Miyamoto Musashi was an invincible samurai from Japan’s Edo period and was probably the greatest swordsman to ever live. His approach to fighting was characterised as being philosphical but pragmatic, with no regard for aesthetics.

Much of Miyamoto Musashi's past is shrouded in mystery and his legend has been built up even in his own lifetime and then further still in modern times as dozens of movies have been made about him. This legend can be summarised thus: He fought his first duel age thirteen. Over his lifetime he won over sixty duels, some of them against multiple enemies, and fought successfully in three major military campaigns, including the defense of Osaka. However, given his mythological status it is impossible to say how true any of this is.

Musashi spent many years as a loner studying Buddhism and gaining mastery of the sword. His is also said to have been an accomplished artist, sculptor and calligrapher as well as having skills in architectural and garden design.

Books by and about M. Musashi