Shodo requires a balanced use of the mind and body as well as a state of mental and physical integration. As many novices in the martial arts have discovered, it’s sometimes difficult to make the mind and body work as a unit. To simply paint a straight line can be a surprising challenge, one that can be accomplished only through a coordination of one's faculties. In Japanese painting and calligraphy, a strongly concentrated mind must control the brush, and a relaxed body must allow the brush to act as an exact reflection of the mind's movement. Shodo, just as much as budo, demands this coordination. Through calligraphy practice the martial artist has an additional means of realizing the essential harmony of thought and action and a visible means of illustrating this state of unification. To achieve unification of mind and body demands a positive, concentrated use of the mind, along with a natural and relaxed use of the body. It is this enhancement of concentration and relaxation that many people, including practitioners of the martial arts, find so appealing.
Interested in Training with an International Martial Arts Association?
As part of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, you can learn karate, aikido, iaido, judo, and jujutsu. If you’re ready to shine in your art at an international martial arts association, call (734) 720-0330 or submit a contact form here.
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