Many custom options...

Tan Paper and Copper Silk Love Wall Scroll
Red Paper and Ivory Silk Love Wall Scroll
Orange Paper Love Scroll
Crazy Blue and Gold Silk Love Scroll


And formats...

Love Vertical Portrait
Love Horizontal Wall Scroll
Love Vertical Portrait

The name Old School in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy an Old School calligraphy wall scroll here!

Personalize your custom “Old School” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “Old School” title below...


  1. Aiki-Jutsu

  2. Aikikai

  3. Content and Motionless

  4. Appreciation of Truth by Meditation

  5. White Eagle Style

  6. Wisdom from Hard Knocks

  7. Black Flag Gate / Hek Ki Boen

  8. Black Tiger Fist

  9. Bushin / Bujin

10. Bushi-Ryu Jujutsu

11. Che Guevara

12. Chito-Ryu

13. Choujiao / Chou Jiao

14. Chung Do Kwan

15. Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu

16. Dogen

17. Diligent Study Proverb

18. The Eagle Claw School

19. Eagle Claw Overturning Fist

20. Eishin-Ryu

21. Learning is Eternal

22. Five Elements Tai Chi Fist

23. Five Families / Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung

24. Gate

25. Goju Ryu

26. Goju Ryu Karate-Do

27. Goshin-Do

28. Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa

29. Kodokan

30. Kodokan Aikido

31. Kodokan Judo

32. Kyokushinkai

33. Changquan / Long Fist

34. Loyalty

35. Martial Arts Master

36. Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do

37. Mi Guk Kwan

38. Monkey Fist

39. Nippon Karate-Do Genbu-Kai

40. The Old Way / Old School

41. Enthusiasm / Passion for a Cause

42. Pure Land / Jodo

43. Qi Gong / Chi Kung

44. Respect

45. Retro / Old School

46. Ritsu

47. Ronin / Masterless Samurai

48. Rugby

49. Study / Learn / School

50. School of Happiness

51. Senpai / The Elder or Master

52. Shaolin Chuan / Shao Lin Quan

53. Shito-Ryu Ki-Me-Kan Karate-Do

54. Shorin Ji Ryu

55. Shorin-Ryu

56. Shoshin-Ryu

57. Shotokan-Ryu

58. Perseverance is the Key

59. Southern Praying Mantis

60. Spiritual Peace / Enlightened Peace

61. Student

62. Tantui

63. Shin Buddhism

64. Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do

65. Uechi-Ryu

66. Wing Chun Fist

67. Five Ancestors Fist

68. Zen Buddhism

69. Bodhidharma

70. Shidoshi

71. Kanzen Goju-Ryu

72. Kobayashi / Shobayashi

73. Sandokai

74. Shudokan

75. Shinto Muso-Ryu

76. Koryu Bujutsu

77. Goshin-Kai

78. Kobukan

79. Gojukan / Goju-Kan

80. Okinawan Goju-Kan

81. Chidokan

82. Shinden Fudo Ryu

83. Kenshin-Kan


 ai ki jutsu
Aiki-Jutsu Scroll

合気術 (Aiki-Jutsu) is a school of martial arts descended from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu.

Note: Some also romanize 合気術 as Aiki-Jitsu.

 ai ki kai
Aikikai Scroll

合気会 or “Aikikai” is the original school of Aikido.

Several organizations use this title. The first was established in Japan in 1940 (The Aikikai Foundation or 財団法人合気会).

The only difference between this title and Aikido is the last character, “kai” which means club, group, fraternity, organization, or assembly.

Note: 合気会 may be romanized with a dash like this: Aiki-Kai.

Content and Motionless

The condition of perfect meditation

 an juu fu dou
Content and Motionless Scroll

安住不動 means at peace and immovable.

The first two Kanji mean being content with one's present position or well-composed.
The last two Kanji mean immobile, firmness, fixed, and/or motionless.

In the Zen school, this is being well-composed and immovable - the ideal state of Zen meditation.

Appreciation of Truth by Meditation

 xīn yìn
 shin nin
Appreciation of Truth by Meditation Scroll

心印 is a Buddhist concept that simply stated is “appreciation of truth by meditation.”

It's a deep subject, but my understanding is that you can find truth through meditation, and once you've found the truth, you can learn to appreciate it more through further meditation. This title is not commonly used outside of the Buddhist community (your Asian friends may or may not understand it). The literal translation would be something like “the mind seal,” I've seen this term translated this way from Japanese Buddhist poetry. But apparently, the seal that is stamped deep in your mind is the truth. You just have to meditate to find it.

Soothill defines it this way: Mental impression, intuitive certainty; the mind is the Buddha-mind in all, which can seal or assure the truth; the term indicates the intuitive method of the Chan (Zen) school, which was independent of the spoken or written word.


Reference: Soothill-Hodous Dictionary of Chinese Buddhism


See Also:  Zen

White Eagle Style

Bai Ying Pai

 bái yīng pài
White Eagle Style Scroll

白鷹派 is the title “Bai Ying Pai” or “White Eagle School.”

The first character means white.
The second means eagle, falcon, and/or hawk.
The third means school (as in the school or style of martial arts).

Wisdom from Hard Knocks

The school of hard knocks

 ái yī quán dé yī zhāo ái shí quán biàn zhū gě
Wisdom from Hard Knocks Scroll

挨一拳得一招挨十拳變諸葛 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: Receive one blow, [and one] learns a lesson; Receive ten blows, [and one] becomes a great Zhuge [Liang].

You must first understand that a man named Zhuge Liang was one of the great strategists and philosophers in Chinese history. He's known as a man of great wisdom.

Figuratively, this phrase means:
One can learn much from failure or “hard knocks.”

Black Flag Gate / Hek Ki Boen

 hēi qí mén
 hak ki mun
Black Flag Gate / Hek Ki Boen Scroll

黑旗門 is often romanized as “Hek Ki Boen” in Cantonese, this is the title for a certain branch school of Wing Chun or Eng Chun martial arts.

Black Tiger Fist

 hēi hǔ quán
Black Tiger Fist Scroll

黑虎拳 is Hei Hu Quan or “Black Tiger Fist” - a school of Chinese Martial Arts.

Bushin / Bujin

God of Military Arts

 bu shin
Bushin / Bujin Scroll

武神 is the title for Bushin, or “God of Military Arts.”

This can also be translated as “Martial Spirit.”

This title is often associated with Bujinkan, a school/style of martial arts. In that context, this can be pronounced Bujin.

In some cases, pronounced/romanized as Bukami, especially when used as a surname in Japan.

Bushi-Ryu Jujutsu

 bu shi ryuu ju jutsu
Bushi-Ryu Jujutsu Scroll

武士流柔術 is a special title added for a customer's specific school/style of Jujutsu.

Please only order this if you are a member/practitioner of this style.

Che Guevara

Latin American / Cuban Revolutionary

 qiè gé wǎ lā
Che Guevara Scroll

切格瓦拉 is the name “Che Guevara,” as written (transliterated) in Mandarin Chinese.

