3 Achievements of Miyamoto Musashi that Make Him a Legend

Out of all the famous samurai in Japanese history, Miyamoto Musashi is surely one of the most well known names both in and out of Japan. Even if you aren't a big fan of samurai, you have probably heard of his name before as the “legendary swordsman.”
However, haven’t you ever wondered before... What is so special about Miyamoto Musashi
that makes him this famous?
So today, I will first briefly explain about the life of Miyamoto Musashi and his achievements, then talk about the 3 things that are often brought up as reasons to why he is so famous. Finally, at the end of the video, I will talk about a few interesting theories about Miyamoto Musashi that might change your image of him completely, so I hope you can enjoy this video till the end.
Learning about Miyamoto Musashi will not only help you understand the settings of many anime and manga, but also to deepen your understanding of Japanese swordsmanship.
[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
1:43 The life of Miyamoto Musashi
5:03 What is so special about Miyamoto Musashi?
10:19 Facts you didn't know about Miyamoto Musashi
15:10 Today's conclusion
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#miyamotomusashi #5ringsmiyamotomusashi #thebookoffiverings #twokatanafightingstyle #nitenichiryu

[@2551987ezio]

"The key to winning every battle, is to fight as if you're already dead" -Miyamoto Musashi. My favorite quote from him.

[@teslawolverine7009]

Not sure what that means

[@teslawolverine7009]

@PenileAugmentation The quote was fight "like you're dead", not like you're dying

[@teslawolverine7009]

@PenileAugmentation I think he means fight with no concern for your own safety or your enemy's but that's a really dangerous mentality that shouldn't be encouraged

[@2551987ezio]

@@teslawolverine7009 The easiest way I can think to explain it is that combat is about pure action, especially dueling in the samurai style, the fights would be very quick, and every micro-second is potentially important. In this scenario, any thoughts or doubts will impede the flow of your action. Gunk it up, add resistance. The point is more to not cling to life than to desire death, but it's still paradoxical, that the more you embrace death the less likely it will be that you encounter during the duel. We all encounter it eventually. Its inevitability is the only certainty. The point, not to have attachments in living and not fear death. It worked for Musashi and he lived through it. And yeah, it will not work for anyone. But once understood. I like the meaning behind it.

[@teslawolverine7009]

@@2551987ezio It makes much more sense now that you've explained it

[@MurakamiTenshi]

There is a manga called VAGABOND that tells the fantastical tale of Miyamoto Musashi. That is how I really became interested in learning about his history. I highly recommend it!

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Too bad the author refused to finish the story, at least we still know the result of the final duel

[@jessedirazonian9742]

Yep 100% recommended even tho the ending isn’t there n the artwork gawdamn

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

@@jessedirazonian9742 actually the author released the final chapter, i think as a mean to say "now stop bothering me with this, i said i won't do this anymore". The final chapter covered Musashi last week before he passed away after he wrote Books of 5 rings

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

That's probably why Shogo mentions it in the video.

[@johnjones3981]

@@jaketheasianguy3307 what? Are you serious? And here I'm waiting since God Knows when for the chapters to be made by Takehiko Inoue....

[@smbd88]

"It would seem difficult at first, but everything is always difficult at first." - Miyamoto Musashi

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

In Pokemon (Japanese original version), Team Rocket's Jessie and James' names are "Musashi" and "Kojiro", likely taken from the epic battle between them.

[@Abigdummy4life]

That, and Aerial Ace in Japanese is one of the many references to Kojirou's famous technique, Tsubame Gaeshi (Swallow Return).

[@diogenesofgermany8299]

This is an amazing fact!

[@martiddy]

I only knew about Musashi and Kojiro because of the anime Record of Ragnarok

[@kakashiroks]

I’m not sure, but I always assumed the US names Jesse and James were a reference to the late 19th century outlaw Jesse James

[@WhoTao00]

Another thing, Musashi and Kojiro in Fate mirrored the Pokemon version where their hair colors are the same and Musashi is a female

[@StefanAntonikSeidler]

I also heard, that he surprised attacked his first opponent and that he repeated that tactic later on. Seems fitting also with the content of the "Five Rings", that prioritises winning over all. What I find mostly fascinating in this book is how he talks about the importance of 'rhythm' - as it is translated to German - that everyone has as certain rhythm, that you should bring your enemies out of theirs and prevent them from disturbing yours. I think that's what makes it so famous in the west too, since you can apply that to all kinds of modern non-martial situations.

