A master Japanese artist is flying to London this summer to teach an exclusive course in ancient calligraphy.
Taki Kodaria, revered for her mastery of shodō art, was invited to teach the course by Oxford graduate-turned-sensei and Hackney Dojo owner, John Evans.
Shodō involves the precise crafting of Japanese characters using thick ink and broad strokes, and is deeply connected to Zen Buddhist teachings.
Reflecting on her practice, Taki said: “Even in the midst of a busy day, the moment I pick up a brush, a certain stillness arrives — as though I have touched something timeless.”
John, who opened a sword-fighting dojo in Haggerston following 12 years of training in Japan, invited Taki to London after being struck by her ‘enthusiasm combined with ruthless precision’.
John’s dojo has played a vital role amidst Haggerston’s bustling community, welcoming people to engage in his meditative discipline.
He said: “There are people who come trying to overcome anxiety or find it difficult to concentrate… looking for mental training or resilience.
“The sword is the instrument by which you can train the mind, the emotions, the nervous system.”
On first meeting Taki, John said he recognised a dedication which he hadn’t seen since the passing of his first swordmaster 20 years ago.
Taki’s artistry and John’s ‘cutting practices’ both originate from ancient Chinese traditions, making them likely friends whose specialties are mutually admired.
This course will specifically focus on the construction of the single character Ei, which contains within it all eight fundamental brush techniques of Shodō, and is set to start 26th June in the Main Hall of Haggerston School.
For more information go to Battodo Fudokan’s FaceBook or website.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons.
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