The Life of Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi is Japan’s most legendary swordsman. With out a doubt, he made a difference in history. From his first duel at age 13 to the date of his death, Musashi’s life was an epic journey. He is the author of “Go Rin no Sho” aka “The Book of Five Rings” which contains all of his philosophies and spiritual insight. Never once in his life did he suffer a horrible defeat. Most of his spectacular skill was learned by himself. He had a determination beyond any man, he manifested secrets in swordsmanship and he independently walked all his years. Through all the historical studies about his life, his legacy is not something to be taken lightly. In a world where revenge was tradition and news spread like a volcanic eruption, Miyamoto Musashi stood out from the rest.

The date of Miyamoto Musashi’s birth has been mysterious but there have been theories that he was born most likely in 1584. There has also been the mystery of his birthplace which was most likely Harima Province. Before he became known as Miyamoto Musashi, his childhood name was Bennosuke. His father was Hirata Munisai, an experienced samurai and a high ranking member of the Shinmen Clan. Munisai was a martial arts instructor and was an expert at the two-sword style, using the jitte, jujitsu and the correct use of armor. Musashi’s life as a child was extremely depressing. Shortly after Musashi was born, his father Munisai divorced his second wife, Yoshiko and she was forced to move back to her older home in Harima. His father got married a third time, adding more difficulty to Musashi’s child life. There have been popular yet painful rumors that his biological mother Yoshiko but Omasa-who was Munisai’s first wife, and the rumor was started around the Miyamoto village. When Musashi was around the age of eight, the relationship between him and his father started to drift away when he began to make tough trips over the mountains in order to visit Yoshiko and her family.

One day, however, his depressing life at home with his father Munisai, would come to an end. As Musashi grew older he watched Munisai’s martial arts. As the years went by, Musashi gave his father critical remarks. At one time, Munisai was carving himself a toothpick, and Musashi made fun of his father’s jitte techniques. With anger, Munisai threw his dagger at Musashi as if it was a shuriken. Musashi dodged his father’s attack, and the dagger went into a pillar behind him. His father became even angrier and threw his short sword at him. Musashi dodged this as well. Then he fled outside and wished to abandon his father. He ran away and went to live with a priest who was related to his mother in Banshu, escaping his hometown as a result.

One morning in the year 1596, Arima Kihei, a sword master of the Shinto-ryu put up a sign on his bamboo fence. The sign, written in gold stated that he is willing to duel with anyone in a contest of skill. Musashi at age 13 saw this. Taking out his brush and ink, he wrote all over Kihei’s sign saying that he will deliver him a match the next day. Kihei was uneasy about the vandalism and wanted a formal apology from Musashi. Kihei managed to speak with his uncle about it. Musashi was told to go and apologize for his childish actions. The villagers who lived around Kihei stood there and wanted to see Musashi get humiliated when apologizing. When Musashi showed up, he was carrying a six-foot staff. Instead of bowing to Kihei and saying sorry, Musashi attacked him. Kihei of course, didn’t expect this, but being a skilled swordsman he managed to dodge the blow. The people watching most likely thought Musashi was a crazy young boy, being only 13 and challenging a master swordsman. But they were wrong. Musashi then dropped his staff and grappled with Kihei. He lifted Kihei and threw him to the ground and then beat him to death with his staff. The people who watched this must have been absolutely shocked to see what they thought was a stupid boy defeat one of Japan’s great swordsman in a matter of seconds. This was the first of his many battles to come. At age 17 Musashi joined Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s army. Hideyoshi would someday be the first every emperor to rule all of Japan. A battle took place between Hideyoshi’s army and the Tokugawa army in Seikagahara. Hideyoshi’s army failed to win the battle; many of his troops were slaughtered. Musashi of course, managed to escape capture and lived to fight for the rest of his life. He then went to work with the Shinmen Clan, under the command of Ukita Hideie who so happened to be one of Hideyoshi’s favorites. During this time Musashi engaged many duels and stood out from the crowd and amazed the other soldiers. Even though in the end, these armies that Musashi served lost, he was still proud that he was a part of them and was lucky to escape death. After the failed war in Sekigahra, Musashi kept a low profile and maintained his body and soul together as one. For a few years, he practiced in the mountains and traveled around testing the skills of other warriors. When he reached the age of 21 in 1604 and would come to Kyoto and bring down most likely one of the most respected martial arts schools ever.

