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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

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

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

The phrase BUNBU SHIHO (文房四宝 ) or "The Four Treasures of Shodo" refer to the four essential tools of Shodo: the brush, the paper, the ink, and the inkstone.  Of these four tools, two are indispensable: the brush and the ink. Other materials can substitute the paper and the inkstone. In my 6-Week Intro course, I recommend beginning students to use newspaper or … [Read more...] about How to select a brush for Japanese calligraphy