Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Is Sho Bi Jutsu

I have been working on some calligraphy to be used on the lifelong arts center logo. After some study, revision and coaching, (Thanks Jane-san!) I think this will be the official calligraphy for "Lifelong Arts." Although I need to practice a bit more, I think I can paint it a little prettier...

The translation is in Japanese of course:
Issho, (ee-sho,) meaning "one's whole life."
Bijutsu, (bee-joot-sue) refering to "fine arts" in general.
You may recognize the word "Jutsu" from the martial art Ju Jutsu, (Ju Jitsu, in the English accent.)

I like the double meaning with Bijutsu; a nod to the martial arts as well as the fine arts, such as painting and sculpture. I want the lifelong arts center to be all encompassing. All art forms will be welcome. Be advised though, I am NOT creating a new martial art! So don't come and ask me to teach you some Issho Bijutsu moves.



© 2010 Lifelong Arts

Monday, July 12, 2010

Aiki Kyu Poem

Traditional Japanese martial arts schools use a system of Senpai and Kohai. The Senpai students are more senior to the junior Kohai students. The ranks between Kohai and Senpai, which we know as the different colored belts, are called the Kyu ranks. Hierarchy is very important in Japanese culture, but more importantly the senior students must take care that the beginning students are practicing safely and correctly. This is a whimsical little story/poem I wrote about the trek through the Kyu ranks, and on to Shodan or Black Belt.


Seventh Kyu. (White Belt w/Stripe)
Like a child’s first steps.
He can crawl. He can roll
He can say a few words.
Only time will toll.

Sixth Kyu. (Yellow Belt)
Steady now as you begin to walk.
A few bad falls.
Still a fear of heights.
Sometimes a flash of light.

Fifth Kyu. (Yellow Belt w/Stripe)
Still young and resilient.
Not bothered by a fall.
The fear is gone.
Try it all, try it all.

Fourth Kyu. (Blue Belt)
I’m no beginner.
Throw me harder!
Pain is great fun.
Yeah! That was a good one!

Third Kyu. (Blue Belt w/Stripe)
What does Aikido mean?
Is there a Brown belt here?
Is this the right tai sabaki?
Are you asking ME?

Second Kyu. (Brown Belt)
Ah, the home stretch
Like the first semester Senior year.
Step proudly on to the mat.
My Ki precedes me.

First Kyu. (Brown Belt w/Stripe)
The wise old man
Learning and teaching
Teaching and learning
Smoooooth…

Shodan (Black Belt)
Like a child’s first steps.
He can crawl. He can roll
He can say a few words.
Only time will toll.

© 2010 Lifelong Arts