Che Guevara Once revered by Chinese people as a Socialist rebel, he's now just a historical figure that school children briefly learn about in China.

切格瓦拉 is because China used to be a truly-Communist/Socialist nation, and thus, other Communists and Socialists were heroes.

In modern China, with its free-market economy, those former heroes fade a little.

We are not offering the “Che” character alone, as few would associate it with Che Guevara, so you need the full name to be clear (minus Ernesto, which is his real first name).

 chi tou ryuu
Chito-Ryu Scroll

千唐流 (Chitō-Ryū, Chito-Ryu, or Chitoryu) is a style of karate founded by Tsuyoshi Chitose.

Here's the meaning of each character of the title:
千 = 1000
唐 = China (literally Tang, as in Tang Dynasty).
流 = Style or School.

Together, Chito-Ryu means “1,000 [year old] Chinese style.”

I will leave it up to you whether this is of Japanese or Okinawan style. The title certainly suggests roots traced back to China.


Chito-Ryu Print
Or how about a ready-to-frame print? Chito-Ryu Fine Art Giclee Print

Choujiao / Chou Jiao

 chuō jiǎo
Choujiao / Chou Jiao Scroll

戳腳 is the title for Choujiao, Chuōjiǎo, or Chou Jiao.

This means poking or stabbing foot. This is a Chinese martial art that falls under the Northern School.

There are many jumps, kicks, and lightning-fist actions in this style.

You'll find Chou Jiao practiced in Liaoning Province, Hebei Province, and Beijing.

Chung Do Kwan

 qīng tāo quǎn
Chung Do Kwan Scroll

靑濤館 is the Korean martial arts style, Chung Do Kwan, meaning “Blue Wave School.”

If you want this in modern Korean Hangul characters, click on the Hangul next to the Korean flag above instead of the button above.

Also Romanized as “Cheong Do Gwan” or “Ch'ŏng Do Kwan.”

Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu

School of Japanese Martial Arts

 dai tou ryuu ai ki ju jutsu
Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu Scroll

大東流合気柔術 is Daitō-Ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, a Japanese martial art established by Takeda Sōkaku.

The most famous student of Daitō-Ryū Aiki-jūjutsu is Morihei Ueshiba who later founded the school or branch of martial arts known as Aikido.


Note: 大東流合気柔術 can also be romanized as Daito-ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, Daitou-Ryuu Aiki-Juujutsu or Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujitsu.

 dào yuán
 dou gen
Dogen Scroll

Usually, when people are looking for 道元 or “Dogen,” they are referring to the Japanese Zen monk by this name.

He lived from 1200-1253. This Dogen name or title literally means “The Way Origin” or “Beginning of the Path.” It is understood to mean “beginning of right doctrine or faith” in the context of his name and work to establish the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan.

To accomplish that task, this humble monk traveled from Japan and across China to find the more original or pure forms of Buddhism.

Diligent Study Proverb

Drill a hole in the wall to get light to read by.

 záo bì tōu guāng
Diligent Study Proverb Scroll

鑿壁偷光 is a Chinese proverb that means “Bore a hole in the wall to make use of the neighbor's light to study.”

This is a nice gift for a very studious person.

Kuang Heng was born during the Western Han period. He has been very fond of reading ever since he was young. However, he could not attend school since his family was poor, and he had to borrow books from people to learn.

To borrow these books, he normally did chores for people who had them. When he became older, he had to work in the field from sunrise to sunset since his family's financial situation did not improve. Thus, he tried to study at night, but he had no lamp.

One day, he noticed the light from the neighbor's house coming through a crack in the wall. This made him very happy, so he dug a larger hole from the crack and read in the light that shone through. This diligent study eventually made him an accomplished person.

The Eagle Claw School

 yīng zhuǎ pài
The Eagle Claw School Scroll

鷹爪派 is the title of a Chinese martial arts style known as “The Eagle Claw School.”

It is believed this style was developed by General Yue Fei in the early 12th Century.

Eagle Claw Overturning Fist

 yīng zhuǎ fān zi quán
Eagle Claw Overturning Fist Scroll

鷹爪翻子拳 is the title of a Chinese martial arts style known as “Ying Zhua Fan Zi Quan” or “Eagle Claw Overturning Fist.”

This style was derived from a combination of 鷹爪派 (Eagle Claw School) and 子母拳 (Son-Mother Fist). The title “son-mother” may seem odd, but it refers to a fist or punches seemingly coming out of another fist or punch. In modern times, 子母彈 is a title for “cluster bomb” (bombs coming out of another bomb).

 ei shin ryuu
Eishin-Ryu Scroll

英信流 is the Japanese martial arts term, Eishin-ryu.

This can also be pronounced Hidenobu-ryu. The direct meaning is something like, hero faith school (or school of heroic faith).

Learning is Eternal

 xué wú zhǐ jìng
Learning is Eternal Scroll

This Chinese philosophy tells of how we continue to learn throughout our lives.

This proverb can be translated in a few ways such as “Study has no end,” “Knowledge is infinite,” “No end to learning,” “There's always something new to study,” or “You live and learn.”

The deeper meaning: Even when we finish school we are still students of the world gaining more knowledge from our surroundings with each passing day.


See Also:  An Open Book Benefits Your Mind | Wisdom | Learn From Wisdom

Five Elements Tai Chi Fist

 wǔ xíng tài jí quán
 go gyou tai kyoku ken
Five Elements Tai Chi Fist Scroll

五行太極拳 is a certain school or style of Tai Chi (Taiji).

The characters literally mean “Five Elements Tai Chi Fist.”

Notes:
In Taiwan, it would be Romanized as “Wu Hsing Tai Chi Chuan” - see the standard Mandarin method above in the gray box (used in mainland China and the official Romanization used by the Library of Congress).

The last three characters are sometimes translated as “Grand Ultimate Fist,” so the whole thing can be “Five Elements Grand Ultimate Fist” if you wish.

I have not confirmed the use of this title in Korean but if it is used, it's probably only by martial arts enthusiasts. The pronunciation is correct, as shown above for Korean.

Five Families / Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung

 cài lǐ hé fú xióng
 tsoi lee ho fat hung
Five Families / Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung Scroll

蔡李何佛雄 is the five families associated with San Soo Kung Fu.

The characters are always the same, but there are several ways these are romanized from Cantonese, Mandarin, and other dialects. Some common ones include Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung and Choi Li Ho Fut Hung.

If you are using a different romanization, that does not mean it's wrong. It might just be that your school is using a different dialect or romanization scheme.

 mén
 mon
 
Gate Scroll

門 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for gate, door, gateway, doorway, opening, entrance, valve, or switch.

Most commonly, this is simply a gate or door.

門 is also a Chinese surname that romanizes as Men.

In Japanese, this can be surnames romanizing as Yuki, Mon, To, or Kado.

In the Buddhist context, beyond meaning a door or gate, this can be a counter for a Buddhist sect, teaching, or school (we might say “slice” of bread, this would be a “gate” of teaching). In this way, it kind of refers to one of several doors that lead to salvation or nirvana.

 gou juu ryuu
Goju Ryu Scroll

剛柔流 is the title of the Goju-Ryu or Gōjū-Ryū school/style of Karate or Japanese martial arts.

