Miyamoto Musashi

Musashi is the author of the Book of Five Rings as well as Dokkudo (the Way of Walking Alone). He died in a cave while sitting with one knee vertically raised, holding his sword in one hand and a cane in his right. He is considered a Kensei, a sword saint in Japan.

His father was an accomplished martial artist and Musashi’s training started early in life. He apparently contracted eczema or some other skin aliment in his infancy which adversely affected his appearance. At the age of 13 he fought his first duel. He was travelling to hone his skill and posted a public challenge, an offer accepted by the samurai Arima Kihei. His uncle tried to stop the duel but Musashi charged Kojiro shouting the challenge. Kojiro attacked but Musashi threw him to the ground and beat him to death. Musashi is said to have never lost a duel.

In his most famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro which was set April 13, 1612. Apparently, Kojiro arrived on time but Musashi overslept. Kojiro sent servants to retrieve Musashi who upon waking decided to have a full breakfast making Kojiro wait, this is seen in many tales as a purposeful sign of disrespect.

Upon Musashi’s arrival Kojiro chided him for his tardiness and threw his scabbard into the sea, a sign he would not stop and would fight to the death. Musashi apparently retorted that throwing such a fine scabbard into the sea was indicating that he was not confident that he would ever get to use it again.

The two then circled each other and Kijiro leaped toward Musashi with his signature overhead strike. Musashi also leaped and swung his sword. Musashi’s head band was sliced off barely missing his skull but Musashi’s strike was true and cleaved Kojiro’s skull killing him instantly.

Musashi spent most of his later years writing, painting and learning the arts.