[@anas-432]

The rhythm thing is soo true in everything in life.

[@Moua]

100 percent! You want to always have people play into your gameplan vs theirs. All about controlling the situation

[@ianjoel9341]

That's straight up how a person is supposed to play chess.

[@gethynphillips7739]

Yeah there was the story where he disrespected a swordsman and whacked him with a sharpened oar.

[@Tokito935]

While everyone was playing for honor, musashi was playing sekiro

[@fefer1075]

After his dead, Sasaki Kojiro fought against Poseidon to protect mankind.

[@chicksaur6438]

Anime reference lol

[@PrinceAkaiVtuber]

REGEND

[@phunagewine]

And lu bu fought thor as well

[@karlbenito9992]

and slayed dragons in france

[@eversobritish1335]

I thought he stayed in Japan guarding a temple gate which led to him having a duel with King Arthur

[@TheHybridHunter307]

I feel this quote answers the "two swords" statement “You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough. Without imitating anyone else, you should have as much weaponry as suits you.” It would negate this to assume Musashi only fought with 2 swords.

[@potatoguy5569]

Three-sword style!!?!

[@sixspadez7548]

It's well known musashi used both a carved wooden oar, a bokken, and a single katana in battle in addition to his 2 sword style. But it's unlikely he used other weapons. Remember he also says "do not practice with weapons beyond what is useful" meaning that straying away from his main strengths was not something he would be necessarily be practicing.

[@stevenrichardson3000]

You would be incorrect

[@fegoracedia6080]

I wholly accepted the one where Musashi's tales weren't beautified while giving a sense of clarity and logic behind them. I've read Musashi killed his adoptive father to prove to himself his own strength. He was able to think of surviving instead of dying with honor thus some of his duels are where he intentionally shows up late or some he intentionally shows disrespect, he lets his opponent get impatient and angry for being late on an "honorable life and death duel" and only shows up once his opponent has completely lost composure, an unfocused warrior no different from a dead one. This is the most notable for his duel with Sasaki Kojiro where Musashi woke up late for the duel but took his time eating breakfast, the wooden sword he carved out of oar was longer than Kojiro's long sword which he was famous for thus removing his main advantage over Musashi. The thing about him not taking baths is also a form of tactic to distract his opponent because of his bad smell. I love Musashi's way of thinking on this and even took to heart one of his sayings "Respect the Gods but dont rely on them"

[@ShiKage08]

This is my favorite of his: "There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself."

[@hafnican]

From Eiji Yoshikawa's book, Musashi never or rarely took a bath because it makes him too comfortable and it would loosen his instinct and awareness of any sudden attact.

[@mikhielthorsson6033]

@@hafnican, he also was famously ambushed while taking a bath, where he barely escaped with his life. So that may also be a reason why he stopped taking baths.

[@mrsenzubean6224]

ty for reminding this quote

[@arkaleon1551]

I see people of culture here Great to meet you

[@MMABreakdowns]

So, I'm a huge fan of Mushashi and the five rings has definitely shaped my martial philosophy. However, I'm always surprised when people view him as this really honorable samurai/ronin character. Very early on into researching him, it was clear that this is a guy that went against a lot of ideas of honor in a duel. A lot of his philosophy on fighting was all about taking every advantage you can and focus on attacking your opponents weaknesses. And that type of thinking is very pragmatic. It's not about honor, it's about winning. And I thought this was known generally, but I guess not haha.

[@wakkaseta8351]

When someone "problematic" is too famous and beloved for you to simply erase from history, you whitewash their story to fit under your moral guidelines and then feed that to the public.

[@TheNutty1NiNjA]

I agree. He was the living embodiment of the quote "Fight smarter", I respect his use of strategy and gaining advantage one can when faced with life or death.

[@scottrackley4457]

Musashi saw it as a contest, if you aren't ready when I've told you I'm going to kill you, maybe you need to listen.

