Shodo
Shodo 
is the art of Japanese brush writing. The human state of mind and spirit can be expressed through the use and control of the Japanese writing brush. During the samurai period, brush writing played a major part of the education for samurai. Shodo was an expression of a student's mind. In peaceful times, samurai used brush writing as a means of mental discipline, to gain mental calmness and detailed awareness of every stroke of the brush. Shodo also helped in the preservation of martial arts concepts, through kanji, for future generations.
There are three sets of writing in Japan; Katakana, Hiragana and Kanji. The most complicated of the three, is kanji. Buddhist monks brought kanji to Japan over 1000 years ago. There are thousands of kanji (ideograms) studied in Japan. Kanji express ideas, and there can be several different meanings behind a single kanji.
Group and private classes are available for those interested in studying Shodo from Doshu Shintaku.
Thursday Classes
- Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages 13 & Up Beginner/Intermediate: Japanese Brush Writing, the mental and physical expression of thoughts, feelings and interpretations through the written word, is part of the training of the true Samurai. Helps to develop good concentration, natrual hand motion and mental calmness with this introduction to the Japanese language. $25 material fee due to instructor. An excellent compliment to Kendo or Iaido.
Saturday Shodo and Japanese Language class:
Kensington, Maryland dojo
10:00am - 11:00am
Private lessons also held in Kensington, MD. Contact the office for directions. Visits are by appointment only