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4. If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth
5. Black Belt
6. Brevity: Fewer Words are Best
7. Clarity
8. Consideration / Meticulous Care
9. Dew
10. Example is Better than Precept
11. Filial Piety / Filial Conduct
12. Forgiveness
13. Gassho
14. Generosity
15. The Whole Room Rocks With Laughter
16. Inspire
17. Ken Zen Ichi Nyo
19. Love and Respect
21. The Middle Way
22. Sensei / Master / Teacher / Mister
23. Purified Spirit / Enlightened Attitude
24. Respect
25. Sasuke
26. Shadow Warrior
27. Shaolin
28. Shaw
29. Ninjago
30. Spinjitzu
Person on Active Duty
現役軍人 means “Active Duty Soldier” or literally “Active Duty Military Person.”
This title is a great way to show pride in being an active duty member of the armed forces.
The first two characters mean “active duty” and the second two characters can be translated as “military personnel,” “soldier,” or “serviceman” (it is unisex, so male or female is not indicated).
See Also: Military
動物王國 is literally what it says.
There is even a TV show in China that is similar to Wild Kingdom or what you would currently see on the Discovery Channel that has this same title.
For your information: In the Chinese way of thinking, the Tiger is the king of the animal kingdom (lions are not native to China, so the tiger took the role that we have given to the lion in our western way of thinking).
The modern Japanese version has a slight variation on the last character (国 instead of 國). Let me know if you want the modern Japanese version (國 would be considered the old or traditional version).
醫道 means the art of healing or medical skill.
This can also refer to a Korean TV show, Hur Jun about an ancient doctor. The Chinese-subtitled version of the show is also quite popular in China.
While this is a common title in Chinese and Korean, it's not used as often in Japanese where someone might read it as “medical course” or “the way of medicine.”
If you cannot fight, don't start one
不能咬人就别龇牙 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [if you] can't bite people, don't bare [your] teeth.
Figuratively, this means: Don't show your anger if you can't do anything about the situation.
Some will also say this means “Don't start a fight that you cannot win.” Others will say it means that you must be willing to back up your words (perhaps with your fists).
These are the Kanji for “Black Belt” in Japanese.
This would be the gift to buy someone who is about to achieve the rank of black belt, or perhaps for yourself, like a certificate on the wall to subtly show your accomplishment.
It should be mentioned that the title “black belt” is not a typical selection for a calligraphy wall scroll.
Note: with a tiny stroke difference on the second character, this also means black belt in Korean Hanja. Let me know if you need the exact Korean version (though any Korean who can read Hanja will know this is black belt).
Getting to the point quickly with the fewest words possible is the suggestion of this 少說為佳 Chinese proverb.
But taking it more profound, there is a warning that using too many words may act to “tip your hat” or “show your hand” (to use two American idioms).
It can also be said that using many words does not make the message have more value.
This is really about the art of brevity.
My only hope is that I did not use too many words to explain this proverb.
清 is a word that means clarity or clear in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Looking at the parts of this character, you have three splashes of water on the left, “life” on the top right, and the moon on the lower right.
Because of something Confucius said about 2500 years ago, you can imagine that this character means “live life with clarity like bright moonlight piercing pure water.” The Confucian idea is something like “Keep clear what is pure in yourself, and let your pure nature show through.” Kind of like saying, “Don't pollute your mind or body, so that they remain clear.”
This might be stretching the definition of this single Chinese character but the elements are there, and “clarity” is a powerful idea.
Korean note: Korean pronunciation is given above but this character is written with a slight difference in the "moon radical" in Korean. However, anyone who can read Korean Hanja, will understand this character with no problem (this is considered an alternate form in Korean). If you want the more standard Korean Hanja form (which is an alternate form in Chinese), just let me know.
Japanese note: When reading in Japanese, this Kanji has additional meanings of pure, purify, or cleanse (sometimes to remove demons or "exorcise"). Used more in compound words in Japanese than as a stand-alone Kanji.
露 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for dew.
