Practicing wushu [gongfu] is like writing Chinese calligraphy.
Each move must be practiced a thousand times before they can be joined together.
– Shaolin Monk, Discovery Atlas: China Revealed
wujimon
"But I don't want to go among mad people." says Alice to the Cat
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November 5, 2006 at 12:02 pm
andi
Have you read ‘Sword and Brush’ by Dave Lowry in which he draws explicit parallels between Japanese Swordsmanship (of which he’s an expert) and calligraphy? I’ve not read this one yet, but I’ve read ‘Autumn Lighting’ by him and he’s very sound.
November 5, 2006 at 5:44 pm
wujimon
Hi Andi. Thanks for the heads up on the “sword and brush” book. I’ve added it to my wish list. I still have to read thru the book of 5 rings
February 16, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Rick Matz
I work for a Japanese company, and am actually learning Japanese. Part of the study is learning kanji.
I have always heard that writing kanji, calligraphy is an art form. I never really understood that; I just accepted it.
Now that I’m actually writing the characters, I’m getting a much better idea of the actual meaning of writing calligraphy.
February 17, 2007 at 12:57 pm
wujimon
I’m glad to note you used the term ‘writing’ kanji. I remember the first time I told my wife I need to practicing ‘drawing’ kanji, she was not happy…
I agree, getting the characters correct with their correct INTENTION is very very difficult.
Good luck!