[@technocore1591]

I read, "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa and loved it.

[@tlidd]

This is tied with “The Count of Monte Cristo” as my favorite book of all time. I just started “Taiko” (the book about Hideyoshi)

[@technocore1591]

@@tlidd Taiko also was incredible and excellent pairing with The Count!

[@earlmorton6265]

@@tlidd Taiko is a really good read.

[@maxmusashi7540]

So good.

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

Taiko was also great

[@min_ny721]

“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain” -Miyamoto Musashi

[@devynraydi1563]

Reading the book of five rings has greatly improved my understanding of Japanese swordsmanship, but it has also enhanced how I practice Chinese swordsmanship. A true masterpiece for sword geeks around the world! Thank you for another insightful video Shogo-san!

[@ghostdude45]

It helped me with my baguazhang as well. It's beneficial to all martial practices! A true masterpiece, indeed.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

“Think lightly of yourself, but deeply of the world” - Musashi

[@kierankennedy4765]

Yes, kojiro was hit with a blunt weapon, leaving him with very bad head injurys, slowly dieing in pain, so to end his life, musashi students ended his life swiftly so he didn't suffer a dishonourable death. How this was done exactly may still be a mystery.... Regardless of how, this is a very excellent video and very exciting topic. Thank you shugo 🙏👌

[@minecraftkingest4116]

I think that Musashi's blow did kill him but maybe his students thought that he was still alive so they verified it by idk cutting his head off, but i am very sure that his students weren't even there and he did kill him with the wooden oar

[@ponchowizard5182]

Miyamoto Musashi is one of my favorite historical figures. I knew before he was kind of a shady character who was not above using "dirty" tactics in battle/duels but that was the best way to win. I also love the Niten Ichi style.

[@cadethumann8605]

What I am curious about is how exactly was Musashi like in society when not fighting. What was his demeanor? How did he treat others such as those of lower class? I know that exploits are what people like to study about historical individuals but I like to get an idea of what the person was like overall.

[@ponchowizard5182]

@@cadethumann8605 well he lived a lot as a hermit and roughed it in the wilderness for long periods of time(usually to hide out from enemies hunting him down.) So I imagine his social skills weren't all that great.

[@vicount3944]

@@cadethumann8605 he treated those of the lower classes like dirt. His book gives you a good idea of his personality, and boy is he full of himself.

[@cadethumann8605]

@@vicount3944 Assuming you're telling the truth, that is a pity. He still is an interesting figure for being the famous archetype warrior wanderer seeking challenges (in fiction, I can see him as an anti-hero) as well as his fighting philosophy, but it does sound pitiful that he didn't fully have a balanced mindset.

[@vicount3944]

@@cadethumann8605 I mean, that was normal for the time. So it's not really a "flaw", so to say.

[@rolandgdean]

I was first recommended his book by Harry Dach (Iaido - Go-Dan Master)...pre-internet. I went to a bookstore to find a copy and could not find it in the martial arts section. I asked the worker there if they had one and he said they did...IT WAS IN THE BUSINESS SECTION. This struck me as why Japanese business men were so successful and tenacious...they adapted Musashi's madsets and passion and focus.

[@chrismarusic4277]

This guy is a good teacher,easy to listen to. He's corgel and charismatic. It would be an honor to train with him.

[@blkbass1958]

A painting of Miyamoto Musashi hangs on my wall. He was a great swordsman, but not a perfect human being. He was as ruthless as he was skillful. That allowed him to be so successful in his battles and duels. A fun read on Musashi is Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa.

[@SuperSushidog]

We had a saying when I was in the army. "If you ever find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck." Gaining and pressing the advantage is the heart of Nito-ryu.

[@fan-i-am]

Me too! I also have the movie trilogy on DVD starring Toshiro Mifune.

[@vKaisyo]

Love being able to learn about Japanese culture and History, thanks Shogo!

