Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 355.547
EAN num: 9780804830201
ISBN number: 0804830207
Label: Tuttle Publishing
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 128
Printing Date: May 15, 1994
Publishing house: Tuttle Publishing
Sale Popularity Level: 315943
Studio: Tuttle Publishing
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Rated by buyers 
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If you are a martial artist, this is the best interpretation of Musashi's classic. The original book was written for combat. Too many versions yesterday are dulled down for business purposes. This is the best version I have read. Cleary's is also very good.
Rated by buyers 
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This is a book with some good advice. Unfortunately, the accuracy of this as a translation seems to be a bit questionable.
First, the good:
It has several pieces of advice that are good for any martial artists such as the following (My paraphrases):
1. Change with the times. Weapons and methods change. You must continue to study, train, and adapt.
2. Your hands must be pliable. Hold the sword firmly. When performing martial techniques, it is good to be flexible while maintaining firmness in one's fists.
3. Practice hard. The way you do it in practice is the way you will do it in real life.
4. The ultimate goal of the martial arts is to avoid using them.
5. Regardless of the situation, remain calm.
6. Practice 'no mind'. Think only of destroying the opponent and the technique will follow.
Now, the bad. I am no expert in Japanese so I can't comment on the accuracy of this translation. Some have indicated that it is not a translation at all, but rather an interpretation of other translations.
That may or may not be correct. One quick point that may give credence to that. On page 10, Mr. Kaufman says: "A lancer should understand the sword, a kempoist should understand jiu-jitsu technique ... ." I am also not an authority on the history of the martial arts, however, I believe that Musashi live from 1584-1645. My understanding is that the art of Kempo kicking and striking - was brought to Japan about 1659. If that is accurate, that would mean that Musashi would not have included a comment such as the quote above.
I am not familiar with the other translations of the 'Book of Five Rings' but I will plan to check them out.
Rated by buyers 
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The author does say that the book was written with war and combat in mind, not business. I applaud him for attempting to convey what may have been in Musashi's mind. Of course, this is impossible to do - especially having to translate from another language and all.
This book give martial artists a lot to think about. I say pick up a copy for yourself.
Rated by buyers -
Having read a number of translations of this definitive book of strategy I must say this is definately one of the best translations by far. If it is the true Way of the Warrior you seek, which is most definately the audience Miyamoto was trying to reach when he very first sat down to write what was in his head.
Rated by buyers -
An awsome book helps out on stategy I recommend it to everybody who wants to learn a little or lot on stategy. Musashi has to be one of the best stategist that lived in the world.
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