Depending on the context in which this character is used, it can also mean: tears; syrup; nectar; outdoors (not under cover); to show; to reveal; to betray; to expose; scanty; bare; unconcealed; naked; public.
露 can be a Chinese surname Lu. 露 can also be the Japanese surname Tsuyuzaki or Tsuyusaki, and the given names Tsuyu or Akira.
Oddly, 露 is sometimes used as an abbreviation for Russia.
In the Buddhist context, 露 also means dew, but can be a symbol of transience. Sometimes used as a metaphor to expose or disclose knowledge and truth.
Tell somebody how to do something and they might get it.
Show them how to do it, and they will master it in no time.
身教勝於言教 can also be translated as “Behavior teaches more than words.”
See Also: Wisdom
孝行 expresses the idea of filial piety or filial conduct.
While the first character means filial piety by itself, the second character adds “action.” Therefore this represents the actions you take to show your respect and obedience to your elders or ancestors.
Confucius is probably the first great advocate for filial piety.
恕 means to forgive, show mercy, absolve, or excuse in Chinese and Korean Hanja (though mostly used in compound words in Korean).
恕 incorporates the pictogram of a heart at the bottom, and a woman and a mouth at the top. The heart portion has the most significance, as it is suggested that it is the heart's nature to forgive.
In Asian culture, as with most other cultures, forgiveness is an act of benevolence and altruism. In forgiving, you put yourself in someone else's shoes and show them the kindness that you would want them to show you. Confucius referred to this quality as “human-heartedness.”
合掌 is the act of greeting someone (can also be done when departing) with hands brought together prayerfully.
In India, this would be accompanied by the verbal greeting and blessing of “Namaste.” In China, Japan, and Korea, this is how Buddhists will greet each other. Sometimes done by people who are not devout Buddhists in China, Japan, and Korea to show respect, reverence, or great thanks to someone for a gift, forgiveness, or some honor that has been bestowed.
In Japan, this is almost always associated with a deep bow. In China, where bowing is not an everyday occurrence, there may be a shallow bow, but the act will be done with deep feeling. Korean culture seems to have more bowing than China but less than Japan.
See Also: Namaste
寬大 is a Chinese, Japanese, and Korean word that means Generosity.
Generosity is giving and sharing. You share freely, not with the idea of receiving something in return. You find ways to give others happiness and give just for the joy of giving. Generosity is one of the best ways to show love and friendship.
寬大 can also be translated as charitable, magnanimity, liberality, or in some contexts, broad-mindedness.
Note: There is a tiny deviation in the first character when written in Japanese. If you choose our Japanese master calligrapher, the little dot on the lower right of the first character will be omitted. With or without the dot, this can be read in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
See Also: Benevolence | Altruism | Charity
The perfect scroll if you love humor or as a gift for the comedian in your life
In China, 哄堂大笑 is a proverb that is used in response to a good joke or witty comment.
The story goes that Mr. Feng and Mr. He were both senior officials in the Song Dynasty (about a thousand years ago). One day, Mr. Feng walked into their shared office wearing a new pair of boots. The boots caught the eye of Mr. He who said, “New boots! - how much were they?.” Mr. Feng lifted one of the boots off the ground as if to show it off and responded, “900 coins.”
Astonished, Mr. Feng explained, “900? How can that be? - I paid 1800 coins for my boots!.” Mr. Feng then lifted his other foot off the ground and said, “This boot was also 900 coins.”
It is said that the whole room was shaking from the laughter of all that heard Mr. Feng's joke on Mr. He.
Beyond inspire or inspiration, 啟示 is a Chinese word that can mean enlightenment or revelation.
This is used as the Biblical revelation in the Chinese Bible, so it can also mean apocalypse depending on context.
Separately, the first character can mean: to open; to start; to initiate; to enlighten; to awaken; to state; to inform.
The second character alone can mean: to show; to reveal; to indicate; to proclaim.
拳禪一如 is a Japanese phrase that is often translated as “train both body and spirit.”
