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Official Mas Oyama
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Calligrapher

No. 2

Shurei Narisawa

The key to having an unwavering axis lies in how to use the tanden.

Received the Prime Minister's Award at the 23rd Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition. She was learning Kyokushin Karate while doing activities such as calligraphy classes, employee training, workshops, and media appearances. In addition, she focused on the relationship between psychology and calligraphy, and conducted research on handwritten letters at graduate school. Currently, he is giving calligraphy classes and also trying his hand at playing calligraphy and ink painting.

Shurei Narisawa

I started learning Kyokushin Karate about four years after I opened my calligraphy class. Up until then, I had been learning kickboxing, but when I moved, I started going to a Kyokushin karate dojo near my house, and instantly fell in love with Kyokushin. The first thing that surprised me was the atmosphere when I stepped into the dojo. There was a sophisticated atmosphere, just like passing through the torii gate of a shrine. I was also surprised that my seniors never said anything negative. He doesn't whine or say anything bad, he just works hard at practicing. When I learned that the reason for this was the Kyokushin spirit of ``speak carefully,'' I became even more attracted to Kyokushin. After learning about the many charms of Kyokushin Karate, I also wanted to learn Kyokushin Karate.

When I stepped into the dojo, the atmosphere felt like the precincts of a shrine.

After a while of attending lessons, I learned that breathing is important in order to unify your mind and perform good movements. Instead of trying to move only your limbs, try breathing by focusing on the ``Tanda'' area below your belly button. This is important for relieving tension and moving the entire body. In fact, this breathing method has some similarities to calligraphy. Breathe out when you start writing, and breathe in when you finish writing. When you're not used to it, you tend to hold your breath so as not to blur your body, but it's the combination of breathing and calligraphy that leads to good work. Rather than trying to do something with just your hands, take a deep breath to unify your mind, and at the same time put strength into your tanden and use your whole body. I realized that because karate and calligraphy are the same ``do,'' they have in common that the body and breathing are linked. I believe this was possible because I learned the meaning of focusing on body sensations and breathing at the dojo.

Breathing and the body are linked. When I started practicing, I realized the similarities between Kyokushin and calligraphy.

One of the other important ideas I learned from Kyokushin Karate is "to remain unfazed." Whether it's an opportunity or a predicament, don't panic and stick one thick shaft within yourself. I believe this applies not only to Kyokushin Karate, but to all lifestyles. Especially during the current coronavirus pandemic, many people are feeling overwhelmed by the anxiety and frustration of an uncertain outlook. Maybe you don't know where to direct your anger and end up criticizing others, but I think what's really important is to look within yourself. In other words, have a unique axis at the center of your body. This may lead to being ``steadfast'' and give you peace of mind. I think it is important to have a mind that deftly changes form but maintains its essence, like ``Shin Josui,'' which is derived from Lao Tzu's ``Josui Josui.''

How to hold the axis without wavering, learned from the Kyokushin spirit.

No. 3

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