105+ Miyamoto Musashi Quotes [Japanese Swordsman]

Miyamoto Musashi was a legendary Japanese swordsman and philosopher who lived in the 17th century.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest swordsmen in history and his teachings have had a significant impact on martial arts and philosophy.

Here are some characteristics of Miyamoto Musashi’s quotes:

• Simplicity: Musashi’s quotes often embody simplicity and directness. He believed in cutting through unnecessary complexity and focusing on the essence of things. His writing and teachings are characterized by concise and straightforward language, making them easily accessible and memorable.
• Practicality: Musashi’s quotes are grounded in practicality and action. He emphasized the importance of practical experience and discouraged empty theory or intellectualization. His quotes often provide practical advice for martial artists and individuals seeking self-improvement, focusing on real-world application and tangible results.
• Individualism: Musashi was known for his individualistic approach to life and combat. He encouraged people to find their own path and develop their unique skills and strategies. His quotes reflect this individualistic mindset, emphasizing personal growth, self-reliance, and the cultivation of one’s own style.
• Zen influence: Musashi was deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism and incorporated its principles into his philosophy. His quotes often have a contemplative and reflective quality, encouraging introspection, mindfulness, and a focus on the present moment. They reflect the Zen concept of “mushin” or “no-mind,” which is a state of mind characterized by complete presence and freedom from attachment or distraction.
• Wisdom and depth: Musashi’s quotes convey profound wisdom and insight. They touch upon various aspects of life, including strategy, discipline, perseverance, self-awareness, and the pursuit of excellence. Many of his quotes are open to interpretation and can be applied to different contexts beyond martial arts, making them relevant to personal development, leadership, and other areas of life.
• Paradoxical nature: Musashi’s quotes often contain paradoxes and contradictions. He believed that truth cannot be encapsulated in rigid concepts or fixed ideas. Instead, he encouraged individuals to embrace the fluidity of life and the ever-changing nature of circumstances. His quotes challenge conventional thinking and provoke contemplation, often leading to deeper understanding and growth.

Overall, Miyamoto Musashi’s quotes embody a unique blend of practicality, individualism, Zen philosophy, and wisdom.

They continue to inspire people around the world and serve as a source of guidance for those seeking personal and spiritual development.

Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Here are some Miyamoto Musashi quotes:

1. “Do nothing that is of no use.”
2. “Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy, it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”
3. The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.
4. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
5. “In strategy, your spiritual bearing must not be any different from normal.”
6. “Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.”
7. “Do not let your spirit be influenced by your body or your body be influenced by your spirit.”
8. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
9. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
10. “It is difficult to realize the true Way just through sword-fencing. Know the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things.”
11. “Do not regret what you have done.”
12. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”
13. “You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter.”
14. “It is necessary in strategy to be able to look to both sides without moving the eyeballs.”
15. “All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.”
16. “To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead.”
17. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
18. “The important thing is to polish wisdom and the mind in great detail.”
19. “From one thing, know ten thousand things.”
20. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”
21. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
22. “Do not let the mind linger on that which you cannot do anything about.”
23. “The warrior’s way is in training.”
24. “Do not regret what you have done.”
25. “The Way is in training.”
26. “You must be able to discern the real way among the small number of people.”
27. “You must study well.”
28. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
29. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
30. “In all things have no preferences.”
31. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
32. “The primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means.”
33. “One should not strike up a pose.”
34. “Do not think dishonestly.”
35. “The spirit of the warrior is not geared to indulging and complaining, nor is it geared to winning or losing.”
36. “The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.”
37. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
38. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
39. “Do not let your spirit be influenced by your body or your body be influenced by your spirit.”
40. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”
41. “You must train hard and take it seriously.”
42. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
43. “The spirit of the warrior is not geared to indulging and complaining, nor is it geared to winning or losing.”
44. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
45. “The primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means.”
46. “The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.”
47. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
48. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
49. “Do not let your spirit be influenced by your body or your body be influenced by your spirit.”
50. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”
51. “You must train hard and take it seriously.”
52. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
53. “The spirit of the warrior is not geared to indulging and complaining, nor is it geared to winning or losing.”
54. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
55. “The primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means.”
56. “The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.”
57. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
58. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
59. “Do not let your spirit be influenced by your body or your body be influenced by your spirit.”
60. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”

These quotes capture the essence of Miyamoto Musashi’s teachings on martial arts, strategy, self-discipline, and the path to personal growth.

Inspirational Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Inspirational Miyamoto Musashi Quotes:

1. “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.”
2. “Do nothing which is of no use.”
3. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
4. “The only thing that exists is your will to fight.”
5. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”
6. “In strategy, it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”
7. “You can only fight the way you practice.”
8. “To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead.”
9. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”
10. “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

Short Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Short Miyamoto Musashi Quotes:

1. “Do not let the mind dwell on the sword; let it dwell on being a swordsman.”
2. “One thousand days of lessons for discipline; ten thousand days of lessons for mastery.”
3. “The warrior knows that he is only worth his salt if he can face death without flinching.”
4. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within.”
5. “The purpose of today’s training is to defeat yesterday’s understanding.”
6. “Do not think dishonestly.”
7. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
8. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
9. “Do not waste time idling or thinking after you have set your goals.”
10. “The mind should be like a mirror; it reflects, but does not hold onto any image.”

Funny Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Funny Miyamoto Musashi Quotes:

1. “If you aim for perfection, you’ll never reach my level of mediocrity.”
2. “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times… unless that kick is a low blow. Then he’s just a jerk.”
3. “If you can’t win with a sword, try tickling your opponent. Laughter is a powerful distraction.”
4. “The pen may be mightier than the sword, but have you ever tried writing on someone during a sword fight? It’s not as effective.”
5. “Why carry a sword when you can carry a really big spoon? The element of surprise is a powerful weapon.”
6. “There are two types of people in this world: those who can predict their opponent’s next move and those who just throw random punches and hope for the best.”
7. “The best defense is a good offense, but the best offense is a giant fire-breathing dragon. Unfortunately, dragons are hard to come by these days.”
8. “Remember, it’s not the size of your sword that matters, it’s how you use it. Unless you’re fighting a giant, then size does matter.”
9. “I once defeated an army with a single glance. They all ran away screaming because I forgot to put on pants.”
10. “If at first, you don’t succeed, try again. And if that doesn’t work, maybe consider a different career path.”

Famous Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Famous Miyamoto Musashi Quotes:

1. “Do nothing that is of no use.”
2. “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.”
3. “The way of the warrior is the way of self-discipline.”
4. “From one thing, know ten thousand things.”
5. “The warrior’s path is a lifelong journey.”
6. “There is no one way to achieve enlightenment.”
7. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
8. “The purpose of today’s training is to defeat yesterday’s understanding.”
9. “If you know the way broadly, you will see it in everything.”
10. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”

Deep Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

Deep Miyamoto Musashi Quotes:

1. “The sword is more than a weapon; it is an extension of the soul.”
2. “To know ten thousand things, know one well.”
3. “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of others; seek what they sought.”
4. “Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy, it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”
5. “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”
6. “The most difficult thing in the world is to know how to do a thing and to watch somebody else do it wrong, without comment.”
7. “To become the best, you must learn from the best.”
8. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.”
9. “You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough.”
10. “Do not regret what you have done. Regret what you have not done.”

Please note that while the quotes attributed to Miyamoto Musashi are widely recognized, the exact wording and translations may vary slightly.

Conclusion