Here's the breakdown of the words in this phrase:
拳 means fist.
禅 is zen, which means meditation.
一如 is a word that means “to be just like,” “oneness,” “true nature,” or “true character.”
So to get to the translation of “train both body and spirit,” you must understand that “fist” is representing “body” and the idea of meditation is representing “mind.”
I have to say, this is not how I would translate this. To me, it's really about training with your mind and remembering that meditation is a huge part of training, not just your fist. As the Shaolin Buddhist monks show us, meditation is just as important as physical training in martial arts.
親切 is a Chinese/Japanese/Korean word that can also mean affectionate, cordial, warm, or close (emotionally).
Kindness shows you care and are doing some good to make life better for others. Be thoughtful about people's needs. Show love and compassion to someone who is sad or needs your help. When you are tempted to be cruel, to criticize or tease, decide to be kind instead.
See Also: Love | Caring | Benevolence
Love each other and show mutual respect
相愛互敬 is a nice way to say “Love and Respect” in Chinese.
This proverb is about the mutual exchange of love and respect within a good relationship.
The first two characters create a word that means “to love each other” or “mutual love.”
The third character means mutual, interlocking, or in some contexts, “to dovetail” (as in how joints are made in fine furniture).
The last character means “to respect,” “to venerate,” “to salute,” “reverence,” or simply “respect.”
武技 can be translated as “martial arts skills,” “warrior skills,” or “military skills,” depending on usage.
In both Japanese and Chinese, rather than meaning martial arts, this speaks more to the skills that you possess in regard to martial arts. This phrase also has a light suggestion of “having the itch to show off these skills.”
In the most basic translation, 中道 means road through the middle or middle road.
The expanded meaning can be moderation or the golden mean.
But if you are looking for this title, you are probably seeking the Buddhist definition, which is more complex.
中道 is the middle way or middle path of Buddhism. This has various interpretations. In general, it denotes the mean between two extremes and has special reference to the mean between realism and nihilism, or eternal substantial existence and annihilation.
The Buddha teaches that one should not take things to extremes. Don't be extremely evil and engage in debauchery and murder. But do not spend every waking out trying to be a perfect saint. Instead, take the middle path, try to help others, show loving kindness wherever you can, and try not to do harm. If you inadvertently harm another being, make amends if you can, and move on. Realize you are not perfect, but in time, a path of moderation lead toward proper living and enlightenment.
先生 is sensei, which is associated in the west with a master or instructor of karate, aikido, judo, and other Japanese martial arts.
In reality, this is a term of respect for almost any professional or skilled person (doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.). Sometimes, it is used for musicians and artists who have achieved a certain level of fame, skill, or accomplishment.
It should be noted that this is also a courtesy title in Chinese but more like calling someone “mister” or “gentleman.” It doesn't have the “master” or “teacher” meaning in Chinese - see our Chinese “Master / Sifu / Shi Fu” entry if your audience is Chinese.
In Korean Hanja, this means teacher, instructor, schoolmaster, or schoolmistress.
This entry is for educational purposes. 先生 is kind of a strange thing to put on a wall scroll. It's a title that is used more orally to show respect rather than something written in calligraphy. If you feel it is appropriate in your circumstances, we will create a piece of sensei Japanese calligraphy artwork for you.
A Japanese martial arts title/concept
The first Kanji alone means to wash, bathe, primness, cleanse or purify.
The second Kanji means heart, mind, soul, or essence.
Together, these two Kanji create a word defined as “purified spirit” or “enlightened attitude” within Japanese martial arts.
洗心 is one of the five spirits of the warrior (budo) and is often used as a Japanese martial arts tenet. Under that context, it's often defined as a spirit that protects and harmonizes the universe. Senshin is a spirit of compassion that embraces and serves all humanity and whose function is to reconcile discord in the world. It holds all life to be sacred. It is the Buddha mind.
This title will only be familiar to Japanese who practice certain martial arts. Others may not recognize this word at all.
