Using the Brush

Using the Brush 
There are only a few directives in regards to “how” the brush is utilized when practicing this art.

#1 The brush handle remains vertical throughout the brushing process. Though (obviously) possible to produce certain “effects” by leaning the brush, doing so will create bad habits (and poor results with increased difficulty later) when working on the different “styles” of brushing (“Sosho” in particular).
By leaning the brush, you are changing the area of the brush in contact with the paper. Doing so will also negate one's ability to vary the size of the stroke (by raising and lowering it).

#2 “Breathe” (“exhale”) while the brush is in motion, inhale when the brush is raised from the paper.
This will additionally aid in smoothing out your waist/brush motion (“holding” your breath will cause you to “shake” while moving the brush).

#3 Brush motion is made via the “waist”, NOT the arm. The purpose of the warm-up strokes is to acclimate to this method of using one's body with the brush.

Though “other” rules are regularly followed (when brushing kanji), those will be addressed as the student's instruction proceeds. Initially, the student need only concern themselves with handling and cleaning the Brush (and suzuri) sufficiently, and practicing the strokes as shown. Though not (necessarily) “required”, it would be advisable for the student to own a Japanese to English Kanji
Dictionary (and learn how to utilize it).
The advantage to familiarization with the instructed strokes (beyond one's ability to brush them), will become evident when using a (or most) “Kanji Dictionary's” (which “I” recommend using “Nelson's Kanji Dictionary”). Most kanji dictionary's are organized by “stroke count” (regardless of which dictionary you use). Being familiar with the strokes (and how they are used in the various kanji) will allow the student to recognize where the strokes are located, and be able to count them.
Prior to beginning the practice of the shown strokes, the student should review (and perform) the “Warm-up” exercises (horizontal and vertical strokes, the “bounce” technique, and the “Circle
exercise”. Doing so will remind the student of the “body-motion's” that they should be utilizing while practicing the brushing of the strokes and kanji.