Sometimes romanized as Gojo-Ryu or Gojoryu, though technically, it should be Gōjū-Ryū (the accents indicating long vowel sounds like “gou juu ryuu”).

Goju Ryu Karate-Do

 gou juu ryuu kara te dou
Goju Ryu Karate-Do Scroll

剛柔流空手道 is the title of the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do school of martial arts.

 hù shēn dào
 gou shin dou
Goshin-Do Scroll

護身道 is the title for the school of martial arts known as Goshin-Do.

The literal translation of these three characters is something like “self-protection way” or “protection of the body way.”

To put this in context, the term 護身 is often used for charms or amulets that are meant to protect the wearer from harm.


Note: This phrase is pronounceable in Chinese, but it not commonly known in China.

Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa

 quán fǎ
 kenpou
Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa Scroll

拳法 is a form of martial arts that can be translated in several ways.

Some will call it “fist principles,” “the way of the fist,” or even “law of the fist.” The first character literally means fist. The second can mean law, method, way, principle, or Buddhist teaching.

Kempo is really a potluck of martial arts. Often a combination of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu with Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Jujutsu (Jujitsu), Aikido, and others. You may see the term “Kempo Karate,” which basically means Karate with other disciplines added. In this way, Kempo becomes an adjective rather than a title or school of martial arts.

These facts will long be argued by various masters and students of Kempo. Even the argument as to whether it should be spelled “kenpo” or “Kempo” ensues at dojos around the world (the correct Romaji should actually be “kenpou” if you precisely follow the rules).

The benefit of Kempo is that the techniques are easier to learn and master than pure Kung Fu (wu shu). Students are often taught basic Karate moves, kicks, and punches before augmenting the basic skills with complex Kung Fu techniques. This allows students of Kempo to achieve a level where they can defend themselves or fight in a relatively short amount of time (a few years rather than a decade or more).

Because the definition of this word is so fluid, I should make some notes here:

1. Purists in Okinawa will claim that “Okinawa Kenpo” or “Ryukyu Hon Kenpo” is the original and true version of this martial art from the old kingdom. It is actually little or no connection between Okinawa Kenpo and the way the word is used elsewhere.

2. In Chinese, where these characters are pronounced “quan fa” (sometimes Romanized as “chuan fa” because the Chinese-pinyin “q” actually sounds like an English “ch” sound), these characters do not hold the connotation of being a mixed martial art. It is simply defined as “the law of the fist.”

3. My Japanese dictionary oddly defines Kenpo as the “Chinese art of self-defense.” I personally don't feel this is the most common way that people perceive the word but just something you should know.

 kou dou kan
Kodokan Scroll

講道館 is a title that refers to a certain kind or school of Judo martial arts.

Here's how the characters break down in meaning for this one:
1. Mutual Assistance or Association. Can also refer to a lecture, speech, or explaining something (as in teaching).
2. Way / Path (the Tao/Dao as in Taoism/Daoism)
3. Schoolroom / Building / Establishment / Mansion / Small Castle / Hall (of learning)

Altogether, you get something like, “The Path of Mutual Learning Hall.”

More about Kodokan from the Institute of Kodokan.

Kodokan Aikido

 kou dou kan ai ki dou
Kodokan Aikido Scroll

光道館合気道 / 光道館合氣道 is Kodokan Aikido.

Be sure this is the right Kodokan for your school, as there are two different titles that romanize as Kodokan in Japanese.

Kodokan Judo

 kou dou kan juu dou
Kodokan Judo Scroll

講道館柔道 is the title for the Kodokan Judo school of Japanese martial arts.

Kyokushinkai

 kyoku shin kai
Kyokushinkai Scroll

極真會 is the Japanese title Kyokushinkai, which is a school/type of Karate-Do.

If you want a longer title, such as Kyokushinkaikan, Kyokushinkai-Karate, or Kyokushin-Karate, please contact me.

Changquan / Long Fist

 cháng quán
Changquan / Long Fist Scroll

長拳 is the title for Changquan or Chang Quan, meaning Long Fist.

This style comes from the 北少林 (Northern Shaolin). Changquan belongs to the Northern Chinese School of Martial Arts.

 zhōng chéng
 chuu sei
Loyalty Scroll

忠誠 is the written form of loyalty that is universal in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Loyalty is staying true to someone. It is standing up for something you believe in without wavering. It is being faithful to your family, country, school, friends, or ideals when the going gets tough and when things are good. With loyalty, you build relationships that last forever.

Notes:

1. There is also a Japanese version that is part of the Bushido Code which may be more desirable depending on whether your intended audience is Japanese or Chinese.

2. This version of loyalty is sometimes translated as devotion, sincerity, fidelity, or allegiance.


See Also:  Honor | Trust | Integrity | Sincerity

Martial Arts Master

 wǔ yún zhě
 bugeisha
Martial Arts Master Scroll

武芸者 is the Japanese Kanji title for “Martial Arts Master.” It suggests that you have reached at least the level of black belt and are probably to the level where you are ready to become an instructor.

Please consider carefully where you stand before ordering this phrase on a wall scroll. If you are not a master, this will make you look a bit foolish.

If you want to get this as a gift for your master at the dojo. Try to discreetly make sure this term is used in your school. Different schools and styles of Japanese martial arts use different terms. You may notice in the Romaji that the last two characters romanize as “geisha” which means “person skilled in arts” (what a geisha girl really is). The title here has the character for “martial,” “warrior,” and/or “military” in front of it. Therefore the literal translation is “martial art person.”

These Kanji are valid Chinese characters and Korean Hanja, but this title does not really make sense in Chinese and is not often used in Korean, though a Chinese or Korean would be able to guess the meaning by looking at the first and last characters.

Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do

 matsu bayashi ryuu kara te dou
Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Scroll

鬆林流空手道 is the Japanese title for the Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do school of martial arts.

If directly translated, it means “Pine Forest Style Empty Hand Way.”

Notes:
1. 松林流 can be pronounced Matsubayashi-Ryū or Shōrin-Ryū. This can be confusing as Shōrin can also represent 少林 which refers to the Shaolin (little forest) style.
2. 松 can also be written in the traditional form of 鬆.

Mi Guk Kwan

American School

 měi guó guǎn
Mi Guk Kwan Scroll

美國館 is a Korean Hanja title, which roughly means “U.S. School.”

The first two characters mean “USA” (literally: Beautiful Kingdom/Country).

The last character means “school,” “building,” and “schoolroom” in this context.

This “Mi Guk Kwan” title is used to mean “The American School of Tang Soo Do.”

If you want this in modern Korean Hangul, just click the Hangul characters in the pronunciation box next to the Korean flag above.

 hóu quán
Monkey Fist Scroll

猴拳 literally means what you think, it's the “Monkey Fist” school of Kung Fu. A style that mimics the punches and movements of monkeys and apes.

