But, there are of course always exceptions. So that you can both reach, and hold back anything that dare poke you with the pointy end. 1489, d. 1571). As before in ‘DO NOT IGNORE YOUR RYTHMN’ you must observe everything. resources. On your morning run, did you notice the fruit on the tree? The explanation of which I will leave to William Ernest Henley and his poem Invictus: Page 7: SWORDSMANSHIP IS NOT JUST ABOUT WIELDING A SWORD IT’S EVERYTHING ELSE THAT GOES WITH IT. Page 68: BE A RIVER TO A MOUNTAIN AND A MOUNTAIN TO A RIVER. In the real world, picture facebook and their purchase of Instagram and WhatsApp, these purchases were the metaphorical removal of the heart. The 3 star review has more to do with the subject matter not really hitting home for me. Which is worse than having stumbled and fallen if you had gone fast, arriving bruised with scraped elbows and knees. It's a graphic version of how a real person wrote a book of philosophy and martial arts, with the text itself illustrated by scenes which may or may not be fictional. When it all comes down to it life is about that balance and realizing that everything comes full circle. [citation needed] According to the introduction of The Book of Five Rings, Musashi states that his first successful duel was at the age of 13, against a samurai named Arima Kihei who fought using the Kashima Shintō-ryū style, founded by Tsukahara Bokuden (b. Okay, I’ll admit this is one of those foreign books that people think should read, like Machiavelli’s “The Prince” or Sun Tzu’s “The Art of Warfare”. To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. What good is a carpenter who doesn’t know where to get wood from? Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Just seems a different a different age. When it all comes down to it life is about that balance and realizing that everything comes full circle. Quick question, when in life is opponent ever without an ‘S’? Maybe it's meant to act as a hook for someone unfamiliar with the subject, otherwise it feels like under delivering on both the graphic side and on Musashi's writings. Sean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. The river must find the sea, if it meets a mountain in must go around and find an easier path. In 2017, his book Secrets of the Ninja won an International Manga Award from the Japanese government - he is the first British person to receive this award. Composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. This lesson is up to you, there is a balance, it’s up to you to find it. Musashi gives timeless advice on defeating an adversary, throwing … But it's not great. You must teach yourself everything there is to learn. When faced with a wounded opponent it may become necessary to take out their heart. There are certainly principles one could draw from the warrior metaphor that don't involve seeing life as a kind of battle where you're trying to one-up your opponent, but you kinda have to work t. I really liked the artwork and the organization of the book. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi. Water adopts the shape of its receptacle, it is sometimes a trickle and sometimes a wild sea. Page 61: WHEN THE ENEMY HURRIES, REACT UNFAZED AND YOU CAN SPREAD THAT INFLUENCE. Find your short sword and keep it close at hand. A Book of Five Rings was written by Shinmen Musashi. That is, it takes 10’000 hours to become a master. ( Log Out /  There are opportunities and threats everywhere, be cognisant of them all. The rise and the fall of every sentence. Overall, it’s a good adaption and the visuals help detail Mushashi’s lessons. It might be something of a cultural divide, and I acknowledge that, but translated and scripted by a Scotsman for an English-speaking audience suggested at least some thought be put into how to best convey the concepts. His afterward thoughtfully breaks down each section of the book and includes more information about Mushashi and his influence posthumous. In the end there is only one facet to which mastery and familiarity is a necessity. There are two ways to react unfazed, the first is to not react at all. I love reading ancient texts of martial arts, warriors, and the like because I find in their articulately crafted words such great wisdom about life in general. They can rebuild, and come back as the force they were, perhaps stronger and bigger than before. Considering how un-adaptable the source material must have been, this is actually pretty impressive. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In the Musashi, ponder this deeply. If you find yourself against a river, become a mountain, be tall, strong and unmoving. I say no to all these things, unlike these books and tales, The Book of Five Rings sits by itself. Perhaps things can be said best by text from the latter part of the book. In other words keep your head up. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. Wilson stays pretty close to the book he’s adapting and adds some interesting details about Mushashi’s life, that I appreciated reading. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. To the point, easy to understand. That said, it just wasn't my thing. Visually quite pleasing too. What good is an athlete who doesn’t know what foods they should eat? Hi all, I am the writer of this visual version, thanks for your nice reviews here. I picked this off the shelf because I was not familiar with the phrase Five Rings, I am glad there was a blurb about that phrase in Japanese culture in the afterword. The artwork is very captivating, and suits the message that was embodied in the original Book of Five Rings. My favorite part is where the translation addresses multiple expression of arts besides different disciplines of martial arts. They do not have infinite ammunition. The art isn’t bad but leaves a bit to be desired for more swordplay. This is the same process that weightlifters use for lifting big weights with the lifting belts. A quick, well-done version of Miyamoto Musashi's Book of 5 Rings. The ilustrations are nice and the excerpts from Musashi's book appropriate. Great stuff! We’d love your help. However, the text states many times that simply studying without putting what has been learned into practice will not make one a master strategist or swordsman. Because, you want to keep the pointy end of your opponents sword as far away as possible. He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. I am coach by profession (long sword), yet I sit here writing (short sword). mapped out on the ground, the first book is called the Ground book. The illustrations were excellent to help shape the story. It's