MY REVIEW OF THE BOOKS OF FIVE RINGS:-

The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho) is a text on kenjutsu and the martial arts
in general, written by the Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645. There
have been various translations made over the years, and it enjoys an audience
considerably broader than only that of martial artists and people across East Asia:
for instance, some foreign business leaders find its discussion of conflict and
taking the advantage to be relevant to their work in a business context. The
modern-day Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu employs it as a manual of technique and philosophy.

Musashi establishes a "no-nonsense" theme throughout the text. For instance, he

repeatedly remarks that technical flourishes are excessive, and contrasts worrying
about such things with the principle that all technique is simply a method of
cutting down one's opponent. He also continually makes the point that the
understandings expressed in the book are important for combat on any scale, whether
a one-on-one duel or a massive battle. Descriptions of principles are often
followed by admonitions to "investigate this thoroughly" through practice rather
than trying to learn them by merely reading.

Musashi describes and advocates a two-sword fencing style (nitojutsu): that is,
wielding both katana and wakizashi, contrary to the more traditional method of
wielding the katana two-handed. However, he only explicitly describes wielding two
swords in a section on fighting against many adversaries. The stories of his many
duels rarely refer to Musashi himself wielding two swords, although, since they are
mostly oral traditions, their details may be inaccurate. Musashi states within the
volume that one should train with a long sword in each hand, thereby training the
body and improving one's ability to use two blades simultaneously.

Although it is difficult to grasp it from the book, Go Rin No Sho, these books are
actually the teachings which Musashi preached to his students in his own dojo.
Though ideas are taken from other sources, the text is predominantly seminal.

The five "books" refer to the idea that there are different elements of battle,
just as there are different physical elements in life, as described by Buddhism,
Shinto, and other Eastern religions. The five books below are Musashi's
descriptions of the exact methods or techniques which are described by such
elements.

The term "Ichi School" is referred to in the book, Go Rin No Sho. When referring to
such books, it refers to "Niten No Ichi Ryu" or "Ni Ten Ichi Ryu", which literally
translates to, "Two heaven, one school". Alternative translations include "Two
Swords, One spirit", and "Two Swords, One Entity". The translation, "Two Swords,
one Dragon" was thought to be a misinterpretation of the Kanji word Ryu.[citation
needed]

The Book of Earth chapter serves as an introduction, and metaphorically discusses

martial arts, leadership, and training as building a house.
The Book of Water chapter describes Musashi's style, Ni-ten ichi-ryu, or "Two
Heavens, One Style". It describes some basic technique and fundamental principles.
The Book of Fire chapter refers to the heat of battle, and discusses matters such
as different types of timing.
The Book of Wind chapter is something of a pun, since the Japanese character can
mean both "wind" and "style" (e.g., of martial arts). It discusses what Musashi
considers to be the failings of various contemporary schools of sword fighting.
The Book of the Void chapter is a short epilogue, describing, in more esoteric
terms, Musashi's probably Zen-influenced thoughts on consciousness and the correct
mindset.

This book actually has two translations by Thomas Cleary of two books from Japanese
martial artists. My thoughts on both and a short comparison are below.
The Book of Five Rings is a pretty good insight into a disciplined mind and
professional samurai from 17th century Japan. A lot of it is practical advice and
there is some spiritual Zen leaning in there too but I would not go as far to say
it is required leadership reading material in the same way as The Art of War by Sun
Tzu but no martial artist should be without this book.

The second translation in the book is The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of
War by Yahyu Munenori is far more flowery and makes more sense if you have an
understanding of buddhism otherwise the section on existance and non-existance may
(or may not be ;-)) be tricky to grasp. In comparision the first book is plainly
superior to the second in the manner in which it is written and executed. It's
plain talkng and easy to grasp with none of the flowery language prevalent in the
second.