[@alexong2542]

From my perspective, Musashi Miyamoto is the first unorthodox swordsman. He didn't fight for honour, but he fought for survival. In a time when most swordsmen held their honour and dignity above everything else, he fought to win and for his life. He never fought fairly, he used tactics and strategy to win. He mixed many techniques and he simply discarded what was useless and kept what was useful. If you ask me, He's the true progenitor of MMA, not Bruce Lee.

[@tbhUSuckOo]

With that kind of reasoning, Sun tzu is the true pioneer of mma

[@rivalx288]

Pretty bad take here. MMA isnt like weapon fighting at all. And you're really gonna say he was the FIRST unorthodox swordsman? Like that never happened in history before.

[@songmoua9389]

@@tbhUSuckOo With that kind of reasoning, cave man are the progenitor of MMA. After all they reject fight sabertooth cats with their fist and use spears.

[@addictedtoblades2]

Awesome, thanks for sharing brother ❤

[@lukycharms9970]

In high school I read the book of 5 rings and my mom saw it on my bedroom counter one day and sat me down and I thought she was gonna give me the “birds and the bees” speech but instead she asked me if I was joining a cult because she thought the title of the book sounded “cultish” hahaha

[@outboundflight4455]

The best Translation is William Scott Wilson's. Can't wait to meet him someday soon. On the topic of Musashi, he was a real figure but alot of the events in his life have no evidence to prove it. So most of his life is myth or should be taken as such. But he was famous and a successful swordsman. Worthy of being a Kensei, "Sword saint".

[@roninmusashi]

Read WIlliam De Lange's history and translations if you are further interested.

[@onishinobi7805]

@@roninmusashi I love your user name

[@ren7a8ero]

Musashi teachings are amazing. I'm glad having the chance to training his ryuha, listening and experiencing the sword in the way he saw it, or at least in the closest way possible, considering the centuries apart.

[@Mr440c]

I've got an issue of his book in my language that also came with a tome of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu book within. It turned out to be very helpful in understanding of Japanese martial arts becuase both works complement each other well. Yagyu Munenori introduces the concept of "no mind" in his book which is a more elaborate description of what Musashi adresses in his fifth scroll. Then there is Takuan Soho's writings to Yagyu where he teaches those principles to the samurai in the first place. I find these monumental books a must reads to whomever wishes to acomplish great thongs on the way of martial arts.

[@vicount3944]

Munenori's writings were really interesting.

[@Mr440c]

@@vicount3944 I suggest reading The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho. You'll find much more interesting stuff to ponder on.

[@vicount3944]

@@Mr440c Thanks. I'll look them up.

[@musamusashi]

Those 3 books should be in the library of everyone interested in martial arts and Japanese history and culture.

[@omnilinko3582]

The greatest reason I enjoy the story of Miyamoto Musasshi is the fact that not one of his duels did he make the challenge, he was always challenged. This to me is the very spirit of Bushido.

[@dahl86]

IIRC he challanged people up til he was 30yo, after that he stoped and startet looking back at his life and acceptet a duel now and then, but never seeking them out as he did in his younger years

[@igrim4777]

His first duel was in response to a publicly posted letter addressed "to whom it may concern". Musashi wasn't named, it was an open invitation for any swordsman. That Musashi chose to sign his own name on a public announcement is tantamount to him looking for a fight.

[@KolmCayoz]

*Here's a lesser known fact* Miyamoto Musashi fought and won 60 duels, without losing a single time. But he did possibly fight to a draw once. And it was to Musō Gonnosuke (wielding the Jō)...although this "draw", could have actually been a loss. There's varying accounts as you'd expect. But the truth usually lies in the context.

[@igrim4777]

The only source of information for Musashi having lost a duel to Muso is the school Muso founded. Doesn't mean Muso's students are lying but being able to say it was their teacher and style that beat Musashi is a *huge* motivation for bias that needs to be questioned.

[@yulia_british_english]

My brother and dad visited his tomb on Kagoshima. I personally look up to Miamoto Musasi. I have just finished writing a scientific research paper about the samurai culture of the 16th century. I know most of Musashi's works were created in the 17th but he is also widely known for fighting in the battle of Sagikahara at the age of 16. Thank you so much for this video.

