Hi, I’m Esteban Martinez.
I am a chef, Japanese calligrapher, martial artist, and lay Zen Buddhist. Gohitsu Shodo is my Japanese calligraphy studio. Gohitsu means “the enlightening brush,” symbolizing the discovery of one’s true nature through writing with brush and ink. Shodo simply means Japanese calligraphy.
My journey with Japanese calligraphy began in my teenage years. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I started Aikido training in 1995 at the age of 13 under Iris Ruiz Sensei, the first woman in Puerto Rico to earn a black belt in Aikido.
In the summer of 1998, I traveled to Chicago to train in Aikido and Zen at the Aikido International Foundation Summer School at Tenshinkan Dojo, led by the late Fumio Toyoda Shihan. At the end of my training, Toyoda Shihan gave me an unexpected gift—a calligraphy he had brushed for me. The moment I saw it, I thought, I want to learn how to do this! Before returning home, I stopped by a Japanese store near the dojo, picked up a few calligraphy supplies and a kanji book, and began my journey. With Toyoda Shihan’s calligraphy in one hand and my new supplies in the other, I spent years practicing by trying to replicate his brushwork.
Since then, I have studied Japanese calligraphy under several Japanese teachers, learning through traditional methods. My calligraphy is shaped by years of imitating Toyoda Shihan’s work, Zen meditation, and classical techniques.
My work has been displayed in dojos, offices, homes, and businesses worldwide. I have been commissioned to create calligraphy for company logos, martial arts rank certificates, and tattoo designs, and my work has been exhibited in calligraphy exhibitions in Tokyo, Japan.
Over the years, I have taught Japanese calligraphy to hundreds of students globally through online courses, workshops, and seminars.
Today, I continue to train in martial arts, including Aikido and Muay Thai. I am also a formal Zen student of Hakuun Greene Roshi, abbot of Chosei Zen, and I teach Zen meditation and calligraphy at Rhode Island Zen Dojo.