swordsmanship under the eminent Master Toda Seigen from the Chujo Ryu School and his disciple, Kenemaki Jisai. Jisai, in turn, was the master of the renowned Swordmaster Itto Itosai, the founder of the influential Itto Ryu, a highly significant swordsmanship style.
At the time of the duel, Kojiro served as the instructor to Hosokawa Tadaoki, a prominent Feudal Lord. Musashi obtained permission for the duel through Nagaoka Sado, an old family friend and trusted advisor to Lord Hosokawa. The showdown took place on Funajima Island. Musashi’s strategy was to delay the fight as much as possible, keeping Kojiro waiting. Two hours past the appointed time, Musashi finally appeared on the shore and swiftly struck his opponent with a single, decisive movement. Knowing that Kojiro wielded an exceptionally long sword and favored attacking from a distance, Musashi had crafted an elongated wooden bokken from a broken paddle during his journey to the island to nullify Kojiro’s range advantage.
The duel unfolded rapidly and intensely. Both combatants struck simultaneously, with Musashi landing a precise blow to Kojiro’s forehead. It is recounted that Kojiro’s strike grazed the headscarf Musashi was wearing, causing a minor cut on his forehead. After Kojiro fell, he attempted a final strike from the ground, aiming for Musashi’s legs. Musashi leaped to evade this attack, striking Kojiro on the hips with a lethal blow that ultimately claimed Kojiro’s life. This dramatic encounter is widely celebrated as one of the most famous duels in samurai history, according to eyewitness accounts. At this time, Musashi was approaching his 30s, and the duel profoundly impacted his outlook. Musashi pondered why he had won so many duels in his book “The Book of Five Rings” (Gorin No Sho). Was it due to his physical prowess, his opponents’ weaknesses, or perhaps the will of the gods? These questions spurred him to spend the rest of his life, over two-thirds of his earthly journey, seeking answers and passing on his legacy through his martial techniques.
Later Years
Miyamoto Musashi was not just an ordinary ronin; he was revered as a Master of the Way, known for his profound wisdom and sensibility. Many sought his counsel, considering him an advisor and a leader to be followed. He was frequently invited to stay in castles and enjoyed the trust and companionship of respected individuals, including Takuan Soho Monk, an advisor to the Tokugawa Shogun, and Honami Koetsu, a prominent figure in the artistic movement known as the “Kyoto Renaissance.” Musashi also had close relationships with feudal Lords Ogasawara Tadazana and Hosokawa Tadatoshi, particularly forming a deep and lasting friendship with Hosokawa Lord.
In his book “The Book of Five Rings,” Musashi recounts that in his 50s, he achieved a profound level of understanding of strategy. This understanding ran so deep that, as he put it, he could “see” the Way in every aspect of his life, from the moment he woke up to when he retired for the night. His legacy extends beyond his martial prowess, as some of his masterful paintings, sculptures, and calligraphies have survived to this day. Musashi reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship techniques and, subsequently, applied the same level of perfection to various other aspects of his life.
In his later years, Musashi resided in Kumamoto as a guest of his dear friend, Hosokawa Tadatoshi. Upon Lord Hosokawa’s request, Musashi documented his techniques and philosophy in a concise article titled “35 Sections on the Art of Kenjutsu.” During his time in Kumamoto, he continued to teach the Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu to his disciples while delving into the study of Buddhism, meditation, and artistic pursuits.
In the last few years of his life, Musashi became a recluse, residing in the Reigando Sanctuary, where he devoted himself to meditation and the unwavering practice of his martial style. It was here that he penned the “Book of Five Rings,” imparting his teachings to his disciple, Terao Magonojo. On May 19, 1645, Miyamoto Musashi passed away, fulfilling his request to be buried in a complete War Dress (yoroi armor) in the Yuji village, near Mount Iwato. During his funeral services, a powerful lightning bolt illuminated the sky, as if the gods themselves were welcoming the legendary warrior into their realm.
Miyamoto Musashi’s life was a remarkable journey encompassing pivotal moments like his role in the Battle of Sekigahara, legendary duels, and the creation of his unique martial art, Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu. His iconic duel with Sasaki Kojiro in 1612 firmly established his reputation as a masterful swordsman. Yet, Musashi’s influence extended beyond martial prowess; his wisdom and leadership gained him respect from influential figures, while his profound grasp of strategy and artistic pursuits defined his later years. His enduring legacy is embodied in “The Book of Five Rings,” an enduring guide to strategy and life, solidifying Musashi’s status as an enduring symbol of excellence in both martial and philosophical realms.
Thank you valued reader for making it to the end of my blog. I will be discussing further the topic of Musashi’s philosophy and how it can be applied today in the next blog.