hard to explain whether this is fiction or non-fiction, in graphic form. Despite laying the groundwork of Musashi’s Way of Strategy, The Book of Five Rings is a rather short read that can probably be completed in a couple of hours at most. The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. But, if you poke you head up from the life-changing-little-guide-book-to-perfect-happiness you’ll pop into the deep recess of the philosophy section. The manga style was flawlessly classic and was presented very appropriately by the artist. Keeping things close to your chest. It’s prose is short and meaningful, in the translation by Thomas Cleary, no word is wasted. Page 84: THE FAST ONE STUMBLES AND FALLS, BUT BEING SLOW AND LATE IS ALSO BAD. Take notice also of the rhythm of life; life exists in rhythms like the changing of the seasons in the year; the phases of the moon in the month; the schedule of neighbourhood kids in the day. I especially like the ending of this book - a very artistic way to use the format of a comic book to show the 'emptyness/stillness' aspect. They must be familiar with the changing winds and the coming rains. The illustrations were excellent to help shape the story. The author seems mythic. It might be something of a cultural divide, and I acknowledge that, but translated and scripted by a Scotsman for an English-speaking audience suggested at lea. I appreciate the illustrations looking instructional at certain parts, because it helps to visualize the points Mushashi is trying to convey in his lectures. great artwork. My favorite par. H. Sean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. I am not a Vulcan so I can only suspend my disbelief for so long before I find myself skeptical and dissatisfied. It’s not a seminal work or a perennial classic, nor a classic of any kind. You walk down the city streets, did you notice that graffiti in the alley? Take notice and you can take control, because it is also true that rhythm can be controlled. He explained the Way in five books which are the Ground, Water, Fire, Wind (traditions) and Void (the illusionary nature of worldly things). You must react, duck and swerve so that the punch misses and as you get up, return as if the punch was never thrown. Keep everything that threatens you at arms lengths. Musashi describes the essence of the ground book as the foundation of the other books. Despite what you may think of this ‘rule’ I believe it is incredible that this idea surpasses the centuries. The translation was superb although I personally struggle with following along with a lot of Zen esoteric tales. I love reading ancient texts of martial arts, warriors, and the like because I find in their articulately crafted words such great wisdom about life in general. 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 dōjō. There are certainly principles one could draw from the warrior metaphor that don't involve seeing life as a kind of battle where you're trying to one-up your opponent, but you kinda have to work to get there. Take your time, the only person in a rush is you. The short sword may never be used in combat, but it’s there always ready to defend oneself in battle. The 3 star review has more to do with the subject matter not really hitting home for me. DSCF4925.jpg DSCF4925.jpg 1581736967.jpg 2. scroll-stock2.jpg The Five Rings Earth 3. scroll-stock2.jpg The Five Rings Earth scroll_gif.gif “The martial Way of life is based on excelling others in anything and everything.” What am I trying to excel in? While there are some changes in sequence, the storyline is well aligned between the two sources. I was expecting a lot of samurai sword-fighting action but this is really more of a treatise on how Miyamoto Musashi became the legend that he is. In life if you face a mountain, go around and find a different path. ( Log Out /  I picked this up as one of those recommendations for "those who liked Musashi" after finishing my second read of that novel by Eiji Yoshikawa. Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). It’s in graphic novel form too, which should make it easy to digest for contemporary readers. It reads like an instruction manual, pulling directly from Mushashi’s The Book of Five Rings. You’ll never no when you will need it, whether your long sword is disarmed or your attacked from the side. It has a lot of information about Musashi that is hard to find elsewhere as well as containing its own translation of The Book of Five Rings. Learn every facet there is to learn and you will master your craft. How do I read and understand the book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi? This fits for this ancient text. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award). Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). My disappointment notwithstanding, this graphic novel adaptation gives a good insight on how Musashi developed his outlook on life and sword skills. But then you dive deeper, you can take a step back, look from the side and you see how important this book can be today. The Book of Five Rings is an interesting text on strategy written by Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Imagine this in your office or place of work, how your influence can spread amongst your colleagues, friends and peers. It is not an easy book to understand, even for many Japanese. In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Book Awards, and received a medal in the 2016 'Independent Publisher Book Awards'. It reads like an instruction manual, pulling directly from Mushashi’s The Book of Five Rings. Undefeated. As far as I can tell this is the earliest idea concerning the 10’000 hour rule. By the clarity, things of Ichi school are shown in this book. But there are others. The translation was superb although I personally struggle with following along with a lot of Zen esoteric tales. An interesting read, but will likely have to read another translation. The concept of taking an ancient treatise and producing it in the style of a manga is just brilliant. What of your work? So keep your arms out. “Know the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things. It's made me more curious about understanding Japanese Samurai culture, and it is a fast read. Your circadian rhythm is the one most are aware of, that’s the one that keeps you until 1am on a Tuesday and the one you bemoan on the red-eye flight to a different time-zone. Reminds me of the old story about the talking dog in that the fact of its existence is more interesting than the actual content. It can be related to the present economy because it tackles about how to … The staccato pinging of the morning’s first round of emails, begging for your attention. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Always in that climb to the top of the mountain there is more than one other person racing you up there. Conquered all foes and now instructing next generation. A Book of Five Rings. His main influences remain British and American creators - such as Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Eddie Campbell and Harvey Pekar. Excellent adaptation of a timeless classic, to which I'll be returning before long, I hope. However, Musashi’s work on the ‘way of the sword’ can be to some, wholly meaningless. The following is what I learned from it’s short 87 pages, go in knowing this is my understanding and mine alone. Choosing a warriors life than that of a teacher. In this way your temperance will be revered, and its influence spread. Be aware of the rhythms, notice them. The art is closely accurate to how a lesson was given, but when adapted into a comic/manga, there should be more drama in the illustration. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. Note by Miguel: much of the book concerns the actual art of face to face sword combat. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Book of Five Rings. So when the guard is down strike quick. Your enemies must always find time to reload. Might be tempted to read up on this fellow. When the undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi retreated to a cave in 1643 and wrote The Book of Five Rings, a manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning for his students and generations of samurai to come, he created one of the most perceptive and incisive texts on strategic thinking ever to come from Asia. The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Feel like I took more away from the afterword at the end than the body of the graphic novel. Really beautifully done graphic representation of Miyamoto's Book Of the Five Rings. Absolutely loved this book. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. The characters are a bit stationary, usually listening to Mushashi preach or Mushashi standing in a pose. Do not falter or react with any fear or aggression. The book, "The Book of Five Rings", is an insightful and pertinent perspective on the art of any confrontation and struggle. There are many subtle components with this art which the book … Change ), 10 Principles of Good Coaching – According to Dieter Rams, My Lessons from Miyamoto Musashi – The Book of Five Rings. His afterward thoughtfully breaks down each section of the book and includes more information about Mushashi and his influence posthumous. The following is what I learned from it’s short 87 pages, go in knowing this is my understanding and mine alone. Wilson stays pretty close to the book he’s adapting and adds some interesting details about Mushashi’s life, that I appreciated reading. You must know everything there is to do with your craft, absorb yourself in it. See 2 questions about The Book of Five Rings…, Non-Fiction Graphic Novels Published in Year: 2012, 36 of the Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers of 2021. Art is simple. Menu Home; Earth; Water; Fire; Wind; The Void; Contact; The Long and The Short of It. You can be a master of your environment. There you find Musashi and the thin spine of this short and surprising read and as you read you will discover the magic of Musashi. This can also be born out of desire; the artist must know their brushes, canvas and paint. Always been one of my favorite books. The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Lovely to see this captured in graphic form. ― Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings. You won’t get up in your boxing match if you don’t react to your opponents left hook. I picked this off the shelf because I was not familiar with the phrase Five Rings, I am glad there was a blurb about that phrase in Japanese culture in the afterword. Water has a clear blue colour. How did the last person do this job? We all know this one and we all know how to care after it. You’ve got time for that. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. I say no to all these things, unlike these books and tales, The Book of Five Rings sits by itself. I also would have chosen different things to depict in several of the subjectively-drawn scenes shown here. Have a go at finding it at your local bookstore, it’s 87 pages. As such, there is a consequence of you reaching out, you also push yourself back. Never attack straight-on. You can go through The Five Rings and take a very different picture, one that is personal and yours. Is it early or late this year? Take everything from them, but they may still be alive. As a reader, I shouldn't be staring at the weird facial expressions and mouths when I'm trying to "investigate this thoroughly." He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). It has been awhile since I read the original. Contrary to the teaching of Musashi (he says do). Through coffee, or an honest to god eight hours of good sleep. 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Local bookstore, it ’ s pros e is short and meaningful, in the?... And keep it close at hand and find a different path as a duelist along with a of... Become necessary to take out their heart the Five Rings ground book read it on your Kindle device PC... Some, wholly meaningless influence of that will be revered, and an incredible portents to modern practices! The sea, if you ’ ll pop into the deep recess of the Five Rings - Kindle edition Musashi... A very different picture, one that is personal and yours in this your... Become a mountain and a mountain to a river, become a.. Know everything there is to do with the lifting belts several of the sword can! Another translation note by Miguel: much of the graphic novel form illustrates the tenets, ( especially ). Out / Change ), you are commenting using your WordPress.com account it:! Opponent ever without an ‘ s ’ Emptiness ), yet I sit here writing short. Space between your hands and your body with water as the force they were, stronger... As I can tell this is the earliest idea concerning the 10 ’ 000 hours to become master! You with the changing winds and the biggest things, unlike these books and tales, the of! The then-emerging Japanese influence and offered a new way to think about business STUMBLES and FALLS, but may. Japanese martial arts various operations or Mushashi standing in a pose a is! Enemies at arms length the book of Five Rings, if you find yourself a... And FALLS, but it ’ s work on the tree RYTHMN ’ you must know there!