Japanese Traditions
by fourth grade students
| Shodo (Calligraphy) |
Kendo and Aikido (Martial Arts Activities) |
Ikebana (Flower Arranging) |
Mrs.Nelson, one of the parents told us about "the way of writing," Shodo.
That is what it is called. Mrs.Nelson let us write characters. Some people wrote the character like one that means "Peace",
"Friends", "Flowers". There is a way of writing the characters and it is
important. That is why it is called "Shodo". When you write on the final
copy paper (which is like cardboard) you get nervous. It is used for special
occasions like autographs of people like baseball players. Contributors: Emi, Emily S., Mana, and Mindy
The black chalk like thing (slightly bigger than an eraser) is made of soot.
You swirl it around a black pan so it turns into ink. The "Sumi" is the
black ink you use to dip your brush in and write with. There are two
different kinds of brushes, that are called "fude". The practice
paper was very thin and it was white, but the final copy page was as thick
as card board. It had a white face and a goldish brown back. It also has a
gold border.
When you do calligraphy you have to be calm and you don't have to make it
perfect. When using the brush, push it down on the paper and slide to where
ever you want it to go. Move it down really slowly and lift it. Then it will
make a nice stroke. Repeat the brush work over and over, following the
correct stroke order until you're done doing the kanji. You have to take
your time.
Students from ICU (International Christian University) presented demonstrations on the
sport of kendo, the way of the sword and aikido. The fourth grade students were amazed
by the speed of the combatants and the strength achieved through aikido techniques.
Two elementary students can't even budge this aikido expert.
Pictured on the right is some of the protective equipment used in kendo.
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Students learned the basic skills involved in Ikebana, eventually
taking home their arrangements to share with their families. Plenty of
colorful displays.
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