In the year 1604, Miyamoto Musashi had engaged in his famous clashes with the Yoshioka Clan. It started with the 4th generation head of Yoshioka Clan; a man named Seijuro. He was to be challenged by Musashi. This decision to battle Seijuro would show the world what he can do and show his father Munisai a thing or two about martial arts. Seijuro was a man of great skill and not a man to cross. Their match was to be outside the capital, adjacent to the Rendaiji temple. Seijuro wielded a real sword while Musashi carried his trademark weapon the bokuto which was a wooden sword. It only took one blow from Musashi’s bokuto to bring Seijuro down. That single blow ended Seijuro’s career in martial arts. Musashi did not kill him. Seijuro was nursed back to health, gave up martial arts and became a Buddhist priest. Besides sword skills, Musashi used psychology to defeat his opponent, by arriving late on purpose, making Seijuro blinded with anger. Arriving late, determined Seijuro’s fate. After that battle, the Yoshioka Clan was determined to regain their family honor. So Musashi’s next match was to be with Seijuro’s younger brother, Denshichiro. He was a man of great strength and carried a wooden sword over five feet long and sharpened in the end and it required a lot of skill and strength to handle. The battle was to be taken outside of the school. The fight was extremely short. Musashi once again showed up late on purpose, and it worked again to his advantage. Denshichiro charged at Musashi with anger. Musashi simply grabbed the man’s arms with the wooden sword in his hands and turned it, thrusting it into his chest. The battle ended within a matter of seconds, Denshichiro was dead. What happened next was inevitable. In this era in Japan, revenge was a serious role in its culture. So anyone could predict that the Yoshioka Clan would try harder than ever to defeat Musashi once and for all. The next match with the school was to be with Seijuro’s son, Matashichiro. The place of battle would be at the famous spreading pine at the Ichijoji temple, located on the outside of Kyoto. At this point, Musashi’s popularity was through the roof, and he even started teaching his own students. His students informed him that his match with Matashichiro was more than a duel but an ambush. Musashi trusted them, even though they wanted to go with him, he couldn’t allow it since taking students with you to a battle is against the law. Musashi knew that Matashichiro was going to have more than 100 men with him. On his way down, he passed by a shrine to Hachiman, the god of war. He was about the shake the gong’s cord to get the god’s attention but stopped. Even though he wanted to pray for victory he remembered that he never relied on the gods and Buddha’s before and that he shouldn’t now. He bowed to the shrine and thanked the gods for the revelation and headed to his battle. As expected, then Yoshioka Clan members were there with Matashichiro all armed with swords, arrows and spears. Musashi could hear his opponents saying that he would be late again, as he spied on them from behind a pine. This time, he showed up early, he jumped from behind and shouted, “Did I keep you waiting?”. Yet again his psychological tactics worked with out a single flaw. The Yoshioka Clan were confused, and it was the half light of dawn, they panicked and were afraid. Musashi wasted no time and charged forward at Matashichiro and cut him, defeating the terrified warrior in seconds. The students then attacked Musashi with fear and confusion, shooting their arrows and spears like crazy, with bad aiming. Musashi took advantage of the panicked and terrified crowd and cut them down one by one. Any lucky survivors fled in horror and the Yoshioka Clan was finished.

In 1607, Musashi was moving on to the province of Iga and he met a man named Shishido who was a master of a sickle and chain, the kusarigama. The match between Shishido and Musashi was to take place in an open field. Musashi was of course, being watched by his opponent’s disciples. Shishido used his chain to grab Musashi’s sword out of his hands. With no sword in Musashi’s hands now, Shishido moved in slowly to kill Musashi with the sickle at the end of the chain. Musashi suddenly took out his short sword and throw it into Shishido’s chest, resulting in death. All of Shishido’s watching disciples drew their swords and went to attack Musashi. As they ran towards him, Musashi ran back at them, and they ran away in fear, scattering into four directions.

By the time of 1608, Musashi was in Edo, and he started his own Dojo in town so he could survive. Many wondering Samurais started taking in their own students like Musashi. He was now 25 years old. Around town, a warrior known as Gonnosuke stepped in to Musashi’s dojo and requested a match. Gonnosuke was one of the many samurai who dressed colorfully in order to gain attention and receive a job from the higher ups. When he stepped in to challenge Musashi he was sitting down carving a wooden bow. Musashi quickly accepted and grabbed a fire log as his weapon. Gonnosuke charged with a wooden sword and Musashi struck him with the log and sent Gennoskue down to the floor in an instant. He left Musashi’s dojo with out a word. Musashi stayed at Edo for a couple more years teaching students and taking on opponents. By 1612, he was at age 29 and left Edo and began to travel again.

