Martial Arts Japanese Calligraphy
Japanese Martial Arts and Japanese Calligraphy are tightly connected with a tradition dating back even further than the well-known 17th-century writings of Miyamoto Musashi. We have been working with the Martial Arts community for more than a decade now creating master certificates, full names in Japanese for belts and certificates, seal designs, scrolls, calligraphy for school emblems and marketing materials, dojo kun, and even makimono with the school’s secret techniques.
Make sure you have the best. Each design is hand drawn by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase who in 1989 was awarded the rank of Shihan by Japan’s most prestigious professional calligraphic society, the Bokuteki-kai.
Custom Japanese Seal Design
Personal and school seals reflect your personality and that of your school. With our custom Japanese seal design we work with you to not only create the right translation but to also capture the look and feel that you would like.
Generally, there is a lot more leeway with personal seals. These can be more individualized, especially if it is for your own use. Instructor’s seals may want to follow the school tradition which may require a certain size, style (square, oblong, round), and translation method (katakana or phonetic translations to kanji). Think of the personal seal as your signature and how you would like your signature to look.
School seals are almost always strictly formal. This means square and using tensho (seal script) fonts. They are also usually larger than an inch.
This is an order for a custom design and so you would be working directly with Eri Takase and a translator to create a unique, custom work.
We would take you through each step of the process including options for translation, fonts, and the layout. Electronic samples are shown that we can discuss and modify as needed. You will have input into each step of the process and can direct the design to the final artwork.
The final design may be ordered as a high-resolution digital image or on flat, white, acid-free paper. From either a seal may be carved or the design may be used to create a rubber stamp as is commonly available.
Custom Master Rank Certificates
Work directly with Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase to create a custom master certificate for your school or association.
We work with you on all aspects of the design including translation, layout, and font.
You may order the final certificate as a digital image from which you can print your own certificates, or you may order the final certificate that we would mail to you.
We also include a separate sheet that has all of the kyu and dan ranks.
The fee for the certificate is one time and you would then be able to create as many certificates as you like using this master certificate.
We only provide the Japanese calligraphy part of the certificate. Any English text you would have to do yourself or have done. Also, seal designs would need to be ordered separately.
Martial Arts Japanese Scrolls
Our Japanese Scrolls are really special and we are very proud of them. We have been working with our scroll maker in Nara, Japan for more than a decade and are the only one in the United States using these special scrolls.
Scroll Options
- 12 1/4″ W x 43″ H (31.1 cm W x 109.2 cm H)
- 18″ W x 72″ H (45.7 cm W x 182.8 cm H)
Creating scrolls is significantly more involved than our other offerings so we wrote an entire page dedicated just to the custom design and creation process that we use for scrolls. These scrolls are both a treat to work with and a treat to see.
The scrolls have silk borders and the materials are layered so that when displayed the scroll will hang straight and not warp over time. This is important. And the paper takes the ink just right so subtle brush strokes come out just as expected. I love these scrolls.
If you are interested in ordering a custom scroll, or in simply learning more about our scrolls and the process we use, please do visit our on Custom Japanese Scrolls page.
If you would like to see more scroll options, including our non-custom scroll catalog please click the button below.
Custom Japanese Art
Custom Japanese Art is always a nice touch to your school or home dojo. Whether your school name, style or motto we work with you to get just the look you want.
We offer four unframed options:
- 8″ x 12″ ( 20.3 cm x 30.5 cm)
- 12″ x 18″ (30.5 cm x 45.7 cm)
- 15″ x 22″ (38.1 cm x 55.9 cm)
- 24″ x 36″ (61.0 cm x 91.4 cm)
And one framed option:
- 16″ x 20″ (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Full Name in Japanese
Takase Studios has been selected by several belt makers to provide full names in katakana so we have become very efficient and are able to offer this amazing price.
Out Names in Japanese Catalog is one of the best on the Internet as we include the pronunciation of the name along with the translation. This is important for international pronunciations. For example, the name “Jan” can be pronounced “jan” and “yahn”. Japanese is rendered by the pronunciation so the first would be ジャン and the latter ヤン. Very different.