Becoming popular during the Qing Dynasty, this style can trace its origins back to as early as the Song Dynasty. Some of the romance and popularity of this style comes from the novel “Journey to the West” which features the Monkey King and his fighting skills.

This novel and martial arts style has spawned a stream of Hong Kong movies featuring the Monkey King and other Kung Fu style variations such as “Drunken Monkey” and “Monkey Stealing Peaches” (a technique of disabling your opponent by grabbing and yanking on his testicles).


Note: This kind of makes sense in Korean Hanja and Japanese Kanji but probably unknown by all Koreans and Japanese except those who have an interest in this form of Kung Fu.

Nippon Karate-Do Genbu-Kai

Japanese Genbu Karate Club

 rì běn kōng shǒu dào xuán wǔ huì
 ni ppon kara te dou gen bu kai
Nippon Karate-Do Genbu-Kai Scroll

日本空手道玄武會 is the title for Nippon Karate-Do Genbu-Kai.
A Japanese karate association of the Genbu school.

Note that while this title does make perfect sense in Chinese, it is really a Japanese title. In fact, the first word is “Japanese/Japan.”


If you’d like your martial arts school, dojo or club added to our calligraphy database for easy ordering of a custom calligraphy wall scroll, just contact me.

The Old Way / Old School

 kodou
The Old Way / Old School Scroll

古道 is the Japanese word meaning “The Old Way.” The first character means old or ancient. The second character means “the way” and is the same character as used in Taoism / Daoism (Taoism literally means “the way”).

This second character can also be translated as “method,” as in a way of doing things.

古道 is sometimes Romanized as “Kodo,” though officially, the Romaji should be “Kodou.”

My Japanese-English dictionary further translates this word as the old road, ancient methods, ancient moral teachings, and the way of learning.

Note that this would be understood differently in Chinese. Most Chinese people would just read this as “The old road” without the other meanings derived in Japanese.

Enthusiasm / Passion for a Cause

 qíng rè
 jou netsu
Enthusiasm / Passion for a Cause Scroll

情熱 is the Japanese word that means enthusiasm or “passion for a cause.”

In some contexts, this could mean being extremely fond of something or having a fondness for a cause or person.

Can also be translated as passion, zeal, ardor/ardour, or fervor.

Note: This word (or character order) is not natural in Chinese. However, a typical Chinese person can guess this is a Japanese or Korean word and understand the intended meaning. This selection is best if your audience is Japanese or old-school Korean.


See Also:  Persistence | Devotion | Tenacity | Commitment | Motivation

Pure Land / Jodo

Also a sect of Buddhism

 jìng tǔ
 jou do
Pure Land / Jodo Scroll

淨土 literally means “pure land” or “clean earth.”

淨土 is also the abbreviated title of a Buddhist sect that involves faith in the rebirth of Buddha Amitabha (Amitābha) in the Western Heaven. Sometimes this sect is translated as “Paradise of the West.” Other titles of this school of Buddhism include Amidism or Elysium.


See Also:  Nirvana | Shin Buddhism

Qi Gong / Chi Kung

 qì gōng
 ki kou
Qi Gong / Chi Kung Scroll

氣功 or Qigong is the title of a technique that is somewhere between medical practice, meditation, and in some cases, religion.

The definition is blurred depending on which school of Qigong you are following. In some cases, it is even incorporated with martial arts.

Some people (even Chinese people) mix this title with Tai Chi (Tai Qi) exercises.

Lately, in China, people will claim to practice Tai Chi rather than Qigong because the Qigong title was recently used as a cover for an illegal pseudo-religious movement in China with the initials F.G. or F.D. (I can not write those names here for fear of our website being banned in China).

You can learn those names and more here: Further info about Qigong

If you are wondering why I wrote “Qi Gong” and “Chi Kung” as the title of this calligraphy entry, I should teach you a little about the various ways in which Chinese can be Romanized. One form writes this as “Chi Kung” or “Chikung” (Taiwan). In the mainland and elsewhere, it is Romanized as “Qi Gong” or “Qigong.” The pronunciation is the same in Taiwan, mainland, and Singapore Mandarin. Neither Romanization is exactly like English. If you want to know how to say this with English rules, it would be something like “Chee Gong” (but the “gong” has a vowel sound like the “O” in “go”).

Romanization is a really confusing topic and has caused many Chinese words to be mispronounced in the west. One example is “Kung Pao Chicken,” which should actually be more like “Gong Bao” with the “O” sounding like “oh” for both characters. Neither the Romanization system in Taiwan nor the Mainland is perfect, in my opinion, and leads to many misunderstandings.


In modern Japan, you may see this written as 気功, but the original 氣功 is still recognized. If you need the Japanese version, please contact me.

Respect

Politeness, Gratitude and Propriety

 lǐ
 rei
Respect Scroll

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.

禮 Chinese RespectPlease 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

Retro / Old School

 fù gǔ
 fukko
Retro / Old School Scroll

The meaning of 復古 can vary depending on the context. It used to mean a return to the old ways.

It can also mean “to turn back the clock,” “retro” (fashion style based on nostalgia, esp. for the 1960s), “revival,” or “restoration.”

The return to “the old ways” was also an aspiration of Confucius about 2500 years ago. This proves that “going retro” or “old school” has been cool since at least 500 B.C.

 lǜ
 ritsu
Ritsu Scroll

While this character literally means law, regulation or rules, it's also a surname Lü in Chinese and name Ritsu in Japanese.

In more ancient times (and for some people still), this can refer to East Asian criminal code, or vinaya (rules for the monastic community). For Japanese Buddhists, this can be the Ritsu school.

In some context, this can refer to certain musical scales used in Asia.

Ronin / Masterless Samurai

 làng rén
 rou nin
Ronin / Masterless Samurai Scroll

The 浪人 or Ronin have no master - The most famous are the 47 ronin created after their Lord committed suicide. This term was not a positive title for the Samurai of ancient Japan. However, in recent years, movies and video games have glorified the term Ronin.

In Chinese, this term has the original meaning of a hobo, vagabond, or ruffian.
In Korean Hanja, these characters would be read as adventurer, wanderer, someone without a steady job, or someone who is wasting away time.

In modern Japan, this term is used as a nickname for a high school student who has failed a college entry exam (and is trying again).

In Chinese and Korean, the Japanese definition of “Masterless Samurai” is known because of the historical context. Even in Japanese, the literal translation is closer to the Chinese and Korean definitions shown above.

This will make a fine wall scroll if you are a fan of the Ronin or see yourself as a Ronin of sorts. However, please think twice before getting a Ronin tattoo!

 lā gé bǐ
Rugby Scroll

拉格比 is the Chinese word for Rugby.

This title usually refers to the game or sport of Rugby. But can also refer to the place name or school in England of the same name.

Study / Learn / School

 xué
 gaku
 
Study / Learn / School Scroll

學 is “study” or “learn” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

學 is a very broad character that can mean a lot of things related to scholarship. It can refer to a school (in fact, if you put the character for “big” in front of this, you have “college” or “university,” if you put the word for “middle,” you have “middle school.” This can also mean science; the process of acquiring knowledge; learning; scholarship; erudition; knowledge. It can also add the Chinese or Japanese version of “-ology” (the study of) too many words.


