Stevie

Shodo... The way of the brush.

I have been learning to write chinese and japanese. It feels more 'normal' to me than anything else. A feeling that gives me peace, and the components of center, balance, and grace. I use it in my reiki work and also art meditations...Natural of course, for me, and comes quickly with the work I do with the bamboo brush and the 'stroke' of line, movement, and energy. This is a language beyond language in sumi e, and shodo art. Which is my greatest joy, a true blessing.

Just as the philosophy of life that we learn in koryu bujutsu training is called "Budo" - "The Way of the Warrior", there are also many other arts with the same designation. Some examples are: Judo, the soft way; Kendo, the way of the sword; Iaido, the way of the drawing of the sword; and Chado, the way of tea. One important "way" for true koryu bujutsu training is Shodo, the way of the brush. Brushwork includes several art forms, including calligraphy, sumi-e (painting pictures in a particular style with black ink, which is called sumi) as well as watercolor painting, lacquer painting, and other brush arts. Shodo is a very important element of many Asian cultures, especially the calligraphy, and the history of it stretches back many thousands of years. The study and practice of shodo is a part of a samurai's training that is called "bunbu ryodo", the Dual Path of the Sword and The Brush. Many beautiful shodo artworks down through the centuries have been created by men and women who are also renowned for their skills as a warrior. It is essential in the curriculum as a balance to the martial training, for a student to be educated and learn to appreciate beauty and art.







"Horse" (prints available)