All we need from you is your full name and the pronunciation. There are practical limits. The name “Pedro Pablo Ignacio Juan Francesco García y Gabaldon” would result in teeny characters and not be suitable for a belt. Smile. Typically the first and last name work best.
Action Before Words
Action Before Words in Japanese is 不言実行 which is read fugenjikkou.
The Japanese phrase fugenjikkou translates as "Action Before Words; Actions speak louder than words; No talk, all deeds" and is a combination of the words 不言 (read fugen) meaning "Silent" and 実行 (read jikkou) meaning "Action".
Aiki
Aiki in Japanese is 合気 which is read aiki.
The Japanese word aiki is composed of the kanji 合 (read ai) meaning "join; meet" and 氣 (read ki) meaning "spirit". Aiki is a martial arts principle that focuses on the combining energy rather than the clashing of energy. One example is the principle of using an opponent's strength against them.
Aikido
Aikido in Japanese is 合気道 which is read aikidou.
The Japanese word aikidou is composed of the kanji 合 (read ai) meaning "join; meet", 氣 (read ki) meaning "spirit", and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings". This version uses the archaic form of the kanji ki which is preferred by some schools. The modern form is 気 (read ki).
Be Water My Friend
Be Water My Friend in Japanese is 友よ水になれ which is read tomo yo mizu ni nare.
This is the Japanese form of Bruce Lee’s famous quote “Be water, my friend”. It is composed of 友よ (read tomo yo) meaning friend with “yo” added for emphasis, 水 (read mizu) meaning “water”, the grammatical element に (read ni) and 成れ (read nare) meaning “become!” and is a command form of the verb 成る (read naru) meaning “to become”. To give it some context:
Empty your mind.
Be formless, Shapeless, like water.
If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle.
You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot.
Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friendBruce Lee
Book of Five Rings
Book of Five Rings in Japanese is 五輪の書 which is read gorin no sho.
The Japanese book gorin no sho translated as "Book of Five Rings" was written by Japan's preeminent swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. The book teaches the fundamentals of sword fighting and combat training. The kanji 五 (read go) means five 輪 (read rin) means "ring", the grammatical element の (read no) means "of" and 書 (read sho) means "book; writings". Note that one also sees gorin no sho written 五輪書 without the hiragana.
Carelessness is one's greatest enemy
Carelessness is one's greatest enemy in Japanese is 油断大敵 which is read yudantaiteki.
This beautiful art is a practical reminder to both be prepared and to be attentive and careful. This is a perfect gift for a dojo or any place where attention to detail is all important.
The Japanese proverb yudantaiteki is a four kanji idiom meaning "Unpreparedness is one's greatest enemy; He that is too secure is not safe; Overconfidence can be dangerous" and is composed of the words 油断 (read yudan) meaning "negiligence, carelessness, inattention; unpreparedness" and 大敵 (read taiteki) meaning "great rival, powerful enemy, archenemy".
Certain Victory
Certain Victory in Japanese is 必勝 which is read hisshou.
The Japanese word hisshou is composed of the kanji 必 (read hitsu) meaning "certain; must" and 勝 (read shou) meaning "win; Victory". Certain Victory (hisshou) is also used to describe someone that is determined to win or determined to succeed.
Concentration
Concentration in Japanese is 精神統一 which is read seishintouitsu.
The Japanese phrase seishintouitsu means "Concentration; Focus the Spirit" and is composed of the words 精神 (read seishin) meaning "mind; spirit" and 統一 (read touitsu) meaning "gather; unify".
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When in Japan I visit Zen temples for what is called
Seishin Toitsu which my dictionary says means "concentration". While this
definition is true, it is also unsatisfactory. By stepping through the
temple gate, I am transported to a world of harmony and tranquility. The
temple will be, perhaps, covered in early autumn. Around me the
multi-colored leaves will fall like jewels to the dew covered ground. Here
there is no male and female. There is no age. There is no social standing.