Miyamoto Musashi’s most famous duel was about to arrive. He was to have a match with Sasaski Kojiro, a samurai known as “The Demon of Western Provinces”. The place of battle was to be at a lonely little island. Kojiro was very young, much younger than Musashi. He had a high reputation like Musashi, but was different. Kojiro was known for his incredible skill much like his opponent. He had successful battles at a young age. But “The Demon of Western Provinces” was about to come to an end. Musashi would once again show up late for the duel. He took his time. He was well aware that Kojiro’s boat would arrive on the island before he would. When he woke up in the morning, he was informed that Kojiro had arrived at the island. Musashi didn’t rush, he took his time, washed up and ate breakfast. On his way in the boat, he was napping. When he arrived, he saw Kojiro standing there with great anger. He wondered if Musashi showed up late due to fear of losing. Musashi dressed with strategy. Unlike Kojiro who dressed colorfully in expensive clothing, Musashi dressed in simple clothing. He rolled up his sleeves, and tied a headband with a big tight knot in the middle of his forehead. Musashi jumped off the boat barefooted and carried his wooden sword. With burning rage, Kojiro unsheathed his insanely long sword and tossed the scabbard away. Musashi smiled and stated his famous words, “You’ve already lost Kojiro. Would the winner throw away his scabbard?” Kojiro was angry and at the same time cocky. To him Musashi’s wooden sword was nothing but a stick. Kojiro charged and aimed for Musashi’s forehead. At the same time Musashi struck with his wooden sword. Kojiro fell but successfully hit Musashi’s head, but the knot Musashi tied on his forehead protected him. Kojiro lied on the ground, Musashi’s wooden sword connected with his skull. Kojiro was barely alive, and he made one last effort to defeat Musashi. While on the ground, Kojiro slashed at Musashi’s thigh, resulting in a 3 inch cut. Musashi then struck his wooden sword at Kojiro’s ribs, splitting them. Kojiro was dead. He turned to the officials that were there watching, bowed and hopped on the boat and left.

Out of all his life events, the battle with Kojiro increased Musashi’s popularity and level of respect the most. Traveler could now be considered his middle name. If he was not in a battle he was traveling by foot meeting new people and experiencing new things. Around 1614 Musashi started to become interested in artwork and philosophy. He learned a little bit about construction and his deep powers of observation assisted him in organizing a town for defense in an emergency. Miyamoto Musashi did indeed worked on the design of a castle during the time of his stay in Akashi. He started getting into gardening too, as well as classical poetry. At this time Musashi was inventing his two sword style which would be called “Enmei-ryu” meaning Perfect Enlightenment Style. The style worked effectively. In the year 1621 when Musashi was 39 years old he was challenged by Miake Gunbei who experienced the power of Musashi’s two sword style. The fight took place what could be either Gunbei’s home or Musashi’s but it was in a 14 mat room. Musashi appeared and wasted no time. He held two wooden swords in a circular motion. Gunbei stuck and Musashi would use his two swords to restrain him. This would repeat several times until Musashi was backed up against a wall, still restraining Gunbei with his sword. Musashi suddenly yelled “Watch yourself!” and used the short sword in his left hand and stabbed Gunbei’s cheek. Gunbei fell instantly. Musashi was kind to his opponent and brought him some medicine applying it to the wound. Gunbei stood up and bowed to Musashi with respect.

Later in life, Musashi became more friendly with other artists. He befriended a man named Koetsu who inspired Musashi to get into the art world. Koetsu is best known for pottery and also has links to the way of the sword. Musashi practiced painting, pottery and even the arts of tea and created many friendships thanks to Koetsu. Musashi thought that mastering the Martial Arts meant to master the ways of arts was just as important and had the determination to do so.

Besides martial arts and artwork, Musashi’s mind was focused on making sure his name would live on. Being with a woman and starting a new blood family was out of the question. So he decided to adopt a young boy. He actually adopted a couple of boys. He had a solid relationship with each of them. Miyamoto Mikinosuke was the first of Musashi’s adopted children and pupil to his martial arts. Musashi met him while horse riding. Sadly, he commit suicide because a man he looked up to ran into an unexpected death. The next boy who Musashi met was a boy who lived in a small hut. Musashi asked permission if he could lodge for the night. The boy’s name was Iori During the night, in the hut Musashi stayed awake because he was suspicious and gave a loud yawn as warning that he was awake. Iroi’s father had just died and he wanted to carry his father’s body up a hill and deliver a proper burial. It was said this sort of act impressed Musashi deeply. After he helped him bury the old man’s body, they both discussed their plans, Musashi would adopt him as a son and a pupil to his martial arts. Musashi put all of his spirit into Iroi, and when he grew up he rose through the ranks and became a success and he was the one who ended up engraving Musashi’s life, eight years after his passing.

