The Book of Five Rings - The Five Elements of Warrior stages

The Book of Five Rings - The Five Elements of Warrior stages

The Book of Five Rings is an old manual written before the modern times, almost 500 years ago. During that time, a legendary warrior named Miyamoto Musashi has become an iconic figure throughout Japanese society. He changed the general perception of what a martial artist ought to be, that being skillful is the only worthy attribute. Through him, the Japanese idea of a true warrior weighs heavier on one's ability to win battles, than his or her conduct as a soldier with the latter being a secondary priority. Every martial artist believing in the Eastern philosophy adheres to Miyamoto Musashi's book as much as other philosophies like The I Ching or The Art of War. Here, I am going to classify a warrior or a martial artist's developmental stage through the five charters of Miyamoto Musashi's manual.

I. The Book of Earth

Earth represents the rawest element in nature. Earth is described to be crude, hard, and either fertile or barren. If you relate this element to a person practicing martial arts, it represents the personality. Therefore, he or she falls under these descriptions: stubborn, straightforward or unimaginative, and inexperienced. As far as the skill is concerned, he or she is impatient, the physical condition is not yet developed and still not yet concerned of the discipline's techniques. If a person is determined and willing, he or she could be fertile and the training will bear more fruits. If he or she is not, the foundation is sterile and development would be impossible.

II. The Book of Water

Water represents the flexible element in nature. Water is described to be fluid and cold. If you relate this element to a person practicing martial arts, it also represents the personality. People in this second stage, or in this element; are often described as logical, obedient to guidance and a little experienced. As far as the skill is concerned, he or she is capable of performing moves in a technical degree and capable of making logical strategies although the physical condition and the techniques have more room for development. If a person is determined, he or she could unlock one's own unique talent. It is safe to say that people on this stage are learned, but not entirely skilled.

III. The Book of Fire

Fire represents the complex element in nature. Fire is described to be both destructive and beneficial, yet still the only element known to be an illuminating force in a blink of an eye. People on this third stage are often described to be creative, quick-witted and very experienced. Their skills are not to be underestimated for they very much resemble a seasoned athlete, anywhere between a local gold medalist Muay Thai boxer or a 3rd degree black belt Aikido self defense instructor. Like fire, their reaction time does not require seconds and they could immediately perform their moves under the conditions of their superb muscle memory. They are already talented and already skilled, but they are not entirely invincible.

IV. The Book of Wind

Wind represents the unstoppable element in nature. Wind is described to be mystical but at the same time it is the most important element for the living. The wind gives life but it could also destroy ruthlessly in a cataclysmic degree. People on this final stage are often described to be wise, very powerful and invincible. As far as skill is concerned, they resemble athletes like the undisputed boxers Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao or the UFC Champions such as Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre. They have achieved a skill of monumental degree that they are often considered as record-breakers in human history. They are among the fewest who have achieved what others believed to be impossible.

V. The Book of Void

Void is not an element. However, it is the highest or unattainable plain in nature for it represents everything transcendental, ideal and imaginary. It is the heaven or the paradise. It can also be the netherworld or hell. If void is to describe anything of a martial artist, it is representing his or her ideals and personality. It is the very reason why he or she studies martial arts in the first place. Simply put it, void represents a the mental state of a person whether before, in the midst, or after his or her life of being a martial artist.

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