It is this place and this state of mind I come to when my spirit (seishin)
is gathered (toitsu), when my mind (seishin) is one (toitsu).
Gone are the myriad distractions and all that remains is myself, focused and
attentive on the here and now. All is equal and in harmony and this transcends all. To read the complete article visit Seishin Toitsu by Eri Takase. |
Correct Shooting, Correct Hit
Correct Shooting, Correct Hit in Japanese is 正射正中 which is read seisha seichuu.
Seisha Seichuu (also romanized as seisha seichu) is a principle of Kyudo (kyuudou) that translates as "Correct Shooting is Correct Hitting" and it reminds us that if we focus on correct technique then the end result will take care of itself.
Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield
Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield in Japanese is 道場で泣き戦場で笑う which is read doujou de naki senjou de warau.
This Japanese phrase doujou de naki senjou de warau means "Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield" and is composed of the kanji 道場 (read doujou) meaning "Dojo", the grammatical element で (read de) meaning "in; at", 泣き (read naki) meaning "to cry", 戦場 (read senjou) meaning "battlefield", the grammatical element で (read de) meaning "in; at" and 笑う (read warau) meaning "to laugh".
Death Before Dishonor
Death Before Dishonor in Japanese is 不名誉より死 which is read fumeiyo yori shi.
The Japanese phrase fumeiyo yori shi is composed of the words 不名誉 fumeiyo meaning "dishonor", より yori meaning "more than; rather than" and 死 (read shi) meaning "death". Japanese has the verb at the end of the sentence (see the Wikipedia article Japanese Language for more information) which is why this appears to be backwards when translated word for word. With this in mind, a literal translation of the Japanese is "rather than dishonor, death".
Do not regret what you have done
Do not regret what you have done in Japanese is 我事に於て後悔せず which is read ware koto ni oite koukai sezu.
The Japanese saying ware koto ni oite koukai sezu meaning "Do not regret what you have done" is one of the 21 precepts that Miyamoto Musashi wrote just before his death. This reminds us that we cannot change what we have done, we can only change what we do or what we will do. For more information see Miyamoto Musashi - Dokkoudou.
ware koto ni oite koukai sezu is composed of the kanji 我 (read ware) meaning "oneself", 事 (read koto) meaning "thing; matter", に於いて (read nioite) meaning "regarding; as for", 後悔 (read koukai) meaning "regret" and せず (read sezu) meaning "without; do not.
Do One's Very Best
Do One's Very Best in Japanese is 一生懸命 which is read isshoukenmei.
This beautiful calligraphy art of isshoukenmei would be a great addition to any dojo, or any place where maximum effort is expected, as a reminder to always do one's best.
The four-character idiom isshoukenmei meaning "Do One's Very Best" is composed of the words 一生 (read isshou) meaning "one's whole life;the greatest of one's life" and 懸命 (read kenmei) meaning "eargerness; risk one's life".
Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight
Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight in Japanese is 七転八起 which is read nana korobi ya oki.
This beautiful Japanese calligraphy is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life facing adversity or setback. This hand-brushed art is a thoughtful gift that is sure to motivate and inspire.
The Japanese phrase nana korobi ya oki meaning "Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight" is composed of the kanji 七 (read nana) meaning "seven", 転 (read korobi) meaning "to fall", 八 (read ya) meaning "eight", and 起 (read oki) meaning "to get up". This popular Japanese phrase speaks to the importance of getting back up despite repeated failures and to keep on going despite setbacks.
In Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1)
Fighting Spirit
Fighting Spirit in Japanese is 闘魂 which is read toukon.
The Japanese word toukon meaning "Fighting Spirit" is composed of the kanji 闘 (read tou) meaning "fight" and 魂 (read kon) meaning "spirit; soul". Fighting Spirit (toukon) is used in martial arts to describe a person that is a fighter by nature. It is also used to describe one's will to fight the battles of life such as the will to fight cancer or to take on life's myriad challenges.