In the year 1628, Musashi met a member of the Yagyu Clan, which was one of the most popular clans in Japan during Musashi’s time. His name was Yagyu Hyogonosuke Toshiyoshi. He considered Musashi a real human being. Instead of crossing their swords, they got to know each other by trading sake cups and played go. Never once did they question or wish to see each other’s ability in the way of the warrior. Though it must have been an honor for Musashi to become acquainted with a Yagyu member since the Yagyu family were well respected and well known for their incredible skills and unique styles in martial arts.

One thing should be noted that Musashi wasn’t into bathing. It is traditional in Japanese culture that one should be clean. It is rumored due to the fact that he is a shugyosha or wondering samurai, he never bathed because it would leave him vulnerable for an attack. Instead he simply would wipe himself clean with a damp towel. It is odd, since the many ancient paintings of him show him dressing in normal and clean clothing and yet there are documents that he say he wasn’t very clean. After all, he met several officials and political groups, they most likely would not accept him if he was filthy. Musashi was also an independent for the most part, refusing to partake in other fashions that most people would dress in. He also didn’t like how men would shave only their forehead, another fashion statement he didn’t want any part of, and kept a full head of hair his whole life.

Musashi had a guest status at the town of Kokura where a few events happened. One of them he encountered a warrior who Musashi called “foolish”. This man’s name was Aoki, he had some solid skill but Musashi was right about him being a fool. Each of his matches would start by provoking his opponent. Aoki used a red-lacquered wooden sword wish disgusted Musashi. Of course Musashi defeated him in a matter of seconds and told Aoki that its disgusting to use a sword and make it into a colorful decoration since he took swordsmanship very seriously. In the same time, Musashi had the honor of demonstrating his skill to lord Matsudaira Izumo no kami Naomasa. There Musashi defeated the most skilled swordsman in the entire fief and neither man was wounded. It was then the Lord Matsudaira himself grabbed a wooden sword and told Musashi he would face him in a match. The match could be considered hilarious. Musashi simply chased the lord three times until he was cornered. He then left and traveled on.

It has been said and probably asked by many if Miyamoto Musashi ever had a relationship with a woman in his life. There was a woman by the name of Kumoi, who was said to have gotten close to him. Musashi never really desired to be in love, that he should stand alone and not get into any serious romantic relationships in order to stay devoted to the sword. Kumoi was also linked to prostitution. They may have been on a date, and Musashi probably was opened minded enough to try at least one date in his life. No matter what, Musashi promised to never commit himself as a husband and a father, it was out of the question.

In the spring of 1637, Musashi had heard news of an action taking place in Kyushu that involved troops he was connected with. Before leaving Edo, he bid Kumoi farewell. She had cared for him. When he left, he was wearing the clothing Kumoi made herself for him. Its not known if he returned, and there are no recordings of Kumoi herself. A war was going on, and Musashi and his adopted son Iori were a part of it. They fought against the rebels in Shimabara. Iroi was commander and Musashi’s position was staff inspector. They were on the said of the Ogasawara. Apparently, the mission was to bring down Hara Castle, and it was a success.

After the war, Musashi returned to Kokura and it became his base of operations for the next two years.

