Japan’s samurai warrior class stand amongst the greatest of history’s elite soldiers. They were masters of combat techniques using a wide variety of weapons, but more than that, they lived by a strict ethical code and the most accomplished samurai were also philosophers, poets, and artists. The samurai emerged from the chaos of Japan’s feudal system that stressed fealty to local lords but kept the country disunited. In the incessant in-fighting, samurai were in high demand, reaching their zenith in the Era of Warring States between 1467 and 1573. For the next three decades, only samurai warriors could wear swords throughout Japan, but the price they paid was to live in castle towns. Nevertheless, many samurai conducted pilgrimages or would represent their lord in disputes. The method they used to establish their personal hierarchy and reputation was through ritualized dueling that was almost always prearranged, but seldom to the death unless agreed upon by both sides.

Even in a class of specialists, a few legendary samurai stood out as being the best of the best. At the pinnacle of that group was Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi was born in c. 1584 and raised by his uncle from the age of seven. He would fight his first duel only six years later and won using a six-foot quarterstaff. At 16, he defeated Akiyama Tadashima, a noted swordsman. Musashi also fought in battles during this period, most notably the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 in which he was on the losing side. Musashi’s rise continued after a short respite when he travelled to Kyoto and won duels against swordsmen from some of the best martial arts schools. Musashi also single-handedly defeated a force of swordsmen and archers sent to kill him in revenge for his victories. He continued his journeys for the next seven years, fighting duels along the way, many of which Musashi won using only a wooden training sword. Overall, he fought over 60 duels and remained undefeated, but his greatest test would be against Sasaki Kojiro.