I first became interested in learning how to write names in Japanese Kanji in 2001 when I got my black belt in Aikido. When we become black belts, Aikido students get to wear a hakama (samurai style traditional pleated pants). Toyoda Shihan often translated his students' names and have their hakama embroidered with their name in Kanji. He would often select Kanji combinations … [Read more...] about How to write your name in Kanji
A few years ago I taught a short Japanese Calligraphy class to college students at Roger Williams University. As a college professor myself, I knew I had to grab the students attention right away, or I would lose their interest. These students did not necessarily have an interest in Japanese Calligraphy; I was a guest instructor in their Asian studies seminar course required … [Read more...] about The Mind of Shodo
The Zen experience must be direct and in a psychophysical level. We absorb that realization through our bodies, not intellectually with our minds. The methods used to experience this so-called "wisdom" differ, although the most common one is zazen or seated meditation. Any of us who have spent a significant amount of time on the cushion, have had such experience, however … [Read more...] about Zen in Daily Life
Five minutes before class began everyone sat in seiza (a seated position with legs folded underneath). We faced the Kamiza (front wall of the dojo), and I contemplated the large scroll with the calligraphy of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei and founder of Aikido. I sat there, somewhat in disbelief, breathing and absorbing the energy of the space. The mat, packed with … [Read more...] about Training at Aikikai Hombu Dojo
With the cameras off, we headed out to get something to eat. Every night, after we wrapped shooting, we went out for dinner often on our way to the next day's location. The cameraman, Tamura San, suggested yakiniku, a form of Japanese grilled meat. At a yakiniku restaurant, the table has a built-in grill. The server brings platters of raw, bite-size pieces of different types of … [Read more...] about Visiting the Aikikai Hombu Dojo
