The first book recommendation from my Master and mentor
In 1996, during a belt grading at my newly founded Haram Taekwon-Do Club, I had the privilege of hosting Grand Master Per Andresen, who traveled down from Trondheim to oversee the progress of our eager new students. Between the intensity of the grading sessions and the camaraderie of shared meals, we often found ourselves deep in philosophical discussions about life, martial arts, and the broader principles that guide our actions both on and off the training mat.
It was during one of these conversations that Grand Master Andresen recommended a book he believed would profoundly shape my perspective: The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. “This is not just a book about swordsmanship,” he told me, “but about strategy, discipline, and understanding the essence of conflict—both internal and external.”
At the time, I eagerly dove into Musashi’s text, fascinated by its timeless wisdom. Yet, as a younger martial artist and teacher, I quickly realized that much of its deeper meaning eluded me. I understood fragments—glimpses of profound truths—but lacked the life experience to fully grasp its scope.
Now, nearly three decades later, my journey has brought me full circle. After 25 years of working in a high-security prison with individuals at extreme risk of violence and dedicating three decades to developing courses for handling violent situations, I find myself revisiting Musashi’s principles with fresh eyes. These years have been a crucible of learning, forcing me to navigate real-world conflict, understand human behavior, and refine my approach to teaching and managing violence.
The connection between The Book of Five Rings and the ITF Radix project now seems clearer than ever. Radix’s exploration of the depth and practicality of Taekwon-Do movements resonates with Musashi’s strategic and philosophical approach to martial mastery. Through this lens, I’ve begun to bridge the ancient wisdom of Musashi with the modern concepts we explore in Radix.
This review is not just a reflection on The Book of Five Rings, but also on how the timeless principles of Musashi can find new relevance in the context of Taekwon-Do and Radix. It’s a journey of discovery that began with a recommendation from Grand Master Andresen and continues to inspire me to this day.
The first group who graded at the new club in 1996.
After the graduation to 5th. Degree. Here with GM Andresen and Sabum Thomas K. Brandt from Denmark
During a ITF Radix seminar in Oslo
Hapkido photo shoot for the Norwegian Martial Arts federation. Here to highlight the book of water in Musashis Book of Five Rings.
Book Review: The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi Through the Lens of ITF Radix
By Roy Rolstad
Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings is a timeless masterpiece on strategy, discipline, and the art of mastery. Written in 1645, this seminal work is more than a guide for warriors—it is a philosophy that transcends its time and context, offering principles applicable to modern endeavors, including martial arts systems like ITF Taekwon-Do. Through the lens of ITF Radix, a project dedicated to exploring the depth of tul applications and patterns in Taekwon-Do, Musashi’s work gains a contemporary resonance, bridging the traditional and modern approaches to martial training.
Foundations in the Earth Book and ITF Radix Fundamentals
Musashi’s Earth Book emphasizes building a strong foundation—both physical and mental. He writes about the necessity of understanding the fundamentals of one’s craft before attempting to master it. This aligns with ITF Radix’s focus on biomechanics and historical accuracy in tul applications. Radix emphasizes a deep understanding of the basic principles of Taekwon-Do patterns, grounding practitioners in the “why” behind every movement.
Just as Musashi stresses that a warrior must have a solid stance and unwavering focus, Radix teaches practitioners to understand the underlying mechanics of stances and strikes. Both approaches insist that true mastery begins with a rock-solid foundation.
The Water Book: Adaptability in Motion
The Water Book explores the importance of flexibility and fluidity, urging warriors to adapt to changing circumstances. Musashi likens strategy to water, which takes the shape of its container. Similarly, ITF Radix encourages practitioners to view tul as more than fixed sequences, unlocking their versatility for practical application.
In the Radix methodology, movements within patterns are studied as adaptable tools for self-defense, enabling practitioners to respond fluidly to real-world scenarios. This mirrors Musashi’s advice to remain flexible and prepared for any situation—a principle that is just as critical in Taekwon-Do as it is in the art of war.
Fire and Execution: The Practical Side of Martial Arts
Musashi’s Fire Book focuses on the heat of battle, where execution is critical. He writes about the need for decisiveness and precision in combat, warning against hesitation. ITF Radix embodies this principle by dissecting tul movements for their real-world applications, ensuring that practitioners can execute techniques with efficiency and confidence when needed.
The Hosinsul approach to patterns in ITF Radix allows practitioners to understand the combative intent behind each motion, transforming patterns into tools for effective self-defense. This practical application aligns with Musashi’s teaching that knowledge without execution is meaningless.
The Wind Book: Understanding Other Systems
In the Wind Book, Musashi stresses the importance of studying other schools of thought to gain a comprehensive understanding of one’s own. ITF Radix reflects this principle by examining the roots of Taekwon-Do, including influences from Karate, Taekkyon, and other martial traditions. By understanding the origins and evolution of patterns, Radix practitioners gain a broader perspective and deeper appreciation for their art.
Both Musashi and Radix emphasize that studying external systems does not diminish one’s identity; rather, it strengthens and refines it. This approach fosters an open-mindedness that is vital for continuous growth in martial arts.
The Void: Mastery Beyond Technique
Musashi’s Void Book is perhaps the most philosophical, dealing with the concept of mastery as a state of intuition and natural flow. He describes the void as the point where technique and strategy transcend conscious thought. ITF Radix touches on this philosophy by encouraging practitioners to internalize patterns to the point where movements become instinctive.
The ultimate goal of Radix, like Musashi’s void, is not merely technical proficiency but the ability to adapt, flow, and respond effortlessly to any situation. This connection highlights the timelessness of Musashi’s teachings and their relevance to modern Taekwon-Do practice.
Musashi’s Principles in a Modern Context
The Book of Five Rings is a treasure trove of wisdom for martial artists, strategists, and seekers of mastery. Through the lens of ITF Radix, Musashi’s teachings find a new relevance, resonating deeply with the project’s focus on depth, adaptability, and practicality. Both Musashi and Radix advocate for a holistic approach to martial arts, where physical technique is intertwined with mental clarity and philosophical insight.
Musashi’s timeless principles, as interpreted through ITF Radix, remind us that the martial path is not just about combat but about understanding oneself, one’s art, and the world. For those who practice ITF Taekwon-Do, The Book of Five Rings offers a profound philosophical foundation to complement and deepen their journey.
