Oriental Brush Calligraphy Course

Introduction for the Oriental Brush Calligraphy Course 
taught at the Ryu Shin Kan/Ken Shu Kai Dojo 


Much like what is being shown in the student's instruction for learning Oyata Te, brush calligraphy consists of numerous details that are utilized in it's practice. Though often (incorrectly) stated, brush calligraphy motions cannot be practiced with a pen or a pencil. There are “brush-pens” that have a felt tip that allows for a similar type of practice, but it should be recognized that the use of an (actual) brush, is different.
Unlike the practice of a defensive methodology, Shuji (brush calligraphy) is an individual/solo pursuit. Aside from that distinction, Shuji shares many of the same challenges (for instruction/learning) that the study of a martial art/defensive methodology does. Both consist of basic motions and techniques that effect the results of the students efforts. Both allow for individual variations (that will still adhere to the instructional tenets of the art).
It is often believed (by “new” student's) that the different “styles” are (progressively) learned and have a direct correlation between them (in relation to their order of instruction). This is an inaccurate
assumption. Kaisho (“block style”) is recognized as the “standard” manner/style used for brushing kanji (Chinese character's). It examples the “recognized” standard for brushing the kanji. Tensho (“seal script”) was (one of) the oldest/original forms for brushing the kanji. It is now (mainly) seen in use upon Hanko (seal stones). Gyosho (“semi-cursive”) is the more commonly seen style and is used for everyday writing. Sosho (“fully-cursive”) has more correlation to Tensho, than it does to Kaisho (so no, it did not evolve from Kaisho, Sosho is an older style of writing than Kaisho, it has more in common with Tensho, than Kaisho).
The different styles of brushing the kanji, are taught in relation to their frequency of use (by the average individual). This means that the modern student will (commonly) begin with learning the Kaisho style, followed by learning the Gyosho style. Sosho is the third style taught, and is more commonly (if not only) seen on artistic pieces and/or is being practiced by student's of brush calligraphy. Tensho is the final style that is addressed, and is only seen (in common use) upon Hanko (whether personal or business/organizational seals).
This course is based upon the student learning the necessary techniques (via use of the brush) to create the kanji (in the 4 listed “styles”). That instruction will (mainly) focus on the student brushing the kanji in the Kaisho style of brushing the kanji. The techniques used in brushing the other styles, will consist of various modifications being made to those brushing techniques.
Instruction will begin with learning the creation of the basic strokes and will evolve into their (combined) use when brushing the kanji. That instruction is done in the Kaisho style of brushing. As the student progresses, the use of the Gyosho style is introduced and practiced.
This course focuses on the Japanese use of the kanji, and therefor must address the use of Kana. These are the two (additional) sets of character's that are used by the Japanese. Those sets are known as the Hiragana, and the Katakana. These are 2 sets of 46 phonetic character's (each) that represent specific sounds. They are used to write the “sounds” of the desired kanji, when that kanji is unknown. The Hiragana were created from pieces of kanji that were brushed in Sosho, the Katakana were created from pieces of kanji that were brushed in Kaisho. The Hiragana are used to represent “Japanese” words, and the Katakana are used (mainly) when writing words that are foreign to Japan.
For the student of Japanese brush calligraphy, these two styles can additionally be used to practice their abilities with those two styles (Kaisho & Sosho) of brush writing.