Kosho Shourei Kai Karate Dojo Scrolls

These scrolls were commissioned by a California Dojo, who wished to have traditional scrolls that depicted both their affiliation with the Sei Kosho Shourei Kai which is at http://www.skski.net/ and their following of the Style of Koshoryu Kenpo.

The below is an excerpt from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosho_Shorei_Ryu_Kempo

It is based upon the teachings of Buddhism. James Mitose is credited as the man who originally brought Japanese Kenpō to Hawaii in 1936. Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempō is the martial art within the parent art Kosho Shorei Ryu, which originated in Kyushu, Japan in 1235 and was taught only to family members and monks staying at the Kosho-ji Temple.[2] As an art of Sohei Warrior Monks, this art is primarily one of spiritual development and holistic self-cultivation, and secondarily one of self-defense. There is no offensive martial aspect of this art traditionally. It is only used to protect life.

Kosho Shorei Ryu 古松奨勵流 means "Old Pine Tree School of Encouragement to Spiritual Diligence." According to Mitose's teachings the art is defined by the practice of oldpinetree.com: eight arts. These arts are:

Working on these scrolls was very fun. The size of the scrolls being uniform will allow them to complement the dojo in a side by side manner. The spiritual nature of making a scroll is reflected in this form of Martial Art.

Miyamoto Musashi Five Principles Japanese Calligraphy Scroll

This scroll is sold, if you would like a similar scroll made please contact sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.


The Book of Five Rings was originally written by 宮本武蔵Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi is considered one of the most successful Ronin 浪士of all time. Ronin is the term for a Masterless Samurai. Exploits of Musashi’s life are part of the lore of Japanese feudalism.

As one of the greatest swordsmen of all time, Musashi wrote a book on the five principles characterizing his fighting style. Hence the book is referenced as five rings, all progressing on each other.

I made this scroll in honor of the five enlightening principles of battle outlined by this warrior. The principles are written as 地(Chi) Earth, 水(Mizu) Water, 火(Hi) Fire, 風(Kaze) Wind, and 空(Sora) Void or Empty Space. This is the same character used for Karate.

The Calligraphy is written by Ryugyoku. Her attention to detail is outstanding and truly reflects the care for which she aspires as a Shoka. This style although similar to a semi-cursive style is not typical of a true gyousho writing. The most particular elegance of the character wind, is exemplified by the continuous shapes of the inside box, typically written in three styles.

Because the scroll writing starts with Earth, I wanted to use a nature themed cloth that was not too overwhelming. The gold leaf pattern in this cloth seemed to fit naturally into the emotion of the work. I really loved doing this work and feel that this scroll has good balance of not being too small or too large.