学There is a very common simplified version of this character. You will see this form in modern Japan and mainland China, Singapore, and other places. If you want this simplified version, please click on the character shown to the right instead of the "select and customize" button above.

School of Happiness

 koufuku no gakkou
School of Happiness Scroll

幸福の学校 means “School of Happiness” in Japanese.

This is not a common phrase in Japanese, but it will be understood.

School of Happiness

 xìng fú xué xiào
School of Happiness Scroll

幸福學校 means “School of Happiness” or “Happiness School” in Chinese.

幸福 means happiness, happy, blessed, blessedness, joy, and/or well-being.

學校 means school or college.

Senpai / The Elder or Master

 xiān bèi
 sen pai
Senpai / The Elder or Master Scroll

先輩 is a Chinese, Japanese, and old Korean word or title that means elders, senior (at work or school), superior, older graduate, progenitor, or old-timer.

In American dojos, this is sometimes romanized as Sempai.

Shaolin Chuan / Shao Lin Quan

 shǎo lín quán
Shaolin Chuan / Shao Lin Quan Scroll

少林拳 is the title of the martial art (style of Kung Fu) that is taught to the monks and students in the Shaolin Buddhist Monastery.

The addition of Chuan or Quan, which means fist is what signifies that you are talking about this school or form of martial arts.

Shito-Ryu Ki-Me-Kan Karate-Do

 mì dōng liú qì mù guǎn kōng shǒu dào
 shito-ryu ki-me-kan karate-dou
Shito-Ryu Ki-Me-Kan Karate-Do Scroll

糸東流氣目館空手道 is the title for Shito-Ryu Ki-Me-Kan Karate-Do.
A school of Karate.

Note that while this title can be pronounced in Chinese, it only makes complete sense in Japanese.

Shorin Ji Ryu

Shaolin Temple Style

 shou rin ji ryuu
Shorin Ji Ryu Scroll

少林寺流 is the Japanese martial arts title “Shorin-ji-ryu.”

Though the first part of the title comes from the Shaolin temple in China. In Japan, this refers to an Okinawa school of karate.

Note: Sometimes, this title is written without the “ji” or “temple” Kanji.

Shorin-Ryu

Shaolin Style

 shou rin ryuu
Shorin-Ryu Scroll

少林流 is the Japanese martial arts title “Shorin-ryu.”

Though the first part of the title comes from the Shaolin (small forest) monks of China.
In Japan, this refers to the Okinawa School of Karate.


小Note that often in Japanese, the first Kanji of this title was changed to the version shown to the right. If you prefer this version, please click on the Kanji to the right instead of the button above.

 shou shin ryuu
Shoshin-Ryu Scroll

初心流 is often translated in Japanese as “beginner's mind style” or “beginner's spirit method.”

The first character means first, initial, primary, junior, beginning, or basic.

The second character means heart, mind, soul, or essence.

The third character means style, method, or some will translate it as a school.


Please note, there is more than one martial arts school that romanizes as Shoshin-Ryu.

 shou shin ryuu
Shoshin-Ryu Scroll

正心流 is a Japanese title that means “right heart style” or “true mind method.”

The first character means right, correct, greater, or true.

The second character means heart, mind, soul, or essence.

The third character means style, method, or some will translate it as a school.


Please note, there is more than one martial arts school that romanizes as Shoshin-Ryu.

Shotokan-Ryu

Martial arts term

 shou tou kan ryuu
Shotokan-Ryu Scroll

松濤館流 is the Japanese martial arts title, Shotokan-Ryu.

This is a style or school of karate.

Perseverance is the Key

Skills cannot be perfected without perseverance in practice

 bú pà liàn bù chéng jiù pà xīn bù héng
Perseverance is the Key Scroll

不怕练不成就怕心不恒 literally translates as: Do not worry about not being able to master [a skill]; What [one should] be concerned about is lack of perseverance.

Figuratively, this means: One's skills cannot be perfected without perseverance in practice.

For me, I've learned that you can only get so much from school or studying. You've really got to do “on-the-job training” to perfect your ability and skill.

For martial arts students: You can read about a kick in a book, or someone can tell you about a certain kick but until you practice the kick, there's no way you'll master it.

Southern Praying Mantis

 nán pài táng láng
Southern Praying Mantis Scroll

南派螳螂 can be translated literally as “Southern School Praying Mantis” or “Southern Style Praying Mantis.”

Despite its name, the Southern Praying Mantis style of Chinese martial arts is unrelated to the Northern Praying Mantis style. Southern Praying Mantis is instead related most closely to fellow Hakka styles such as Dragon and more distantly to the Fujian family of styles that includes Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, and Wing Chun.

This style of martial arts focuses more on fighting skills rather than aesthetics.

Of course, you already knew that if you were looking for this term.

Note: This title can be pronounced and does have meaning in Korean but only to Koreans familiar with Chinese martial arts.

Spiritual Peace / Enlightened Peace

 an jin ritsu myou
Spiritual Peace / Enlightened Peace Scroll

These Japanese Kanji, 安心立命, can be translated as “religious enlightenment” or “spiritual peace gained through faith.”

Other dictionaries define as “spiritual peace and enlightenment” or “keeping an unperturbed mind through faith.”

My Buddhist dictionary defines it as “spiritual peace and realization of enlightenment.”

In the Zen school, this is about settling one's body and life; attaining complete peace, and establishing one's course of life in accord with the ultimate reality.

 xué shēng
 gakusei
Student Scroll

學生 is how to write “student” in Chinese, pre-WWII Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

If you are a “student of life,” this might be an interesting wall scroll to hang in your reading room.

The first character means “study” or “learning.”
The second character means “life” or “birth.” Don't read too much into that second character unless you decide that this means “the birth of studies” or “the life of learning.” Everyone in China, Japan (and those who can read Hanja in Korea) will just read this word with the meaning of “student.”

If you put the character for “little” in front of this word, it becomes “elementary school student.” Prefixed with “middle,” it becomes “middle school student.” Prefixed with “big,” it becomes “university student” (though when these two characters for student are seen alone, it often suggests “university student”). The term “high school student” is written differently.


学There is a very common simplified version of the first character for this word. You will see this form in modern Japan and mainland China, Singapore, and other places. If you want this simplified version, please click on the character shown to the right instead of the "select and customize" button above.

 tán tuǐ
Tantui Scroll

潭腿 is the title for “Tantui,” a northern school of martial arts boxing.

Shin Buddhism

True Pure Land Buddhism

 jou do shin shuu
Shin Buddhism Scroll

浄土真宗 is known in the west as “Shin Buddhism.”

This is a school of Japanese “Pure Land Buddhism.” This form is also known as “True Pure Land Buddhism” or “Jodoshinshu” (jōdoshinshū).

If you are looking for this title, you probably already know the rest of the story.


