The Book of Five Rings Musashi establishes a " no - nonsense " theme throughout the text . For instance , he repeatedly remarks that technical flourishes are excessive , and contrasts worrying about such things with the principle that all technique is simply a method of cutting down one ' s opponent . He also continually makes the point that the understandings expressed in the book are important for combat on any scale , whether a one - on - one duel or a massive battle . Descriptions of principles are often followed by admonitions to " investigate this thoroughly " through practice rather than trying to learn them by merely reading . Musashi describes and advocates a two - sword style ( nitōjutsu ) : that is , wielding both katana and wakizashi , contrary to the more traditional method of wielding the katana two - handed . However , he only explicitly describes wielding two swords in a section on fighting against many adversaries . The stories of his many duels rarely reference Musashi himself wielding two swords , although , since they are mostly oral traditions , their details may be rather inaccurate . Some suggest that Musashi ' s meaning was not so much wielding two swords " simultaneously " , but rather acquiring the proficiency to ( singly ) wield either sword in either hand as the need arose . However , Musashi states within the volume that one should train with a long sword in each hand , thereby training the body and improving one ' s ability to use two blades simultaneously , though the aim of this was only for training purposes and wasn ' t meant to be a viable fighting style . The five books . 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 . Despite taking some ideas from others , the books are not based on any other school of teaching . The five " books " refer to the idea that there are different elements of battle , just as there are different physical elements in life , as described by Buddhism , Shinto , and other Eastern religions . The five books below are Musashi ' s descriptions of the exact methods or techniques which are described by such elements . The term " Ichi School " is referred to in the book , " Go Rin No Sho " . When referring to such books , it refers to " Niten No Ichi Ryu " or " Ni Ten Ichi Ryu " , which means , when literally translated , " Two heaven , one school " , although many could see the translation as " Two Swords , One spirit " , or " Two Swords , One Entity " . However , the translation of " Two Swords , one Dragon " was thought to be a transliteral misinterpretation of the Kanji word " Ryu " . " The Book of Earth " . The Earth book , according to " Go Rin No Sho " , is mentioned as the book that refers expressly to the strategy taught by Musashi at the Ichi School , and it is said to be how to distinguish the way through " Sword - Fencing " , or " Swordsmanship " . The idea of strategy would be encouraged to be very astute in their study and strategy : " Know the smallest things and the biggest things , the shallowest things and the deepest things . As if it were a straight road mapped out on the ground . . . These things cannot be explained in detail . From one thing , know ten thousand things . When you attain the Way of strategy there will not be one thing you cannot see . You must study hard . " Upon their mastery of the strategy and timing listed in the five books , Musashi states that you will be able to defeat ten men as easily as you could defeat one , and asks : " When you have reached this point , will it not mean that you are invincible ? " The strategies listed in this discipline or book relate to situations requiring different weapons and tactics , such as indoor weapons . Musashi states that the use of halberd - like naginata and spear s are purely for on the field , whereas the longsword and accompanying short - sword can be used in most environments , such as on horseback or in fierce battle . Musashi also mentions the gun as having no equal on the battlefield . It is the supreme weapon on the battlefield , until swords clash — then it becomes useless . He also notes that the gun is somewhat lesser than the bow , since at that time guns were not very accurate at ranges any longer than point - blank in addition to the disadvantage of being unable to see the bullet and adjust your aim as you would with a bow . Not to mention , in the 17th century , the gap in reloading speeds between skilled archers and skilled gunmen was rather large . One of the principles of the Niten Ichi - ryū is that one should be versed in many weaponry skills . Musashi indicates that during battle you should not overuse one weapon — this is as bad as using the weapon poorly since it becomes easy for an enemy to find a weakness in your style after countless uses of the same weapon . Timing , as explained by Musashi , is the core principle in strategy which is listed in the " Earth Book " . The idea of timing as explained within the Earth book is that you must be able to adapt your strategy to timing with your skill , in that you must know when to attack and when not to attack . In " The Book of Five Rings " he writes on timing : " " Timing is important in dancing and pipe or string music , for they are in rhythm only if timing is good . Timing and rhythm are also involved in the military arts , shooting bows and guns , and riding horses . In all skills and abilities there is timing . . . There is timing in the whole life of the warrior , in his thriving and declining , in his harmony and discord . Similarly , there is timing in the Way of the merchant , in the rise and fall of capital . All things entail rising and falling timing . You must be able to discern this . In strategy there are various timing considerations . From the outset you must know the applicable timing and the inapplicable timing , and from among the large and small things and the fast and slow timings find the relevant timing , first seeing the distance timing and the background timing . This is the main thing in strategy . It is especially important to know the background timing , otherwise your strategy will become uncertain . " " " The Book of Water " . The water book concerns strategy , but it also includes various other factors which perhaps a warrior reading the book should take into consideration , such as spirituality , religion , and one ' s outlook on life . The meaning of " water " in relation to life is " flexibility " . Water demonstrates natural flexibility as it changes to conform with the boundaries which contain it , seeking the most efficient and productive path . So also should one possess the ability to change in accordance with one ’ s own situation to easily shift between disciplines , methods , and options when presented with new information . A person should master many aspects of life allowing them to possess both balance and flexibility . The spiritual bearing in strategy , which Musashi writes about concerns your temperament and spirituality whilst in the midst of , or in formulation of a battle . Being a buddhist , most of what is written in the section concerning spirituality refers to principles of calmness , tranquility and spiritual balance ; " In strategy your spiritual bearing must not be any different from normal . Both in fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm . " This balance refers to what could be thought of as yin and yang within yourself . The over - familiarity or over - use of one weapon is discouraged by Musashi , as it would be seen to reveal your spirituality to your enemy . The idea is that a perfectly balanced spirit is also a perfectly balanced physical presence , and neither creates weakness nor reveals it to your enemy . During battle , the spirituality and balance is something of which Musashi notes that you should take advantage . Since small people know the spirituality of big people , they can thus note differences and weaknesses between each other . This is something which seems easy , but it is said to change when you are on the battlefield , as then you must know to both adjust your spiritual balance according to what is around you , and to perceive the balance of those around you to take advantage accordingly . Just as your spirit should be balanced , your various techniques be honed to a perfectly balanced demeanour . In terms of stance , much like balance within the trooper , Musashi notes that stance is an important part of strategy , or battle : " Adopt a stance with the head erect , neither hanging down , nor looking up , nor twisted . " This is part of what Musashi notes as " wedging in " . In regards to the gaze of someone , he notes that a person must be able to perceive that which is all around him without moving their eyeballs noticeably , which is said to be a skill which takes an enormous amount of practice to perfect . He notes that this is again one of the most important parts of strategy , as well as being able to see things which are close to you , such as the technique of an enemy . It is also used to perceive things far away , such as arriving troops or enemies , as that is the precursor to battle . You can then change your actions according to what you see . Attitudes of swordsmanship . The five attitudes of swordsmanship are referred to as the five classifications of areas for attack on the human body . These are areas which are noted for their advantages when striking at an enemy , and the strategist is said to think of them when in situations where , for any reason , you should not be able to strike them . Then his mind should adjust accordingly . " Your attitude should be large or small according to the situation . Upper , Lower and Middle attitudes are decisive . Left Side and Right Side attitudes are fluid . Left and Right attitudes should be used if there is an obstruction overhead or to one side . The decision to use Left or Right depends on the place . " As each is thought of as an attitude , it could be thought of that Musashi means to practice with each " attitude " so that you do not become over - reliant upon one , something which Musashi repeatedly notes as being worse than bad technique . " No Attitude " refers to those strategists who do not go with the use of the " Five Attitudes " and prefer to simply go without the attitudes of the long sword to focus entirely on technique , as opposed to focusing on both technique and the five attitudes . This is similar to taking chances as opposed to making chances . The attitude of " Existing - Non Existing " , mixes the Five Attitudes with the Attitude of " No Attitude " , meaning that the user of the longsword uses the techniques and principles of both at whichever moment he or she finds most opportune . " In - One Timing " refers to the technique of biding your time until you can find a suitable gap in the enemies ' defense , to which you will deliver one fatal blow to the enemy . Although this is said to be difficult , Musashi notes that masters of this technique are usually masters of the five attitudes because they must be perceptive of weaknesses . It is rumoured that Musashi disgraced a former sword master by using such a technique with a Bokken , but there are no descriptions mentioning " In one " timing . " Abdomen Timing of Two " refers to feint ing an attack , then striking an enemy as they are retreating from the attack , hitting them in the abdomen with the correct timing of either two moves or two seconds . Although the technique seems relatively simple , Musashi lists this as one of the hardest techniques to time correctly . " No Design , No Conception " refers to " When word and actions are spontaneously the same " . Aside from this philosophical approach to the meaning , the technique is relatively simple to explain : if you are in a deadlock with the enemy , using the force from the cut , you push with your body and use the disciplines outlined in the " Void Book " to knock the enemy over . " This is the most important method of hitting . It is often used . You must train hard to understand it . " " Flowing Water Cut " technique refers to if you come into a fight with an enemy of a similar level to you in swordsmanship . When attacking fast , Musashi notes that you will always be at stalemate , so like Stagnant water , you must cut as slowly as possible with your long sword . At the beginning of this technique you and your opponent will be searching for an opening within each other ' s defense . When your opponent either tries to push off your sword , or to hasten back as to disengage it , you must first expand your whole body and your mind . By moving your body first and then that of your