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“A commander must know natural rules, the rules of the country, and the rule of houses. This is the Way of the Foreman.” - Miyamoto Musashi, Book of Five Rings
As with other ancient comments of strategy, the book of five rings spells out according to the times in which it is written the same needs as modern time requires for success in combat, i.e., in the case of modern times those requirements of self-defense. When Musashi Sensei spoke of what a commander needs to know it can be connected with what you need to know for self-defense.
There are “Natural Rules,” there are “Rules of the Country,” and there are “Rules of Houses.” Look at this as those requirements dictated as “Before Violence, During Violence and After Violence.” What do all of these involve is a complex and difficult subject that has been approached and explained by authors such as Rory Miller, Lawrence A. Kane, Marc MacYoung and Kris Wilder - to name just a few. All professionals like Musashi Sensei who have gained their knowledge and experiences in the fire that is battle.
When I think of just this one quote that is followed, in the Book of Five Rings, by references to other such disciplines used to explain the Way of Strategy you will find connections related to all that is needed to apply self-defense while remaining in the good graces of the kingdom, i.e., the society and legal professionals that govern that place.
Example: One who desires to learn self-defense must learn about things like communications, avoidance, awareness, and the physical manifestation of self-defense, etc. but the big one necessary to remain in a defendable position especially when stress and adrenal flooding hit with a huge dose of reality is as Peyton Quinn wrote of his interpretation of Musashi Sensei’s work, “Handling stress is a big part of what Musashi was talking about in his Book of Five Rings.”
“Rules of Houses.” Consider this a type of environmental rules for self-defense as an example, i.e., you leave your normal environment to visit, work or play in another. You need to know the rules of the house for that environment so that you remain respectful to their rules, requirements and beliefs. You have to know how to enter that space or environment, how to act according to that environment and what to do when they inform and enforce wrongful actions, words or deeds. Legal requirements can also fall into this category since those laws, rules, requirements and ordnances, etc. also differ from one environment to another so when you apply self-defense you must know them to remain in the self-defense square.
“Rules of the Country,” Consider this type as the legal requirements regarding conflict and violence. Those laws, rules (written and unwritten, etc.) ordnances that govern those tools necessary for self-defense and remaining in that square. Replace country with city, county and state rules along with those federally mandated that would govern things like force levels, Castle Doctrines and various rules of engagement, etc.
“Natural Rules,” Natural rules are those that govern your body, mind and spirit and are taught in the realms of self-defense whether through martial arts or other venues of self-defense instructions. How to apply your force decisions, how to judge your jeopardy, ability and means when confronted by an attacker, as well as how to perceive and judge the five stages of an attack and so on. This list is long and learning to understand, apply and articulate is critical to remain within the SD square.
These are just an opening foray into what you can gleam from the study of such tomes as the Book of Five Rings along with other modern references as well as the Art of War, etc. Once you can see the connections to modern times then you can readily perceive, relay and understand how they would apply in modern times. One of the reasons these ancient classics have weathered the test of time as relevant and useful teachings of today’s challenges and obstacles, etc.
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