Five Elements
Five Elements in Japanese is 地水火風空 which is read chi sui ka fuu kuu.
The Five Elements in Japanese Philosophy is called godai and refer to the five elements shown here which are 地 Ground (chi), 水 Water (mizu) (also read sui), 火 Fire (hi) (also read ka), 風 Wind (kaze) (also read fuu), and 空 Sky (sora) (also read kuu and also meaning void).
The Five Elements are most commonly known thanks to Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings making this an excellent gift for the Miyamoto Musashi fan on your shopping list.
Go For It
Go For It in Japanese is 頑張って which is read ganbatte.
This beautiful calligraphy art of ganbatte would be a great addition to any dojo, or any place where maximum effort is expected, as a reminder to always do one's best.
The Japanese phrase ganbatte meaning "Go For It" also commonly translates as "Do your best!" and is a imperative form of the verb 頑張る (read ganbaru) meaning "to persevere, to do one's best".
Iaijutsu
Iaijutsu in Japanese is 居合術 which is read iaijutsu.
iaijutsu is the Japanese Martial Art of combative quick-drawing the sword.
Inner Strength
Inner Strength in Japanese is 気力 which is read kiryoku.
This motivational work of art is the perfect gift for a beautiful reminder of "Inner Strength" and to be strong now.
The Japanese word kiryoku means "Inner Strength; Willpower" and is composed of the kanji 気力 (read ki) meaning "spirit; inner energy" and 力 (read ryoku) meaning "strength; power." Notice that there are two ways to write the kanji ki: 気 is the newer form of 氣 however both forms are commonly seen.
Isshinryu Karate-Do
Isshinryu Karate-Do in Japanese is 一心流空手道 which is read isshinryuu karatedou.
Karate - Empty Hand
Karate - Empty Hand in Japanese is 空手 which is read karate.
There are two common ways to write "karate". This version literally translates to "Empty Hand" and is composed of the kanji 空 (read kara) meaning "empty" and 手 (read te) meaning "hand". "karate" can also be written 唐手 Karate - China Hand (karate) meaning "China Hand".
Karate-Do
Karate-Do in Japanese is 空手道 which is read karatedou.
The Japanese word karatedou is literally "The Way of Karate" and consists of the word 空手 Karate - Empty Hand (karate) and the kanji 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".
Kill with One Blow
Kill with One Blow in Japanese is 一拳必殺 which is read ikken hissatsu.
The Japanese phrase ikken hissatsu is composed of the kanji 一 (read ichi) meaning "one", 拳 (read ken) meaning "fist", and the word 必殺 (read hissatsu) meaning "certain kill".
Kill with One Blow (ikken hissatsu) is the martial arts ideal when the objective is to kill with a single blow and is reminiscent of the sniper motto "One Shot, One Kill".
Life Giving Sword
Life Giving Sword in Japanese is 活人剣 which is read katsujinken.
The Japanese phrase katsujinken means "life giving sword" and refers to the use of a sword to preserve life. In contrast the phrase Life Taking Sword (satsujinken) refers to life taking sword.
Life in Every Breath
Life in Every Breath in Japanese is 吐く息一つにも生命が宿り which is read hakuiki hitotsu ni mo seimei ga yadori.
The Japanese phrase hakuiki hitotsu ni mo seimei ga yadori was made popular in the movie "The Last Samurai" and this is a direct quote. The phrase is composed of the word 吐く息 (read hakuiki) meaning "one's breath", 一つ (read hitotsu) being a counter for "one". So this is "one breath". The grammatical element にも (read nimo) means "even in". So far we have the phrase hakuiki hitotsu nimo meaning "even in one breath", "in each breath" or "in every breath". The next word is 生命 (read seimei) meaning "one's life; one's existence" and が (read ga) is a grammatical element specifying the previous word as the subject of the verb. The verb yadori is the present form of 宿る (read yadoru) meaning to "to dwell; to exist within".