See Also:  Pure Land Buddhism

Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do

 ue chi ryuu kara te dou
Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Scroll

上地流空手道 is the title of the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do school of Okinawan martial arts.

Uechi means “higher stages of practice” in a Buddhist context.

 ue chi ryuu
Uechi-Ryu Scroll

上地流 or Uechi-Ryū is the short name for a traditional style of Okinawan karate.

Uechi-Ryū is named after its creator, Kanbun Uechi. Uechi was an Okinawan man who left at the age of 19 for China to study Chinese martial arts and medicine.

The meaning of this title is “Uechi Flow,” “Uechi Style,” or “Uechi School.” Although, the name 上地 or Uechi can mean “higher stages of practice” in the Buddhist context. Therefore, you can stretch the meaning to be “Higher-Stages-of-Practice Style.”

Wing Chun Fist

 yǒng chūn quán
 wing chun kuen
Wing Chun Fist Scroll

詠春拳 is the title for the “Wing Chun” school of martial arts but with the addition of the character for “fist” at the end. So this is “Wing Chun Fist” or literally “Singing Spring Fist.”

There are lots of alternate Cantonese romanizations for this, such as “Wing Chun Kuen,” “Wing Tsun Cheun,” “Eng Chun Pai,” and “Wing Ceon Kyun.” The characters are the same; just the lack of a standard Cantonese romanization means that people make up their own based on what they think it sounds like.

Five Ancestors Fist

 wǔ zǔ quán
Five Ancestors Fist Scroll

五祖拳 is a martial arts concept (or school) known as Five Ancestors' Fist.

The first character means five.
The second means ancestor, forefather, or grandparents.
The third means fist.

The ancestors referred to by this title and whose attributes contribute to this style are as follows:
1. Grace of the White Crane.
2. Agility of the Monkey.
3. Precision and skill of Emperor Taizu (great mythical ancestor).
4. Power of Luohan (Buddhist arhat).
5. Breath of Damo (founder of Buddhism, or the first Buddha).

Zen Buddhism

 chán zōng
 zen shuu
Zen Buddhism Scroll

禪宗 is one way to title “Zen Buddhism.” Because the original pronunciation of Zen in Chinese is Chan, you'll also see this expressed as Chan Buddhism.

From the Buddhist Dictionary:
The Chan, meditative or intuitional, sect is usually said to have been established in China by Bodhidharma, the twenty-eighth patriarch, who brought the tradition of the Buddha-mind from India. This sect, believing in direct enlightenment, disregarded ritual and sūtras and depended upon the inner light and personal influence for the propagation of its tenets, founding itself on the esoteric tradition supposed to have been imparted to Kāśyapa by the Buddha, who indicated his meaning by plucking a flower without further explanation. Kāśyapa smiled in apprehension and is supposed to have passed on this mystic method to the patriarchs. The successor of Bodhidharma was 慧可 Huike, and he was succeeded by 僧璨 Sengcan, 道信 Daoxin, 弘忍 Hongren, 慧能 Huineng, and 神秀 Shenxiu, the sect dividing under the two latter into the southern and northern schools: the southern school became prominent, producing 南嶽 Nanyue and 靑原 Qingyuan, the former succeeded by 馬祖 Mazu, the latter by 石頭 Shitou. From Mazu's school arose the five later schools.

 pú tí dá mó
 bodai daruma
Bodhidharma Scroll

菩提達磨 is the title Bodhidharma in Chinese and Japanese.

Bodhidharma, commonly known as Damo, is reputed as the founder of the Chan (Zen) or Intuitional or Mystic School.

He likely came from south India and spread Mahayana Buddhism throughout China (even meeting the Emperor) and his disciples likely spread this all the way to Korea, Japan, and beyond in the 5th and 6th centuries.

Sometimes the last character varies in Chinese to 摩 instead of 磨 - let me know if you need a certain variation when you order.

 shi dou shi
Shidoshi Scroll

A shidōshi or 士道師, translated directly, is a teacher of the chivalrous way or samurai code.

Practitioners from the Bujinkan school of martial arts use this term (in lieu of “sensei”) for licensed teachers.

Kanzen Goju-Ryu

 kan zen gou juu ryuu
Kanzen Goju-Ryu Scroll

完全剛柔流 is the title of the “Kanzen Goju-Ryu” or “Kanzen Gōjū-Ryū” school of Japanese martial arts.

完全 or Kanzen means complete, whole, total, or entire.

Kobayashi / Shobayashi

 xiǎo lín
 shou bayashi / ko bayashi
Kobayashi / Shobayashi Scroll

小林 means little forest in Japanese and Chinese.

This can also be the Japanese surname or martial arts style called Kobayashi or Shōbayashi.

In Japanese martial arts, this can also be pronounced as Shorin and is included as such in some MA school names.

 cān tóng qì
 san dou kai
Sandokai Scroll

This is the title for the poem, Sandōkai as used in the Soto school of Zen Buddhism.

If you need the full text of the poem on a scroll or more info, please contact me.

 shuu dou kan
Shudokan Scroll

修道館 is the title for Shudokan or Shūdōkan which means “the hall for the study of the way of karate.”

Shudokan is a Japanese school of karate developed by Kanken Toyama (1888 – 1966).

Shinto Muso-Ryu

 shin tou mu sou ryuu
Shinto Muso-Ryu Scroll

神道夢想流 is Shintō Musō-ryū, or Shindō Musō-ryū.

This is usually used in the context of jōdō, a traditional school of the Japanese martial art of jōjutsu (the art of wielding the short staff).

Koryu Bujutsu

 gǔ liú wǔ shù
 ko ryuu bu jutsu
Koryu Bujutsu Scroll

古流武術 is the title “Ko-ryū Bujutsu” which basically means “old school martial arts” or “ancient flow martial arts.”

This is more a Japanese than a Chinese martial arts term but would be understood in Chinese as well.

 go shin kai
Goshin-Kai Scroll

護身会 is the title for the Goshin-Kai school of Japanese martial arts.

護身 (Goshin) means self-protection, protection of the body.

会 (Kai) means meeting, assembly, society, association, or club.

 ko bu kan
Kobukan Scroll

古武館 is the martial arts style Kobukan or Kobu-Kan.

The meaning is “ancient warrior hall.”

古 = Old, ancient, antique, or paleo-
武 = Martial, warrior, or military.
館 = Hall, building, school room, or an alternate word for a dojo.

Gojukan / Goju-Kan

 gou juu kan
Gojukan / Goju-Kan Scroll

剛柔館 is the martial arts style Gojukan or Goju-Kan.

The meaning is “hardness [and] softness hall.”

剛 = Hard, firm, or strong.
柔 = Soft, softness, flexible, supple, yielding, gentleness, or pliant.
館 = Hall, building, school room, or an alternate word for a dojo.

Okinawan Goju-Kan

 okinawa gou juu kan
Okinawan Goju-Kan Scroll

沖縄剛柔館 is the martial arts style Okinawan Gojukan or Okinawan Goju-Kan.