In the year 1640, Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi sent one of hismost skilled retainers, Iwama Rokubei to deliver a message to Miyamoto Musashi. It was an invitation for Musashi to reside at Kumamoto. This invitation left Musashi with a shock. It was an honor indeed. The lord appeared to be offering more than expected such as a friendship and a place for Musashi’s sword style at this time known as Niten Ichi-ryu. He did leave in the spring of that year, accepting his invitation. The only problem stood is that Musashi has aged and feels that his health isn’t the best. Musashi said he was feeling ill in a letter to Tadatoshi. He requested that he been given protective armor and a horse for him to ride. Arrangements were made fast, and Musashi left. Due to his illness, he felt that his time was about to come to an end. So he made a grave marker on Mount Tamuke, located near Kokura Castle. Musashi, being a guest, received many expensive accommodations which to him is unnecessary since his whole life was simple and didn’t care about living a wealthy lifestyle, even at his old age, which was now 57. Musashi stay in Kumamoto was indeed a good one. Despite his state of health he managed to open up a dojo and wished to pursue other things as well. Musashi also had his final bouts, as match was set up by Lord Tadatoshi. Ujii Yashiro of the Yagyu Clan was to duel Miyamoto Musashi. He did not battle Ujii with strength, but only took control. Tadatoshi himself challenged Musashi after this, and he to lost to the legend. This result, inspired Tadatoshi to practice Musashi’s martial arts to show respect and honor. Musashi had his final bout with a retainer of the Hosokawa Clan, Shioda Hamanosuke. Shioda was excellent at using a staff, a very skilled warrior. This bout was also arranged my Tadatoshi. During the match Shioda struck with his staff whenever he got his chance. But he just couldn’t match up to Musashi and his short wooden sword. He couldn’t even come close to him. Musashi stated that Shioda was defeated. It angered him and he dropped his staff and attempted to grapple Musashi, but failed. In the end, Shioda respected Musashi, bowing to him and wished to be his pupil. Musashi later on went to practice creative forms of writing like books. His skills were amazing, impressing Lord Tadatoshi.

Miyamoto Musashi put his heart into painting as much as he did in the way of the sword. When being an artist, the brush basically took place of his sword. At times he would even compare swordsmanship to painting. When Musashi painted he put his mind deep into the way of the sword. According to him, it is important to know all arts, and his skills made it easy for him to understand this concept. It was as if the sword and the brush was the same, just a different “way”. The way of the sword could be used as a path to discover all the ways of life. Musashi would further practice poetry in an deep spiritual sense, his voice being so low, no one could hear him at the poetry meetings he attended. He also enjoyed the art of tea ceremonies. He also practiced meditation, and at one time something odd happened; a snake crawled up to Musashi as he was meditating, a snake crawled up to him. When it reached his knee, it stopped, and its head poked up and paused for a moment. Then the snake crawled away. Musashi laughed at this, even though mediation was to be taken seriously. Meditation and other Buddhist practices would help him sharpen his skills in the ink and brush.

Eventually, Miyamoto Musashi was becoming very ill. His disease, which was believed to be a thoracic cancer, was progressing. No matter how sick he was, he never gave up and even refused to accept any help offered by a friend, he told others it wasn’t that bad. Even in his condition, he took walks around the forested areas and even used what ever strength he had left to further teach the students in his dojo. His illness had pushed him to meditate even more deeply. Zen Buddhism was very important to him. Musashi still painted, he did some paintings of Zen captains with birds and other animals. His observation skills assisted him in his paintings of nature and such. At this point Musashi also practiced a Chinese Buddhist art known as zazen, which was painful for him in his condition. Zazen was a spiritual practice that involved some painful positions to sit in. At this time, Musashi was also painting pictures of the popular Buddhist Hotei, a man popular for his odd ways being a Buddhist Priest and all.

When Miyamoto Musashi was reaching closer to the age of 60, he spent the rest of his time at the Reigan Cave. He never stopped any of his spiritual practices and never took his mind off the way of the sword. No matter how ill he got, he never gave up. He was wanted back by his friends, and had to be carried, because he could barely move a muscle. He went and stayed at Chiba Castle with some people he was close too. He gave his final teachings to his students, finished his book titled “Go Rin no Sho” meaning “The Book of Five Rings” and delivered his rules of self discipline. His book would contain all of his philosophies of all the arts he practiced in his life, not just swordsmanship as well as elements.

On May 19, 1645, Miyamoto Musashi’s soul left his body at the age of 62. His final request was respected. Musashi’s body was to be dressed in armor and a helmet as well as the six accoutrements. He was buried in Handa –gun, 5-cho, Tenga Yuge Village. When the address was delivered to Musashi’s spirit, a crack of thunder pounded in the sky above. Musashi’s grave marker still remains to this day.

Miyamoto Musashi’s life, was beyond epic. One man, had taught himself martial arts and mastered it to perfection and manifested the secrets of swordsmanship. Musashi possessed no teach but himself. His book, “The Book of Five Rings” could be considered a holy bible to people. The Book, is his words and teachings, his philosophies and spiritual insights rest within it. There was his rules of discipline as well. Nothing about him would be forgotten. Japan back in those days, was a place were revenge took a huge role in its tradition, such as wars and other skirmishes. And it was Musashi who stood out from the rest, he shined the brightest. He wasn’t just different apart from the many wondering Samurais, he made a difference.