This poetic phrase captures the idea that one's entire life can come down to a single breath. This is the perfect gift for any fan of the movie "The Last Samurai" or a student of Bushido, The Way of the Warrior.
Life Taking Sword
Life Taking Sword in Japanese is 殺人剣 which is read satsujinken.
The Japanese phrase satsujinken means Life Taking Sword and refers to the use of a sword with the purpose of taking a life. In contrast the phrase Life Giving Sword (katsujinken) refers to the use of a sword to protect or save a life. satsujinken is composed of the kanji 殺人 (read satsujin) meaning "killer; murderer" and 剣 Sword (ken). Hence another translation may be "Killing Sword".
Note that the Japanese word satsujin is often translated as murder but this is not strictly correct as satsujin only means "kill a person" which includes murder but it also may mean killing someone evil or killing someone in defense of oneself, one's family or one's country - so it does not have the strictly negative meaning that the word "murder" has.
Literary and Military Arts
Literary and Military Arts in Japanese is 文武両道 which is read bunburyoudou.
The four-character idiom bunburyoudou signifies one who is skilled in both the "sword and the pen", that is, one who is skilled in both the martial arts and the literary arts. The archetype being Miyamoto Musashi who was Japan's greatest swordsman and also a master calligrapher. bunburyoudou is composed of the kanji 文 (read bun) meaning "art; literature", 武 (read bu) meaning "military; arms; chivalry", 両 (read ryou) meaning "both; two" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".
Martial Arts
Martial Arts in Japanese is 武道 which is read budou.
The Japanese word budou means "Martial Arts, Bushido, Military Arts" and is composed of the kanji 武 (read bu) meaning "martial, military, warrior, arms" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings". The Way, or dou, refers to a way of life and so Budo may be thought of as the martial way of life.
Martial Arts (budou) is commonly written in English as "Budo". It is also used as a synonym for Bushido (bushidou).
Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort
Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort in Japanese is 精力善用 which is read seiryoku zen'you.
The Japanese phrase seiryoku zen'you meaning "Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort" was used by the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano. seiryoku zen'you is composed of the words 精力 (read seiryoku) meaning "energy" and 善用 (read zen'you) meaning "good use".
Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi in Japanese is 宮本武蔵 which is read miyamoto musashi.
Miyamoto Musashi is Japan's preeminent swordsman and around 1645 he wrote The Book Of Five Rings which records his teachings in sword fighting and combat training strategy. As well as being a master swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi was also a renowned calligrapher.
Mutual Benefit
Mutual Benefit in Japanese is 自他共栄 which is read jita kyouei.
The Japanese phrase jita kyouei (commonly written in English as "Jita Kyoei") is a Judo term meaning "mutual welfare and prosperity". The phrase is composed of the words 自他 (read jita) meaning "oneself and others" and 共栄 (read kyouei) meaning "mutual prosperity". This along with 精力善用 seiryoku zen'yo meaning "maximum efficiency - minimum effort" are fundamental Judo concepts.
One Hit Certain Kill
One Hit Certain Kill in Japanese is 一撃必殺 which is read ichigeki hissatsu.
The Japanese phrase ichigeki hissatsu meaning "One Hit Certain Kill" is composed of the words 一撃 (read ichigeki) meaning "one blow; a single hit" and 必殺 (read hissatsu) meaning "certain kill". ichigeki hissatsu is the martial arts ideal when the objective is to kill with a single blow and is reminiscent of the sniper motto "One Shot, One Kill.
Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body
Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body in Japanese is 痛みは体抜ける弱さ which is read itami wa karada kara nukeru yowasa.
Real Sword
Real Sword in Japanese is 真剣 which is read shinken.
The Japanese word shinken means Real Sword and is composed of the kanji 真 (read shin) meaning "True" and 剣 (read ken) meaning "Sword". shinken is commonly used in Japanese to mean "serious" or "earnest" alluding to the idea that one is using a "real sword" rather than a practice or unsharpened weapon.