sword , you will be able to strike powerfully and broadly with a movement that seems to reflect the natural flow of water . Ease and confidence will be attained when this technique is continuously practiced upon . " Continuous Cut " refers to when you are again faced with stalemate within a duel , where your swords are clasped together . In one motion , when your sword springs away from theirs , Musashi says to use a continuous motion to slash their head , body , and legs . " Fire and Stone ' s Cut " refers to when your swords clash together . Without raising your sword , you cut as strongly as possible . This means cutting quickly with hands , body , and legs . " Red Leafs Cut " refers to knocking down the enemy ' s long sword in the spirit of the " No Design , No Conception " cut . " The Book of Fire " . The " Fire Book " refers to fighting methods unlike the specific fighting techniques listed in the " Water Book " . It goes into a broader scope in terms of hints as to assess a situation , as well as specific situational instructions . He notes obvious advantages of armor and preparedness before a duel or battle as it applies to one man or a whole group of men : " As one man can defeat ten men , so can one thousand men defeat ten thousand . However , you can become a master of strategy by training alone with a sword , so that you can understand the enemy ' s stratagems , his strength and resources , and come to appreciate how to apply strategy to beat ten thousand enemies " . The dependence of location according to the " Go Rin No Sho " is crucial . You must be in a place where man - made objects such as buildings , towers , castles , and such do not obstruct your view , as well as facing or standing in a position where the sun or moon does not affect your vision . This is purely so that your vision is focused on nothing but the enemy , and thus there is more concentration upon the enemy ' s stratagems . Musashi also seems to note the age old strategy of the High Ground : " You must look down on the enemy , and take up your attitude on slightly higher places . " Other kinds of tactics which of Musashi tells are way of ensuring that the enemy is at a disadvantage . Forcing yourself on the non - dominant side of a trooper is one way because the left side is difficult for a right - handed soldier . Other disadvantages , such as forcing enemies into footholds , swamps , ditches , and other difficult terrain , force the enemy to be uncertain of his situation . " These things cannot be clearly explained in words . You must research what is written here . In these three ways of forestalling , you must judge the situation . This does not mean that you always attack first ; but if the enemy attacks first you can lead him around . In strategy , you have effectively won when you forestall the enemy , so you must train well to attain this . " " Ken No Sen " ( Attacking ) is the most obvious method of forestalling an enemy because a head on collision forces both parties to a standstill . Although it is not mentioned , Musashi must have been well aware that this method would also be the most likely to have a higher death count than the others due to the sheer mass of enemies because more than one enemy could then attack a single soldier or trooper . As the name suggests , " Tai No Sen " ( Waiting for the Initiative ) is invented for very opportunistic and decided battles between parties . The main idea being to feign weakness as to open a weak spot , or Achilles ' heel , in the opposing force , and then regrouping to exploit such a hole by attacking deep within the enemy ' s party . Although it is not mentioned , this would most likely be to kill the officer of the highest rank as an attempt to remove the tactical centre of a group of soldiers . A method particularly useful for Musashi or others , if attacking a general directly would signal the end of the battle upon his defeat . Only a small amount of text is written about " Tai Tai No Sen " ( Accompanying and Forestalling ) . Albeit very confusing , the idea of Tai Tai No Sen is circumventing an ambush or quick attack from the enemy by taking the initiative and attacking in full force . Musashi admits himself that this is a difficult thing to explain . Although there are other methods , they are mostly situational methods relating to the crossing of rough terrain , and battling within such rough terrain . Although it spreads over two or more paragraphs , most information is common sense , relating to caution and avoidance of such situations . The idea of timing , as with singular battles , is known as the most important part of attacking next to the skill of participants . However , the type of timing in this instance is somewhat different from the timing noted in " The Ground Book " since this variety of timing requires looking at the various physical factors which affect an enemy during battle , such as determining if strength is waning or rising within a group of troopers . The idea of treading down the sword is a very simple technique . Squashing an enemy ' s attack before it starts by using a form of charging and then attacking under the veil of gunpowder smoke , and arrow fire , the initial attacks used when starting battles can be highly effective . Individually , it refers to attacking the enemy ' s sword , breaking it , removing it from play , and a technique of controlling it through direct blade on blade contact . Like Musashi mentions in his philosophical style , there is a cause for a collapse . As there is collapse within an enemy , such as waning in his numbers , Musashi notes that one must observe such events and use them to his advantage . Interestingly , he notes that an enemy ' s formation can fall if they lose rhythm . It was known that in such battles , drummers drummed a tune for their other fellow soldiers to march to ; and , if the rhythm was lost , it led to a " collapse when their rhythm becomes deranged " . " The Book of Wind " . Whereas most of the information given in the previous books is useful in such a way that it could still be applicable today , this book is primarily concerned with the specific details about other strategies that existed at the time . The broader lesson from this book is that an important part of understanding your own way is to understand the way