The meaning is “Okinawa hardness [and] softness hall.”

沖縄 = Okinawa.
剛 = Hard, firm, or strong.
柔 = Soft, softness, flexible, supple, yielding, gentleness, or pliant.
館 = Hall, building, school room, or an alternate word for a dojo.

 zhì dào guǎn
 chi dou kan
Chidokan Scroll

致道館 is the name Chidokan.

Chidōkan was established in 1805. The original Chidōkan school was located in Tsuruoka, Japan.

The original school taught a combination of traditional Chinese literature, Ogasawara-ryū etiquette, Chinese medicine and martial arts alongside Confucianism.

Shinden Fudo Ryu

 shin den fu do ryuu
Shinden Fudo Ryu Scroll

神伝不動流 is the title of the martial arts school/style known as Shinden Fudo Ryū.

 ken shin kan
Kenshin-Kan Scroll

This is the Japanese martial arts school, “Kenshin-Kan” or “Ken Shin Kan” in Kanji.




This in-stock artwork might be what you are looking for, and ships right away...

Gallery Price: $100.00

Your Price: $45.88


The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Aiki-Jutsu合氣術
合気術
ai ki jutsu
aikijutsu
Aikikai合気会 / 合氣會
合気会
ai ki kai / aikikai
Content and Motionless安住不動
安住不动
an juu fu dou
anjuufudou
an ju fu do
Appreciation of Truth by Meditation心印shin nin / shinninxīn yìn / xin1 yin4 / xin yin / xinyinhsin yin / hsinyin
White Eagle Style白鷹派
白鹰派
bái yīng pài
bai2 ying1 pai4
bai ying pai
baiyingpai
pai ying p`ai
paiyingpai
pai ying pai
Wisdom from Hard Knocks挨一拳得一招挨十拳變諸葛
挨一拳得一招挨十拳变诸葛
ái yī quán dé yī zhāo ái shí quán biàn zhū gě
ai2 yi1 quan2 de2 yi1 zhao1 ai2 shi2 quan2 bian4 zhu1 ge3
ai yi quan de yi zhao ai shi quan bian zhu ge
ai i ch`üan te i chao ai shih ch`üan pien chu ko
ai i chüan te i chao ai shih chüan pien chu ko
Black Flag Gate
Hek Ki Boen
黑旗門
黑旗门
hēi qí mén
hei1 qi2 men2
hei qi men
heiqimen
hei ch`i men
heichimen
hei chi men
Black Tiger Fist黑虎拳hēi hǔ quán
hei1 hu3 quan2
hei hu quan
heihuquan
hei hu ch`üan
heihuchüan
hei hu chüan
Bushin
Bujin
武神bu shin / bushin
Bushi-Ryu Jujutsu武士流柔術bu shi ryuu ju jutsu
bushiryuujujutsu
bu shi ryu ju jutsu
Che Guevara切格瓦拉qiè gé wǎ lā
qie4 ge2 wa3 la1
qie ge wa la
qiegewala
ch`ieh ko wa la
chiehkowala
chieh ko wa la
Chito-Ryu千唐流chi tou ryuu
chitouryuu
chi to ryu
Choujiao
Chou Jiao
戳腳
戳脚
chuō jiǎo
chuo1 jiao3
chuo jiao
chuojiao
ch`o chiao
chochiao
cho chiao
Chung Do Kwan靑濤館qīng tāo quǎn
qing1 tao1 quan3
qing tao quan
qingtaoquan
ch`ing t`ao ch`üan
chingtaochüan
ching tao chüan
Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu大東流合氣柔術
大東流合気柔術
dai tou ryuu ai ki ju jutsu
daitouryuuaikijujutsu
dai to ryu ai ki ju jutsu
Dogen道元dou gen / dougen / do gendào yuán / dao4 yuan2 / dao yuan / daoyuantao yüan / taoyüan
Diligent Study Proverb鑿壁偷光
凿壁偷光
záo bì tōu guāng
zao2 bi4 tou1 guang1
zao bi tou guang
zaobitouguang
tsao pi t`ou kuang
tsaopitoukuang
tsao pi tou kuang
The Eagle Claw School鷹爪派
鹰爪派
yīng zhuǎ pài
ying1 zhua3 pai4
ying zhua pai
yingzhuapai
ying chua p`ai
yingchuapai
ying chua pai
Eagle Claw Overturning Fist鷹爪翻子拳
鹰爪翻子拳
yīng zhuǎ fān zi quán
ying1 zhua3 fan1 zi5 quan2
ying zhua fan zi quan
yingzhuafanziquan
ying chua fan tzu ch`üan
yingchuafantzuchüan
ying chua fan tzu chüan
Eishin-Ryu英信流ei shin ryuu
eishinryuu
ei shin ryu
Learning is Eternal學無止境
学无止境
xué wú zhǐ jìng
xue2 wu2 zhi3 jing4
xue wu zhi jing
xuewuzhijing
hsüeh wu chih ching
hsüehwuchihching
Five Elements Tai Chi Fist五行太極拳
五行太极拳
go gyou tai kyoku ken
gogyoutaikyokuken
go gyo tai kyoku ken
wǔ xíng tài jí quán
wu3 xing2 tai4 ji2 quan2
wu xing tai ji quan
wuxingtaijiquan
wu hsing t`ai chi ch`üan
wuhsingtaichichüan
wu hsing tai chi chüan
Five Families
Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung
蔡李何佛雄cài lǐ hé fú xióng
cai4 li3 he2 fu2 xiong2
cai li he fu xiong
cailihefuxiong
ts`ai li ho fu hsiung
tsailihofuhsiung
tsai li ho fu hsiung
Gate
monmén / men2 / men
Goju Ryu剛柔流
刚柔流
gou juu ryuu
goujuuryuu
go ju ryu
Goju Ryu Karate-Do剛柔流空手道
刚柔流空手道
gou juu ryuu kara te dou
goujuuryuukaratedou
go ju ryu kara te do
Goshin-Do護身道
护身道
gou shin dou
goushindou
go shin do
hù shēn dào
hu4 shen1 dao4
hu shen dao
hushendao
hu shen tao
hushentao
Kenpo
Kempo
Quan Fa
Chuan Fa
拳法kenpou / kenpoquán fǎ / quan2 fa3 / quan fa / quanfach`üan fa / chüanfa / chüan fa
Kodokan講道館
讲道馆
kou dou kan
koudoukan
ko do kan
Kodokan Aikido光道館合気道 / 光道館合氣道
光道馆合气道
kou dou kan ai ki dou
koudoukanaikidou
ko do kan ai ki do
Kodokan Judo講道館柔道
讲道馆柔道
kou dou kan juu dou
koudoukanjuudou
ko do kan ju do
Kyokushinkai極真會
極真会
kyoku shin kai
kyokushinkai
Changquan
Long Fist
長拳
长拳
cháng quán
chang2 quan2
chang quan
changquan
ch`ang ch`üan
changchüan
chang chüan
Loyalty忠誠
忠诚
chuu sei / chuusei / chu seizhōng chéng
zhong1 cheng2
zhong cheng
zhongcheng
chung ch`eng
chungcheng
chung cheng
Martial Arts Master武芸者bugeishawǔ yún zhě
wu3 yun2 zhe3
wu yun zhe
wuyunzhe
wu yün che
wuyünche
Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do松林流空手道matsu bayashi ryuu kara te dou
matsu bayashi ryu kara te do
Mi Guk Kwan美國館
美国馆
měi guó guǎn
mei3 guo2 guan3
mei guo guan
meiguoguan
mei kuo kuan
meikuokuan
Monkey Fist猴拳hóu quán / hou2 quan2 / hou quan / houquanhou ch`üan / houchüan / hou chüan
Nippon Karate-Do Genbu-Kai日本空手道玄武會
日本空手道玄武会
ni ppon kara te dou gen bu kai
nipponkaratedougenbukai
ni pon kara te do gen bu kai
rì běn kōng shǒu dào xuán wǔ huì
ri4 ben3 kong1 shou3 dao4 xuan2 wu3 hui4
ri ben kong shou dao xuan wu hui
jih pen k`ung shou tao hsüan wu hui
jih pen kung shou tao hsüan wu hui
The Old Way
Old School
古道kodou / kodo
Enthusiasm
Passion for a Cause
情熱
情热
jou netsu / jounetsu / jo netsuqíng rè / qing2 re4 / qing re / qingrech`ing je / chingje / ching je
Pure Land
Jodo
淨土
净土
jou do / joudo / jo dojìng tǔ / jing4 tu3 / jing tu / jingtuching t`u / chingtu / ching tu
Qi Gong
Chi Kung
氣功
气功
ki kou / kikou / ki koqì gōng / qi4 gong1 / qi gong / qigongch`i kung / chikung / chi kung
Respect
reilǐ / li3 / li
Retro
Old School
復古
复古
fukko / fukofù gǔ / fu4 gu3 / fu gu / fugufu ku / fuku
Ritsuritsulǜ / lu:4 / lu:
Ronin
Masterless Samurai
浪人rou nin / rounin / ro ninlàng rén / lang4 ren2 / lang ren / langrenlang jen / langjen
Rugby拉格比lā gé bǐ
la1 ge2 bi3
la ge bi
lagebi
la ko pi
lakopi
Study
Learn
School