[@mishasumi6827]

What made him successful is that he defeated a bunch of old samurai out of their prime that were masters in title only and made a name for himself in a time where wars and sword duels were rare. So he gained the self-confidence and experience and fame in an Era where old men were still revered warriors. Then he later took on younger champions and retired in his prime under the protection of a dimyo where no one could challenge him. Brilliant

[@Biohacker777]

I heard 4 of those "book of five rings" gets tv show adaptation, where a young monk mastered all four elements and bring balance to the world, that shows miyamoto is also a good storywriter

[@janeygenraam7923]

Avatar??

[@sketch-rstuff1017]

@@janeygenraam7923 Haha pretty much that's what I thought when I read it, Avatar didn't have the Void though.

[@malChhangte]

haha

[@dreameater8548]

@@sketch-rstuff1017 it did have Energy Bending as a máster technique tho, maybe they decided to settle on that instead of the Void :D

[@MatheusNiisama]

Its interesting that Japan, a country that values tradition and collectivism so much, ended up making a hero out of Musashi, who comes off as someone who disregards tradition and carves his own path, as evidenced by the fact that he authored his own sword style.

[@ishill85]

the story i always find the most intriguing about his legend is that eventually he stops using real swords and switches to just sticks. It gives the sense that he became so expert at killing that he felt the need to handicap himself to keep things a little fair.

[@lesbonsamis8171]

I don’t think it’s about being fair, but it’s about no one we’re enough strong to kill him… so fighting with other became like a game or a training.

[@beltenebrosgr1904]

Thank you so much Shogo!!!! Some months ago, I asked from you to have a video for the "47 ronin" and "Miyamoto Musashi" and you delivered on both! I have read the first volume of Vagabond and I have ordered all the rest since December of last year to a comic shop here in Greece. The volumes are not easy to be found as "Vagabond" is a very well received and beloved manga. As many know the manga has not finished and it is in hiatus just before his final duel... Who knows, maybe what you said in the video (about apprentices of Musashi interefering in the last duel) is one of the reasons that Takehiko Inoue has not finished the manga... Thank you so much Shogo. Great video as always. Keep going strong... :)

[@joeyc.9622]

I greatly enjoyed this very informative video! Thank you for taking the time to create and share it.

[@jungkikwanflorida]

Fantastic videos!!! Watching your entire growing catalog.

[@chubzdon1]

Musashi's story and also his approach to warfare seems very similar to Shaka Zulu. They both rejected the honorable and traditional war tactics of their respective regions and instead adopted styles that favored a victorious outcome regardless of the means by which they achieved it. Warriors like this are always legends.

[@fablerh2476]

I also read VAGABOND and consider it one of the greatest pieces of art ever made. I love the story and how it is told, and I was impressed by the many lessons Musashi learned throughout his journey. I think my favorite moment was when he noticed he could escape the spiral of violence (not too sure how it is translated, I read it in German) and fight in a almost peaceful way! He changed so much since his beginnings as a boy full of bloodlust and the way his character is drawn transports this inner development masterfully. Unfortunately, no new book has been published in German in years and I would love to know his (drawn) story until the very end.

[@fakemoviesrealtrailers7737]

I’d love to hear you talk about the Nodachi, especially the 12 foot long Nodachi made by Norimitsu Osafune

[@marvingaines2356]

Thank you for your most insightful content, I thoroughly enjoy it all.

[@shockwavebboy]

I love how Shogo-san brings both perspectives of any story he tells.

[@PierceArner]

Thanks much for this breakdown!

[@battlefieldcustoms873]

I hope you make it to 1 million you are such a humble, bright and knowledge full person. Super happy I found this channel. my training was going no where

[@zaximbud100]

Great stuff love your channel

[@grubererik1379]

Thank you, Shogo, for making a great video about one of my favorite historical figures of all time! I'm fascinated by a person who could never be defeated in battle but decided to focus on art and writing as he became older. But...as for him not taking baths...I didn't know that (-o-)! I'm glad you pointed out his flaws, as well. I loved Vagabond, too! Especially the earlier part of his life and the Yoshioka clan story. Inoue san's artistic vision of him is fantastic. Thanks for always making fascinating videos! I always look forward to them!

