There are eight basic strokes in Shodo: These strokes together form the EIJI HAPPŌ (永字八法) or the eight basic techniques of EI, 永, the kanji that translates as eternity. Each basic stroke is found in EI (永); therefore if you can write EI well, you can write any kanji. While the EIJI HAPPŌ is essential, there are a few additional basic strokes that students should also … [Read more...] about The Angle Downstroke
Articles
Make Shodo a Meditative Activity
With notifications after notifications popping up every second, we exist in a perpetual sprint, hurtling at a relentless pace with no intention of slowing down. With every second, the world gets smaller and the days shorter. How many have reached the end of their journey on this earth and asked: what the heck just happened?! Living life in the fast lane has a detrimental … [Read more...] about Make Shodo a Meditative Activity
2023 Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition
Gohitsu Shodo Kai members participated in the 2023 Nippon Budokan Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition. One of our students, Sara from the USA, won the Nippon Budokan Encouragement Award (日本武道館奨励賞). Congratulations! … [Read more...] about 2023 Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition
2022 Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition
Gohitsu Shodo Kai members participated in the Nippon Budokan Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition held in Tokyo. Three participants, Esteban and Jushin from USA and Rodzers from Lativa, won the Nippon Budokan Encouragement Award. Congratulations!!! … [Read more...] about 2022 Kakizome Calligraphy Exhibition
How to cultivate a space for practice
Spaces absorb one's energy or KIAI. We need to cultivate this energy so the space we train can nurture creativity. For a cook, the kitchen is a sacred space. The kitchen has to be clean and meticulously organized a certain way. All the equipment and ingredients have to be available at any moment's time. The way we move, and interact is done in such a way to maximize … [Read more...] about How to cultivate a space for practice