洗心 does not show up as a word in too many Chinese dictionaries, but it can be read and has the same meaning in Chinese.
There is an issue with the first character. The original, and probably most correct version is shown above. However, many dojo documents and other sources have used a more simple first character. Arguments ensue about which version is correct. If you want to be correct in the Japanese language, use the "Select and Customize" button above. If you want to match the Kanji used by your dojo, click the Kanji shown to the right. There is a slightly different meaning with this first character which means before, ahead, previous, future, precedence.
Politeness, Gratitude and Propriety
礼 is one of the five tenets of Confucius.
Beyond respect, 礼 can also be translated as propriety, good manners, politeness, rite, worship, or an expression of gratitude.
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and honor the rules of our family, school, and nation. Respect yourself, and others will respect you.
Please note that Japanese use this simplified 礼 version of the original 禮 character for respect. 礼 also happens to be the same simplification used in mainland China. While 禮 is the traditional and original version, 礼 has been used as a shorthand version for many centuries. Click on the big 禮 character to the right if you want the Traditional Chinese and older Japanese versions.
This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here
See Also: Confucius
サスケ is the Japanese title of the TV show, Sasuke Rising.
サスケ is the original Japanese TV show that inspired the American Ninja Warrior, Ninja Warrior UK, and other variations.
It should be noted that in Japan, the show's title is usually displayed in capital Roman letters as “SASUKE,” rather than the Japanese text, サスケ. Although, both titles are known in Japan (you'd probably need to search for サスケ if looking to buy a Sasuke DVD in Japan).
Notes: Sasuke can also be a given name (written the same way). There are also other names that romanize as Sasuke in Japanese.
Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
影武者 is the title for Shadow Warrior in Chinese and Japanese.
This may refer to a few video games that share this English title, or a Japanese movie called Kagemusha.
If you are looking for the Japanese TV show, that was originally 影の軍団 (Kage no Gundan), which more literally means “Army of Shadows,” but was re-titled Shadow Warrior when released outside Japan in English.
In Japan, this title can also refer to a body double or decoy of an army general or leader used to avoid assassination. It can also be somebody who does all the work (or fighting) behind the scenes (not getting much, if any, credit).
Little Forest
The 少林 or Shaolin monks of China have been practicing the art of Kung Fu for thousands of years. While there are many schools of Kung Fu in China, Shaolin are one of the more religiously devout and disciplined.
The title of Shaolin actually refers to a specific Buddhist monastery. It should be noted that the Shaolin were famous in China long before the Kung Fu TV show. Their fame in China is due to the monks' heroic and swift rescue of an emperor during the Tang Dynasty. Most Chinese people are not keenly aware of the Kung Fu TV show and have no idea who David Carradine is or anything about his character, Kwai Chang Caine.
Note: The literal meaning of 少林 is “little forest.”
The fame of the Shaolin has spread all over Asia, as even though this is a Chinese title, the same characters are used in Japanese with the same meaning.
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The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...