[@warlord5295]

Miyamoto regardless of his reputation he has carved his name into history like many other heroes in history like Leonidas, Alexander the great, ragnar lothbrok, Julius Caesar, and boedica the warrior queen. All warriors with legendary stories to tell some may say these warrior's reputations are exaggerated but regardless they are forever remembered.

[@0700672]

First time I watched this guys video, really very brilliant. Voice, cameras, editing and content all top notch. Subscribed straight away.

[@antonhallergren588]

He is the greatest swordsman in recorded history and in turn possibly the greatest warrior of all time. He's a man who died of old age meditating after a life of violence. He died invincible under the sun. Undefeated.

[@Ari_selles]

Never new about those things! But great video keep up the great work.

[@SamUrai-sh1vu]

After studying go rin no sho as well as the art of war most of my life ive utilised these strategies both on the street, in the ring, as a coach and for every day life. I've been very successful because of them. What I love about the books most of all is everytime I read them I learn something new....fantastic video, thank you😊👍

[@graysongarrett6739]

My wife and I have been loving your videos, I'm now subscribed and keep finding topics I didn't know I wanted to learn about. 👍

[@onyx3421]

Hey, Im in Michigan right now. First time on your page. Was searching about miyamoto musashi. Jiujitsu and wrestling student.

[@Punisher_MrWick]

Thank you for your channel! I like to learn something new everyday!

[@shadekeigarblacksky]

I have been searching Sasaki Kojiro for a while. Thank you for sharing some information about him through a video about Miyamoto Musashi.

[@laurencecook9470]

Great video!

[@alexxanbr1038]

The book of Eiji Yoshikawa is one of my favorite books of all time. Musashi definitely is so impressive. I really recommended it!

[@blakmajk3512]

Sweet content! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@cutgras]

You are a magnificent story teller and teacher. I love the channel.

[@joywest1078]

The story of Myamoto Musashi you shared was great and I'm looking forward to learning more in The Book Of Five Rings. I liked the way you shared it, thank you!

[@torut65]

I wonder if people actually adjust the playback speed in the beginning because I watch all your content as is and it’s enjoyable every trip.

[@user-ov5zm5rz3v]

He wrote his story in his own words, in his own voice! I think that story made him a unique warrior who never existed before and never will again. He was like a favorite at a time when samurai holding a sword became samurai holding a pen...

[@Erebus.666.]

I think one of the most impressive parts, is the fact he was largely self taught. He may have had instruction in his youth, but then he retired into the wilderness and polished his style. When you call him a Ronin, he truly was a wandering swordsman. A true kensei

[@Blackmuseops]

Read the book when I was young & studied Ninjutsu. What amazed me is that the book contains almost no technique, but mostly talks about the winning mindset P.S. about the 2 swords - Musashi called his school Ichi Ryu Ni To, and he wrote about the use of a sword in each hand for the first time. But exactly like you said, he was teaching how to be practical. Not stylish. His entire book is about substance over style. That's what made him so famous - he opposed the Katas & the ritualisation of the fighting arts. His main thing was to smash paradigms

[@erichusayn]

Great video. Definitely my most favorite swordsman of all time.

[@esotericvault7161]

Absolutely wonderful! I love your work Shogo! Musashi has always been a great influence and inspiration in my life. The Book of 5 Rings came to me in a very magical and unbelievable way. I hope I get to tell you the story some day. Thank you for all your. Hard work and please give my love to your family and friends 🙏

[@benhajvan]

Hello and greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have been watching your chanel for a while now and I find it wonderful and inspiring. I have been a fan of Japanese culture since I was a child. My love for Japan like many other people from the West started with anime and it of course built quite a few misconceptions in my mind. 😅 But thanks to this chanel they are being corrected one after another and I just feel more love and appreciation for Japan, it's people and it's culture. Thank you Shogo sensei. 😊

[@gaiusaelius9613]

Thanks for a great educational video.

