The Book of Five Rings dates from the mid-17th century and was conceived by a Japanese swordsman,
Miyamoto Musashi
. Though it covers swordsmanship and the martial arts, the text's discussion of how to deal with conflict has been used more widely than its author originally intended. He explains that the principles described can be applied to a two-person duel as well as a full-scale battle, and emphasizes the need to perfect the techniques to improve control and discipline.