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
Shodo
Shodo is a way to transmit and expose our inner spirit through brush and ink.
The Mind of Shodo
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
Memories from Japan
I took hundreds of pictures while in Japan, but this is are my favorites. … [Read more...] about Memories from Japan
I’m going to Japan!
Last June, I received an email from a Japanese woman asking if I was interested in appearing on a Japanese TV show. I remembered getting a similar email back in 2015, so I ignored it again because I thought it was a spam email. My email is public, it's on the description of every YouTube video, and it's on my website as well, so, unfortunately, I get a lot of spam mail. So … [Read more...] about I’m going to Japan!
Learning by imitating
"Just do it the way I do it", is the universal command of teachers, parents, and any other figure of authority. Imitating is a natural way of learning. Children learn, good things and bad things because they imitate adults. During the learning process, creative expression is often frowned upon. The priority is to build a strong foundation where creative self-expression can … [Read more...] about Learning by imitating