[@sleepingtiger2096]

Thanks for making this video. I msgd you on Instagram previously asking about Miyamoto Musashi, so thankyou extra. I read the novel by Eiji Yoshikawa and loved it. Then tried to research about the real Musashi. I realized I already owned The 5 Rings, but for some reason didn't put it together that it was the same person until I was almost done with the novel. That was a neat moment for me. I had not ever heard the theory about his apprentices killing Kojiro before. I found on a map that he was born about a 20 minute drive from where my Japanese family resides, and wondered if my ancestors knew him. I read he had an aversion to baths, but not to the extent that you mentioned. lol. I got a chuckle out of that. I appreciate all your research, Shogo. You've got a lot of great content and put your unique perspective on things.

[@nobunagascat4139]

That's a great video even for people who learned Musashi a lot. Musashi's book got me in Japan history, so it was starter of my interest in Japan. I read it about 1.5 ago, but i'm learning Japanese language about for half a year and yesterday i went to the kendo the first time. In my humble opinion,the fact that after the centuries, Musashi connects people around the world to Japan is a good proof of his greatness.

[@trains4nothng]

let me start by saying that i loved this video. my favorite part of vagabond is the cross shaped spear duel, and funny enough i feel it covers one of my favorite points in the book of five rings "the value of perfection is that it is unattainable". thank you for your time.

[@Mak10z]

a quote I have on my wall at work: there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself. - Miyamoto Musashi The fog of time clouds everything, and history is written by the victors. there is no doubt he was one of the greatest warriors to walk the earth. the records show that. he was also a logical and introspective person judging by the his books. he made huge marks on history and is remembered today. we should all strive to be as driven as Miyamoto Musashi :) I also remember the story of Musashi vs Gonnosuke. (as claimed by Gonnosuke's students) and the creation of the Jo Staff :) Summed up : Gonnosuke had defeated Mushashi's father in a duel in the past and before his duel with him asked Musashi if he was as skilled as his father. Musashi in reply said "If you have seen my father's technique you have seen mine"... and then beat the socks off of Gonnosuke. Musashi left him alive and Gonnosuke went to a monastery to contemplate defeat Years of meditation and some prophetic dreaming he devised the Jo staff. shorter than the bo, but longer than the average swords in use at the time. he also devised ways to break Musashi's X blocking techniques many years later Gonnosuke and Musashi's paths crossed again, and this time (according to Gonnosuke) Musashi was defeated. A lesson of : even if you are beaten, if you still draw breath, you have the chance to improve :)

[@Momo-qo7is]

Thanks for sharing this interesting story. I enjoy learning from him about being solitude.

[@pixelmushroom]

Musashi has always been an insane character to me. If you just read the man's accomplishments, he sounds like an absolute boogeyman and then you read his writings and see his art and becomes a scholar and genius of artistic expression. My favourite part of the book of 5 rings (Alexander Bennet translation) where he just straight up teaches you how to throw a wakizashi.

[@user-bl3si3kq6x]

You sound like mr. Wasanasong from king of the hill. Your way of speaking is so proper.

[@tlidd]

Musashi is my favorite historical figure!

[@EndyMMG]

Vagabond is outstanding! The depiction of Takuan Soho as Miyamoto Musashi's sort of mentor figure always made me happy 😊

[@roninmusashi]

Additionally, Musashi wasn’t at Sekigahara. He was fighting with his father in a number of sieges against castles in Kyushu at the time. There is no mention of Musashi being at Sekigahara prior to Yoshikawa Eiji’s serialisation in the Asashi Shimbun in 1929. Much like the manga Vagabond, it was added for dramatic effect.

[@Goku17yen]

I watched twilight samurai because ur other video. Very captivating movie!! ☺️

[@pranc236]

As much info as there is… i always want more. Great video!

[@Gilbrae]

The first time that I heard about Miyamoto Musashi it was in 1986 with the novel "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa (published in France in 2 volumes "The Stone and the Saber" and "The Perfect Light"). I then read the "gorin no sho". Then I played "Brave Fencer Musashi" on playstation in 1998. Finally I had a lot of fun reading "Vagabond" which I find awesome!! He is clearly a must-have character for anyone interested in martial arts. Thank for your work.

[@ZangetsugaT1]

Hi Shogo, I quite like your videos. I find them interesting and informative. Could you please make a video on Sasaki Kojiro next ?