Remaining Mind
Remaining Mind in Japanese is 残心 which is read zanshin.
zanshin is a beautiful work and a perfect gift for the Martial Artist and, in particular, for the Japanese Archery practitioner.
The Japanese word zanshin is a Martial Arts term (particularly Kyudo (Japanese Archery) ) commonly translated as "remaining mind; follow-through" and refers to a relaxed but alert state. It is composed of the kanji 残 (read zan) meaning "remaining" and 心 (read shin) "heart; mind; spirit".
Ronin
Ronin in Japanese is 浪人 which is read rounin.
The Japanese word rounin, written in English as Ronin, means "Masterless Samurai" and is composed of the kanji 浪 (read rou) meaning "wave; wandering" and 浪 (read nin) meaning "person" . The kanji literally means "wandering (or wave) person".
Ronin were masterless 侍 Samurai (samurai) though today the English word Ronin implies one who is independent or one that "goes their own way" in the sense of a 一匹狼 Lone Wolf (ippikiookami).
Protect
Protect in Japanese is 保護 which is read hogo.
This beautiful calligraphy of "Protect" in Japanese is the perfect gift to acknowledge the special protector in your life.
The Japanese word hogo meaning "Protect" also translates as "shelter; safegaurd; care for" and is composed of the kanji 保 (read ho) meaning "protect" and 護 (read go) meaning "safegaurd; protect.
Samurai
Samurai in Japanese is 侍 which is read samurai.
The Japanese word samurai is a single kanji word 侍 (read samurai) that means "to serve". The idea of the warrior whose primary focus is to serve is reminiscent of the American police motto 保護と奉仕 To Serve and Protect (hogo to houshi).
Sanchin
Sanchin in Japanese is 三戦 which is read sanchin.
The Japanese word sanchin is the name of a fundamental karate Form (kata). sanchin means "three battles" and is composed of the kanji 三 (read san) meaning "three" and 戦 (read chin) (more commonly read "sen") meaning "war; battle; match".
Semper Fi
Semper Fi in Japanese is 常に忠誠を which is read tsune ni chuusei wo.
The Japanese phrase tsune ni chuusei wo is the most common translation of the motto of the United States Marines "Semper Fi" or "Semper Fidelis". tsune ni chuusei wo means "Always Faithful" and is composed of the words 常に (read tsuneni) meaning "always", 忠誠 (read chuusei) meaning "faithful; loyal; sincere" and the grammatical element を (read wo) which in this case acts effectively makes the preceding word into a verb.
Seven Virtues of Bushido
Seven Virtues of Bushido in Japanese is 忠義礼誠名誉仁勇義 which is read chuugi rei makoto meiyo jin yuu gi.
The Seven Virtues of Bushido summarizes the Japanese Code of Chivalry into seven ideals. The Seven Virtues of Bushido are: 忠義 Loyalty (chuugi), 礼 Respect (rei), 誠 Honesty (makoto), 名誉 Honor (meiyo), 仁 Benevolence (jin), 勇 Valor (yuu), and 義 Rectitude (gi).
Shadow of Leaves
Shadow of Leaves in Japanese is 葉隠 which is read hagakure.
hagakure is the name of a book by Yamamoto Tsunetomo an 18th century retainer on his views of the warrior code and the role of the samurai and bushido in a time of relative peace. hagakure is composed of the kanji 葉 (read ha) meaning "leaves" and 隠 (read gakure) meaning "to hide; to conceal".
Shito-Ryu
Shito-Ryu in Japanese is 糸東流 which is read shitouryuu.
shitouryuu, commonly written as "Shito-Ryu" in English, is a Karate style developed by Kenwa Mabuni.
Shotokan Karate-Do
Shotokan Karate-Do in Japanese is 松涛館空手道 which is read shoutoukan karatedou.
Shukokai
Shukokai in Japanese is 修交会 which is read shuukoukai.
shuukoukai, commonly written as "Shukokai" in English, is a Karate style descendent of Shito-Ryu. shuukoukai is composed of the kanji 修 (read shuu) meaning "study; training", 交 (read kou) meaning "mixing", and 会 (read kai) meaning "group, meet, association". The word 修交 shuukou means "friendship; amity".
