There are eight basic strokes in Shodo:
- The dot
- The horizontal line
- The vertical line
- The hook
- The up-right stroke
- The left down sweeping stroke
- The short left-down stroke
- The right sweeping stroke
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 learn and practice. One of them is the angle downstroke.
The angle downstroke, 転折 – TENSETSU, is a connecting stroke of the horizontal and vertical lines. It is a change of direction from horizontal to vertical. While TENSETSU is not officially part of the EIJI HAPPŌ, EI’s second stroke is the vertical line, the horizontal line, and the hook done in one motion with TENSETSU joining the two lines. Joining the two lines is critical to learn and master, as it forms a distinct shape.
To practice TENSETSU, begin with the brush at 45º and write a short horizontal line; stop with the brush tip still in contact with the paper, change direction, and write the vertical line slightly longer than the horizontal.
A common mistake students make is not making a sharp turn at the intersection, creating a round curve. In the Kaisho (block script) style, lines are solid and straight.
TENSETSU is part of many basic kanji that beginner students learn, so this is a good one to add to your practice routine.
Regularly practicing the fundamental strokes and achieving mastery of them is crucial. If you find it challenging to write a particular kanji accurately, consider isolating each stroke and practicing them separately. The correct arrangement of strokes determines the quality of a character’s writing, while the aesthetic beauty primarily relies on the quality of each line. Even if a piece of calligraphy is technically accurate, poor strokes can detract from its overall quality. The harmonious balance of all the strokes together ultimately produces a beautiful calligraphy work.