Sasaki Kojirō, Japanese master swordsman (born 1575)

Sasaki Kojirō , also known by his fighting name Ganryū Kojirō, was a celebrated Japanese swordsman of the late Azuchi–Momoyama and early Edo periods. Born in Fukui Prefecture, he founded the Ganryū school of swordsmanship, specializing in a distinctive long-sword technique most notably the famed Tsubame Gaeshi. He earned renown across Japan for his flamboyant style and formidable skill, reportedly serving as sword instructor to Hosokawa Tadaoki’s court.

Swordsmanship or sword fighting refers to the skills and techniques used in combat and training with any type of sword. The term is modern, and as such was mainly used to refer to smallsword fencing, but by extension it can also be applied to any martial art involving the use of a sword. The formation of the English word "swordsman" is parallel to the Latin word gladiator, a term for the professional fighters who fought against each other and a variety of other foes for the entertainment of spectators in the Roman Empire. The word gladiator itself comes from the Latin word gladius, which is a type of sword.

May 13 is the 133rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 232 days remain until the end of the year.