[@xnamkcor]

If course I've heard the name Miyamoto. He invented Zelda.

[@tofufregit]

And Mario!

[@cadethumann8605]

And helped kick start Nintendo as a videogame company.

[@Camaink1]

Shigeru!

[@andyanimacion3d]

Thank you so much Shogo! 🙏😊

[@sufirahmat6149]

Whaaatt im adore him and now u making a vid about him, just wow.

[@anas-432]

Thanks shugo, i been waiting for this video for a while, also another theory of why Musashi won so many duels is because he attacked by surprise when the opponent wasn’t ready, strike first strike hard style.

[@isejanus2714]

I was very taken by Musashi when I was younger, I would call him an anti-dogmatic didactic when it came to his training philosophy. I needed the guidance at the time and I hope I am continuing in practice. It's interesting how thinkers pondering military strategy inform different cultures, I am thinking of John Boyd, Marcus Aurelius', and Sun Tzu here, they seem to distill conflict into aphorisms that become thumb nails of society.

[@GuitarGuy057]

So glad you're about a year ahead of your subscription goal.

[@Jay-ln1co]

I always liked his advice on footwork. Took it to heart in my own training.

[@zeesnotarapper6613]

What did he say

[@tingleyip6787]

You are amazing!

[@blazenelson9901]

such a good video.

[@heronwireo1085]

I doubt the assassination story on practical grounds. In America we have some folk wisdom: "Three men can keep a secret if two of them are dead." If Musashi's apprentices killed Kojiro, one or more would have let it slip and it would be attested in some source. Musashi seems enough of a strategist to know that winning really isn't everything; not for sentimental reasons, but that a strategist must plan for the consequences of his battles, not simply the battle by itself. It would do no good to win by dishonorable means if every hand turns against him after the 'victory.' Whatever steps he took, he could not be sure of keeping such a thing private. Assassination is one of those things that is easy to imagine and write into novels, but very hard to do in practice.

[@monkeyball0204]

He wrote about the tactics involved when it comes to showing up late for a duel. He wrote it was advantageous because of the mental state of his opponent. Waiting for a fight mentally ready and then relaxing after you think it is not going to happen.

[@psychedashell]

One of the stories I like regarding the boat oar was he carved it to be longer than Kojiro's weapon. Thank you for the video.

[@callumkennedy5768]

Great video. I'm a big fan of Musashi and have read his Dokkodo a few times already. I will read the book of five rings next, thanks for the recommendation. I was very surprised by those facts too!

[@cucdeceas]

Thank you, sir!

[@firtazile8035]

Eiji Yoshikawa's novel 'Musashi' is a must read on the subject. It is so good. The 'Vagabond' manga is based off of it. I can't count how may times I read that novel.

[@nonyabiznas4986]

great vid

[@Ekklo]

Shrike On a Dead Branch is my favorite painting of all time. Once I found out who MM was, it made it even cooler.

[@michaeldaugette802]

This is an excellent video explaining about the life of Musashi ! I’ve heard the reason he went without bathing was because he could use that as a psychological advantage against Samurai he may encounter as they would find such thing as not bathing to be disrespectful and inconsiderate as well as just being plain offensive to everyone , I understand if that’s why he done such a thing because he was always using everything to his advantage even if others really never thought of such things as part of causing someone to use their anger against them in such a way , Ive always thought him to be a very highly intelligent man and I still appreciate the aspects for which he describes in his books ! The art aspect I think it balances the person if they are a warrior because you spend so much effort in the destruction of someone with such brutality but yet with art like a painter , poet or musician you balance yourself that is the aspect of creativity that makes a well rounded person so in essence it balances you out from just always being in destructive mode by being in a creative mode and I know how important it is to have that balance in your life again that in itself is quite genius to understand how that would pull everything together to keep the emotional aspect and mental aspect healthy !

[@DRCh3gg4]

Very nice video good job!!! Greetings from switzerland

[@cadethumann8605]

One thing I am curious about is how he behaved in society. What was he like towards commoners, for instance? Was he ruthless towards them or did he leave them alone (perhaps being easy-going)? What was he like towards those of different classes like daimyo? I am curious of Musashi's non-fighting life.