Often used to explain Japanese business competition, Musashis Book of Five Rings is more properly a definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japans most formidable warriors - the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi. Famed martial artist Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual commercial bias, driving straight to the heart of Musashis incisive martial arts stratagems. The result is an enthralling combination of powerful technical wisdom and the philosophical elucidation offered to martial artists by Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and Taoism. From the metaphor of the Four Elements and fundamentals of physical practice and strategy to an offering of Zen wisdom on the way of nature, Musashis Book of Five Rings is as profound and important a book on martial arts as you will find.