The book of five rings

[CreepySeagulls]

I've recently been reading The book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi.

He was a Japanese Ronin in the 1600's, he was never defeated in a fight.

The book was written in 1645, years after his last kill. He talks of his school of martial arts and how he sees this to be the true way of the warrior. He makes reference to how the warriors of the time all had two swords, their katana and a shorter, more ceremonial sword. Musashi states that no warrior should die without using all the tools at his disposal and thus the school is called 'Two swords'. A massive part of this school involves using the longsword in one hand. While reading this book I couldn't help but visualise my dominix v3 as the longsword and apply the knowledge in the book to saber combat.

I was wondering if anyone had any similar books and if they could tell me as I'd like to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

[Kaza yuri]

The Sword of no Sword in my opinion is mandatory martial reading!

[CreepySeagulls]

I'll have to check that out. I think there's something along similar lines in what I'm reading at the moment.

[justmutantjed]

There's a few translations of Book of Five Rings out there. I own a copy translated by -- if I recall correctly -- Thomas Cleary (my book is unavailable as I only have internet through my workplace). Unfortunately, there's not a LOT that can be learned by just reading the book. Some basics are applicable if you also have a sensei to help you through.
May I suggest any books and videos you can root up on Aikido and Kendo? Both have Katana-based combat teachings, and Aikido teaches Jo Staff, which can sometimes be used like a saber (may actually be better for Saber combat since a stick hits like a stick no matter which way ya swing it, whereas a sword is only REALLY effective when swung in a couple directions). Kendo and/or Kenjutsu, I've heard, was the basis for the original trilogy's combat style, albeit heavy on Flynning (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Flynning has this to say about Star Wars in particular: "The lightsaber battles from the original Star Wars trilogy, dubbed "budget kendo" in some circles. The original idea behind the lightsabers was that they were difficult to handle, which limited their choreography to mostly slashes and parrys [sic]. For the prequels' George Lucas specifically stated that the battles of the original trilogy were fought by "old men, feeble cyborgs and young kids" and he wanted the prequels to highlight a more sophisticated fighting style. They are more technically impressive and faster paced, but still use common tricks associated with flynning...").
That being said, the edition I have also adds a second book by a fella by the name of Yagyu Munenori, who was a combat arts teacher for the Tokugawa while they were in charge -- Ieyasu and his son, I believe. AHA! Found him on Wikipedia! He taught Yagyu-Shinkage Ryu (The other official Tokugawa family style, according to Wikipedia, was Itto-Ryu) and wrote a book titled A Hereditary Book on the Art of War. That may be what's in my Book of Five Rings. It mentions three chapters: "The Killing Sword", "The Life-Giving Sword", and "No Sword". It comes highly recommended.
I personally feel like Yang-Style Tai Chi could be adapted to lightsaber combat. There is a sword form, based on the chinese Jiann, or straight-sword.
... Gosh, I ramble on like C-3P0, don't I?

[Jimbo Calrissian]

'Hagakure' - the book of the Samurai - by Yamamoto Tsunetomo is great. It is a book of short stories and thoughts. It's alot like the book of five rings but is more focused on the philosophy and code of behaviour of the 'Bushido warrior'. I loved the book of 5 rings and I loved this too - it's a classic japanese warrior text - look it up.

I came across the book when I was reading another book called 'angry white pyjamas' - it's a 'sort-of' autobiography about a british guy who goes to study aikido with the japanese riot police. At the beginning of each chapter he puts in a quote from Hagakure. It's a great book!

[Master Nero Attoru]

The Book of Five Rings is a great read, but it's a bit more conceptual and less technical.  If you're simply interested in the Samurai and the mindset of a swordsman it's superb, but if you want to fully understand what he talks about I recommend seeking some kind of martial arts program.  As you progress you'll start to understand more of Musashi's wisdom in that book, and hopefully be able to apply it.