Two years ago, I made a video reviewing Zen Brush 2, the iPad app that lets you digitally mimic sumi brush strokes using your finger or stylus. The results aren't perfect, and there is a lot left to desire when it comes to the look and feel of the brushstrokes. However, my biggest praise was how easy it was to practice brushing kanji without the hassle of setting up a station, … [Read more...] about Pentel Fude Brush Pen Review
Shodo
Shodo is a way to transmit and expose our inner spirit through brush and ink.
Masa Katsu A Gatsu: True Victory is Self Victory
This calligraphy is by Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido. It reads MASA KATSU A GATSU GATSU HAYABI (正勝吾勝 勝速日), and it translates as “True Victory is Self Victory on Victory Day." This phrase was O’Sensei most personal motto; a calligraphy he brushed numerous times. We can find hundreds of these calligraphies all over the internet these days. However, this one is my favorite … [Read more...] about Masa Katsu A Gatsu: True Victory is Self Victory
The Four Basic Principles of Shodo
In the Toyoda Shihan style of Aikido, when students take their second kyu (brown belt) test they have to answer the question, what are the four basic principles of Aikido? I remember learning these principles early on my training. When the time came for me to test for my brown belt I recited them without any hesitation. Later, I would learn that these four basic principles were … [Read more...] about The Four Basic Principles of Shodo
Top 5 Books on Japanese Calligraphy
I get asked a lot about what books to buy when learning Japanese Calligraphy. While there are some great books out there, the selection is quite limited since Shodo is a very small niche in the art world. There isn't a singular book that has it all. Each book focuses on a particular element of calligraphy. It's up to you as a practitioner to compile together everything you … [Read more...] about Top 5 Books on Japanese Calligraphy
A real advantage to online learning
She was serious once I told her she wasn't graduating. It is a requirement to graduate from Culinary Arts to have a current Food Safety Manager Certification. Amber let her certification expired last year, and a week before graduation, she realized she might not receive her diploma. This is an unusual case, but it happens every once in a while. Our students in the Culinary Arts … [Read more...] about A real advantage to online learning