Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584 – 13 June 1645), also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku, was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer, and rōnin who became famous for his unusual double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in 61 duels. Musashi, as he was commonly known, is regarded as a Kensei, or Japanese sword saint. He founded the Niten Ichi-ryū, or Nito Ichi-ryū, swordsmanship style and wrote The Book of Five Rings and The Path of Aloneness in his latter years.

Both records were entrusted to Terao Magonojō, Musashi's most important disciple, seven days before his death. The Book of Five Rings focuses on the concrete character of his Niten Ichi-ryū school, his own practical martial art, and its generic importance, whereas The Path of Aloneness focuses on the principles that underpin it, as well as his life's philosophy, in a few short aphoristic words.

It is an interesting fact that to celebrate his name and legend, the Miyamoto Musashi Budokan training center was built in Ōhara-chō (Mimasaka), Okayama prefecture, Japan.

Japanese name: 宮本 武蔵

Born: c. 1584 in Harima Province, Japan
Died: 13 June 1645 in Higo Province, Japan

Other names: Niten Dōraku; Shinmen Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu

Notable battles: with Arima Kihei, Sasaki Kojirō