Spirit of Perseverance
Spirit of Perseverance in Japanese is 押忍の精神 which is read osu no seishin.
Strength and Honor
Strength and Honor in Japanese is 力と名誉 which is read chikara to meiyo.
The Japanese phrase chikara to meiyo meaning "Strength and Honor" is composed of the words 力 (read chikara) meaning "strength", the grammatical element と (read to) meaning "and", and the word 名誉 (read meiyo) meaning "honor". The English phrase was made popular by the movie "Gladiator".
The Body and Mind are One
The Body and Mind are One in Japanese is 拳禅一如 which is read ken zen ichi nyo.
This Japanese Martial Arts expression ken zen ichi nyo literally translates as "The Fist and Zen are One" meaning "The Body and Mind are One". ken zen ichi nyo is composed of the kanji 拳 (read ken) meaning "Fist" and represents the body, 禅 (read zen) meaning "Zen" represents the mind or spirit, and 一如 (read ichinyo) meaning "oneness".
The Hawk with Talent Hides its Talons
The Hawk with Talent Hides its Talons in Japanese is 能ある鷹は爪を隠す which is read nou aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu.
Jeffrey's Dictionary has the meaning as "a wise man keeps some of his talents in reserve; one shouldn't show off; the person who knows most often says least". In Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1)
The Path of Aloneness
The Path of Aloneness in Japanese is 独行道 which is read dokkoudou.
The phrase dokkoudou meaning "The Path of Aloneness" was coined by Miyamoto Musashi as a set of 21 precepts one should follow. dokkoudou is a combination of the word 独行 (read dokkou) meaning "going alone; self-reliant" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".
There is No First Attack in Karate
There is No First Attack in Karate in Japanese is 空手に先手無し which is read karate ni sente nashi.
The Japanese sentence karate ni sente nashi means "There is no first attack (strike) in karate" and reminds us, as Mr. Miyagi would say, "karate is defense only." This is the second rule in Niju Kun, or twenty rules, established by the founder of Shotokan Karate Gichin Funakoshi. For more information see the excellent article Karate ni Sente Nashi: What the Masters had to Say by Mark J. Tankosich.
karate ni sente nashi is composed of the kanji 空手 (read karate) meaning "Karate", the grammatical element に (read ni) meaning "in", 先手 (read sente) meaning "first move; first strike" and 無し (read nashi) the verb meaning "no; without.
To Serve and Protect
To Serve and Protect in Japanese is 保護と奉仕 which is read hogo to houshi.
The Japanese phrase hogo to houshi means "To Serve and Protect" and is the most common translation for the American Police motto "To Serve and Protect". hogo to houshi is composed of the word 保護 (read hogo) meaning “protect”, the grammatical element と (read to) meaning “and”, and the word 奉仕 (read houshi) meaning “serve”.
This beautiful scroll is the perfect gift for the law enforcement professional in your life.
True Victory is Victory Over Oneself
True Victory is Victory Over Oneself in Japanese is 正勝吾勝 which is read masakatsu agatsu.
The Japanese phrase masakatsu agatsu meaning "True Victory is Victory Over Oneself" was coined by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. The phrase is composed of the kanji 正 (read masa) meaning "correct; true", 勝 (read katsu) meaning "victory", 吾 (read a) meaning "self" and 勝 (read gatsu) meaning "victory".
Truth, Goodness, Beauty
Truth, Goodness, Beauty in Japanese is 真善美 which is read shinzenbi.
The Japanese phrase shinzenbi literally means "Truth, Goodness, Beauty" which are considered the three pillars of 弓道 Kyudo (kyuudou). shinzenbi is composed of 真 (read shin) meaning "truth", 善 (read zen) mean "virtue", and 美 (read bi) meaning "beauty.
