Miyamoto Musashi
Japanese, 1584 – 1645
Probably the most famous Japanese swordsman of all time, Miyamoto Musashi was a rōnin, philosopher and writer. Musashi claimed to have remained undefeated throughout 21 duels in his career. His most famous occurred in 1612 on a small island when he faced his nemesis Sasaki Kojirō. Musashi fashioned a wooden sword out of an oar and upon making landfall felled Kojirō with a single blow. Following this he retired from the life of a swordsman, only returning to the field of battle to assist in the suppression of the 1637 Shimabara Rebellion.
