Miyamoto Musashi: The sword master

Miyamoto Musahi's life is always between reality and fiction. Known for his apparent excellence in sword combat, he is said to have won over 60 duels, so he is considered a Kensei, a sword-saint of Japan. He is famous for creating the Niten Ichi-ryū, his own combat style, and for writing one of the founding books of bushido, "The Book of Five Rings." He won his first duel at 13, and at 15, he left his home and possessions to travel around Japan as a Ronin, or lordless samurai. For much of his life, he did not serve any lord; only at 45 did he enter the service of Hosokawa Tadatoshi, daimyō of Kumamoto Castle. Musashi spent many years studying Buddhism and swordsmanship. He was an accomplished artist, sculptor, and calligrapher. Records also show that he had architectural skills. This is reflected in The Book of Five Rings, where he emphasizes that samurai should understand other professions as well.