of your opponent as precisely as possible . Musashi notes that although most schools have secret and ancient strategies , most forms are derivative of other martial arts . Their similarities and differences evolved through situational factors , such as indoor or outdoor duelling , and the style adapted to the school . He indicates that his appraisal may be one sided because the only school he had interest for was his own , and , in a way , he does not see parallels to his own creation and work . However , he still admits that without basic understanding of these alternate techniques , you will not be able to learn " Ni Ten Ichi Ryu " , probably for reasons of finding the wrongs in other techniques , and righting them within yourself in " Ni Ten Ichi Ryu " . The main difference that Musashi notes between the Ichi School and other strategists and schools is that other schools do not teach the " broader " meaning of strategy . There is a strategy above sword - fencing : " Some of the world ' s strategists are concerned only with sword - fencing , and limit their training to flourishing the long sword and carriage of the body . " The book has many paragraphs on the subject of other schools ' techniques , and much of the text lists the ways that other schools do not conform to the ideals which he himself writes about in the " Book of Five Rings " , such as footwork , sight , and over - reliance or over - familiarity with a weapon . " The Book of Void " . Although short , the void book lists , philosophically , the nature of both human knowledge and other things . The void book expressly deals with " That which cannot be seen " . " " By knowing things that exist , you can know that which does not exist . " " The " Book of Nothing " , according to Musashi , is the true meaning of the strategy of Ni Ten Ichi Ryu . It seems very esoteric in nature because he seems to note that you must learn to perceive that which you cannot understand or comprehend . He notes that in this Void , what can be comprehended are things which we do and see , such as the way of the warrior , martial arts , and Ni Ten Ichi Ryu . At the same time , in the Void , things we do not do or see ( which he calls " Spirit " ) , are part of the information which we perceive on a conscious level , but with which we have no physical relationship . It is arguable whether Musashi is referring to religious spirituality or if he is actually explaining a way to live a life and process thoughts . " " In the void is virtue , and no evil . Wisdom has existence , principle has existence , the Way has existence , spirit is nothingness . " " In the above quote , Musashi speaks of " virtue and no evil " . This may mean " goodness and banishment of evil " or " purpose and non - existence of good and evil " , and the exact meaning is open to debate . Philosophical methods . Crimson - Leaves Strike . With this method , you will cause your adversary ' s sword to drop through a strike from your sword , then bring yourself immediately back to a readiness to strike . This method is combined with The Strike of Nonthought , in which you will always strike with true force by swinging your sword toward the ground when your opponent ' s sword is about to drop . Autumn Monkey ' s Body . With this method , you are to start off by assuming a posture in which you are not to use your hands . You are to think of getting your body close to your opponent before striking him . However , if you think of reaching out both of your hands , your body will remain distant . This is why you must always think of quickly getting your body close to the enemy . When you are distant , you will exchange blows of the sword , and it will be rather easy to move closer to your opponent . Thomas Cleary translates this technique as " Body of the Short - Armed Monkey " . Blow Like a Spark from a Stone . If you are currently within a situation in which you and your opponent ' s sword s are to clash , you must strike extremely hard without raising your sword to any extent . This is " The Blow Like a Spark from a Stone " technique . If you are to perform this technique , you must first strike quickly with the three combined forces of your legs , your hands , and your body . This blow will be rather difficult to perform if you do not train it at frequent times . If you diligently train yourself , you will be able to increase the overall force of the technique ' s impact . Body of Lacquer and Paste . With this technique , one ' s objective is to get close to the opponent and stick to him . When one is to do this , one must first behave as though one had been strongly glued to him with one ' s feet , head , and body . It is generally known that during combat , most fighters will have a tendency to have their body hang back while their heads and feet are extended forward . One must attempt to paste one ' s body against the opponent ' s without leaving any area in which the bodies are not touching . Chance - Opening Blow . When you first start off by striking , your opponent will try to parry by hitting or by blocking your sword . At this point in time , you need to completely equip yourself into the action of striking with your sword , and strike whenever you may see an opening , whether it may be the legs , arms , or head . Following the single way of the sword and performing a strike such as this is known as the Chance - Opening Blow . This technique will be useful at moment while fighting , so it should be trained regularly . Strike of Non - thought . You should always make your mind into a mind that is striking , and your body into a body that is striking when you and your adversary are about to launch an attack . If this method is followed , your hand will attain movement through emptiness , with speed and power , without taking note of any point in which movement had begun . " The Book of Five Rings " has been published in English multiple times . The Thomas Cleary translation is the most widely available and has been reprinted multiple times . A translation by William Scott Wilson is aimed towards practitioners of Japanese classical swordsmanship . A translation by D . E . Tarver is marketed as a motivational book with a commercial bias . Additional published translators include Stephen F . Kaufman and Kenji Tokistu ( due May 2010 ) .