Two Heavens One Style
Two Heavens One Style in Japanese is 二天一流 which is read niten ichiryuu.
niten ichiryuu is a fighting style developed by Miyamoto Musashi in the 17th century that uses both the long and the short sword. niten ichiryuu literally means "Two Heavens One Style" and is composed of the kanji 二 (read ni) meaning "two", 天 (read ten) meaning "heaven, sky", 一 (read ichi) meaning "one", and 流 (read ryuu) meaning "style".
Warrior Spirit
Warrior Spirit in Japanese is 武士魂 which is read bushidamashii.
The Japanese bushidamashii combines 武士 bushi meaning Warrior and 魂 Soul (tamashii) to mean "Warrior Spirit". bushi is the same kanji as in 武士道 Way of the Warrior (bushidou) and so strongly suggests a warrior in the 侍 Samurai (samurai) tradition.
Warrior Spirit
Warrior Spirit in Japanese is 戦士魂 which is read senshidamashii.
The Japanese senshidamashii combines 戦士 Warrior (senshi) and 魂 Soul (tamashii). senshi means "Warrior" and does not necessarily imply the 侍 Samurai (samurai) tradition.
Warrior Training
Warrior Training in Japanese is 武者修行 which is read mushashugyou.
The four-character idiom mushashugyou meaning "Warrior Training" is a Martial Arts term referring to the samurai tradition of travelling about to perfect one's skills by, for example, training at other schools. mushashugyou is composed of the words 武者 (read musha) meaning "warrior" and 修行 (read shugyou) meaning "pursuit of knowledge".
Way of the Warrior
Way of the Warrior in Japanese is 武士道 which is read bushidou.
The Japanese word bushidou means "Way of the Warrior" which is the Japanese Code of Chivalry. It is composed of the kanji 武 (read bu) meaning "martial, military, warrior, arms", 士 (read shi) meaning "samurai; gentleman" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".
Hand-Lettered Japanese Calligraphy Designs
by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase
Are you looking for Martial Arts Calligraphy Designs to use in your school newsletter, marketing material or to jazz up your website? Maybe you are designing a T-Shirt or Poster for an upcoming event? Then please consider using our stock Martial Arts Calligraphy designs. Our catalog has thousands of designs to choose from including many hundreds focusing specifically on the theme of the Martial Arts.
These are all hand-lettered designs created by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase and carefully scanned and documented. Designs are delivered digitally right when you order so there is no waiting – you can get the perfect design in just seconds.
All designs come in four formats. For personal use designs, we offer an Adobe PDF Format which will print out exactly as designed by Master Takase. These designs cannot be edited but may be used in a single application and are perfect for tattoo designs and craft projects. For commercial use, we offer three JPG resolutions: 72 dpi, 300 dpi, and 600 dpi. The lower resolutions are suitable for images as part of a website, for example. The higher resolutions are suitable for all print applications.
Personal use designs start at $11.95 and professional use designs at $31.95.
Ordering is safe and easy.
We also offer completely custom commercial use designs where you work directly with Eri Takase to create a design to your specifications. For these custom designs we have two options: the first is for Limited Distribution and is Non-exclusive and starts at $135, the second is Unlimited Distribution and is Exclusive and starts at $350. These are completely custom designs giving you input at every step of the design process.
Finally, artwork can be created for any of these designs. These would be hand-lettered by Master Takase with her seal and signature – These are truly special gifts of art and are perfect for the home or dojo. These may be ordered at Custom Unframed Artwork on Japanese Paper or a Custom Japanese Scroll.
Are you not finding what you want in the catalog? We would love to hear your feedback on ideas you would like us to include in the catalog. Please feel free to contact us with your suggestions. You are also welcome to contact us with any questions about any of our Martial Arts Japanese Designs.
So whether you are a graphic artist looking for a specific design to illustrate a book or an individual looking for an authentic and meaningful tattoo, we offer thousands of Martial Arts Kanji Designs. Below we show just a fraction of the designs we have available and hopefully this will inspire you to see our full on-line catalog of designs at StockKanji – Martial Arts Calligraphy Designs.