Title | Characters | Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Romanized Chinese | |
Active Duty Military | 現役軍人 现役军人 | geneki gunjin genekigunjin | xiàn yì jūn rén xian4 yi4 jun1 ren2 xian yi jun ren xianyijunren | hsien i chün jen hsienichünjen |
Animal Kingdom | 動物王國 动物王国 | doubutsu oukoku doubutsuoukoku dobutsu okoku | dòng wù wáng guó dong4 wu4 wang2 guo2 dong wu wang guo dongwuwangguo | tung wu wang kuo tungwuwangkuo |
Art of Healing | 醫道 医道 | idou / ido | yī dào / yi1 dao4 / yi dao / yidao | i tao / itao |
If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth | 不能咬人就別齜牙 不能咬人就别龇牙 | bù néng yǎo rén jiù bié zī yá bu4 neng2 yao3 ren2 jiu4 bie2 zi1 ya2 bu neng yao ren jiu bie zi ya bunengyaorenjiubieziya | pu neng yao jen chiu pieh tzu ya | |
Black Belt | 黒帯 黑帯 | kuroobi / kurobi | ||
Brevity: Fewer Words are Best | 少說為佳 少说为佳 | shǎo shuō wéi jiā shao3 shuo1 wei2 jia1 shao shuo wei jia shaoshuoweijia | shao shuo wei chia shaoshuoweichia |
|
Clarity | 清 | sei | qīng / qing1 / qing | ch`ing / ching |
Consideration Meticulous Care | 體貼入微 体贴入微 | tǐ tiē rù wēi ti3 tie1 ru4 wei1 ti tie ru wei titieruwei | t`i t`ieh ju wei titiehjuwei ti tieh ju wei |
|
Dew | 露 | ro | lòu / lou4 / lou | |
Example is Better than Precept | 身教勝於言教 身教胜于言教 | shēn jiào shèng yú yán jiào shen1 jiao4 sheng4 yu2 yan2 jiao1 shen jiao sheng yu yan jiao shenjiaoshengyuyanjiao | shen chiao sheng yü yen chiao | |
Filial Piety Filial Conduct | 孝行 | koukou / koko | xiào xìng xiao4 xing4 xiao xing xiaoxing | hsiao hsing hsiaohsing |
Forgiveness | 恕 | shù / shu4 / shu | ||
Gassho | 合掌 | gasshou / gasho | hé zhǎng / he2 zhang3 / he zhang / hezhang | ho chang / hochang |
Generosity | 寬大 宽大 | kandai | kuān dà / kuan1 da4 / kuan da / kuanda | k`uan ta / kuanta / kuan ta |
The Whole Room Rocks With Laughter | 哄堂大笑 | hōng tāng dà xiào hong1 tang1 da4 xiao4 hong tang da xiao hongtangdaxiao | hung t`ang ta hsiao hungtangtahsiao hung tang ta hsiao |
|
Inspire | 啟示 启示 | qǐ shì / qi3 shi4 / qi shi / qishi | ch`i shih / chishih / chi shih | |
Ken Zen Ichi Nyo | 拳禪一如 拳禅一如 | ken zen ichi nyo kenzenichinyo | ||
Kindness Caring | 親切 亲切 | shin setsu / shinsetsu | qīn qiè / qin1 qie4 / qin qie / qinqie | ch`in ch`ieh / chinchieh / chin chieh |
Love and Respect | 相愛互敬 相爱互敬 | xiāng ài hù jìng xiang1 ai4 hu4 jing4 xiang ai hu jing xiangaihujing | hsiang ai hu ching hsiangaihuching |
|
Martial Arts Skills | 武技 | bugi | wǔ jì / wu3 ji4 / wu ji / wuji | wu chi / wuchi |
The Middle Way | 中道 | chuu dou / chuudou / chu do | zhōng dào zhong1 dao4 zhong dao zhongdao | chung tao chungtao |
Sensei Master Teacher Mister | 先生 | sen sei / sensei | xiān shēng xian1 sheng1 xian sheng xiansheng | hsien sheng hsiensheng |
Purified Spirit Enlightened Attitude | 洗心 先心 | sen shin / senshin | xǐ xīn / xi3 xin1 / xi xin / xixin | hsi hsin / hsihsin |
Respect | 禮 礼 | rei | lǐ / li3 / li | |
Sasuke | サスケ | sasuke | ||
Shadow Warrior | 影武者 | kagemusha | yīng wǔ zhǔ ying1 wu3 zhu3 ying wu zhu yingwuzhu | ying wu chu yingwuchu |
Shaolin | 少林 | sho rin / shorin | shǎo lín / shao3 lin2 / shao lin / shaolin | |
Shaw | ショー | shou / sho | ||
Ninjago | ニンジャゴー | ninjagoo / ninjago | ||
Spinjitzu | スピン術 | supin jutsu supinjutsu | ||
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line. In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese. |
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All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.
When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.
Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!
When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.
The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.
Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.
There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form
of art alive.
Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.
The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.
Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.
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