gakuxué / xue2 / xuehsüeh
School of Happiness幸福の學校
幸福の学校
koufuku no gakkou
koufukunogakkou
kofuku no gako
School of Happiness幸福學校
幸福学校
xìng fú xué xiào
xing4 fu2 xue2 xiao4
xing fu xue xiao
xingfuxuexiao
hsing fu hsüeh hsiao
hsingfuhsüehhsiao
Senpai
The Elder or Master
先輩
先辈
sen pai / senpaixiān bèi / xian1 bei4 / xian bei / xianbeihsien pei / hsienpei
Shaolin Chuan
Shao Lin Quan
少林拳shǎo lín quán
shao3 lin2 quan2
shao lin quan
shaolinquan
shao lin ch`üan
shaolinchüan
shao lin chüan
Shito-Ryu Ki-Me-Kan Karate-Do糸東流氣目館空手道
糸东流気目馆空手道
shito-ryu ki-me-kan karate-dou
shito-ryu ki-me-kan karate-do
mì dōng liú qì mù guǎn kōng shǒu dào
mi4 dong1 liu2 qi4 mu4 guan3 kong1 shou3 dao4
mi dong liu qi mu guan kong shou dao
mi tung liu ch`i mu kuan k`ung shou tao
mi tung liu chi mu kuan kung shou tao
Shorin Ji Ryu少林寺流shou rin ji ryuu
shourinjiryuu
sho rin ji ryu
Shorin-Ryu少林流shou rin ryuu
shourinryuu
sho rin ryu
Shoshin-Ryu初心流shou shin ryuu
shoushinryuu
sho shin ryu
Shoshin-Ryu正心流shou shin ryuu
shoushinryuu
sho shin ryu
Shotokan-Ryu松濤館流shou tou kan ryuu
shoutoukanryuu
sho to kan ryu
Perseverance is the Key不怕練不成就怕心不恆
不怕练不成就怕心不恒
bú pà liàn bù chéng jiù pà xīn bù héng
bu2 pa4 lian4 bu4 cheng2 jiu4 pa4 xin1 bu4 heng2
bu pa lian bu cheng jiu pa xin bu heng
pu p`a lien pu ch`eng chiu p`a hsin pu heng
pu pa lien pu cheng chiu pa hsin pu heng
Southern Praying Mantis南派螳螂nán pài táng láng
nan2 pai4 tang2 lang2
nan pai tang lang
nanpaitanglang
nan p`ai t`ang lang
nanpaitanglang
nan pai tang lang
Spiritual Peace
Enlightened Peace
安心立命an jin ritsu myou
anjinritsumyou
an jin ritsu myo
Student學生
学生
gakuseixué shēng
xue2 sheng1
xue sheng
xuesheng
hsüeh sheng
hsüehsheng
Tantui潭腿tán tuǐ / tan2 tui3 / tan tui / tantuit`an t`ui / tantui / tan tui
Shin Buddhism浄土真宗jou do shin shuu
joudoshinshuu
jo do shin shu
Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do上地流空手道ue chi ryuu kara te dou
uechiryuukaratedou
ue chi ryu kara te do
Uechi-Ryu上地流ue chi ryuu
uechiryuu
ue chi ryu
Wing Chun Fist詠春拳
咏春拳
yǒng chūn quán
yong3 chun1 quan2
yong chun quan
yongchunquan
yung ch`un ch`üan
yungchunchüan
yung chun chüan
Five Ancestors Fist五祖拳wǔ zǔ quán
wu3 zu3 quan2
wu zu quan
wuzuquan
wu tsu ch`üan
wutsuchüan
wu tsu chüan
Zen Buddhism禪宗
禅宗
zen shuu / zenshuu / zen shuchán zōng
chan2 zong1
chan zong
chanzong
ch`an tsung
chantsung
chan tsung
Bodhidharma菩提達磨
菩提达磨
bodai daruma
bodaidaruma
pú tí dá mó
pu2 ti2 da2 mo2
pu ti da mo
putidamo
p`u t`i ta mo
putitamo
pu ti ta mo
Shidoshi士道師
士道师
shi dou shi
shidoushi
shi do shi
Kanzen Goju-Ryu完全剛柔流
完全刚柔流
kan zen gou juu ryuu
kanzengoujuuryuu
kan zen go ju ryu
Kobayashi
Shobayashi
小林shou bayashi / ko bayashi
shoubayashi / kobayashi
sho bayashi / ko bayashi
xiǎo lín / xiao3 lin2 / xiao lin / xiaolinhsiao lin / hsiaolin
Sandokai參同契san dou kai
sandoukai
san do kai
cān tóng qì
can1 tong2 qi4
can tong qi
cantongqi
ts`an t`ung ch`i
tsantungchi
tsan tung chi
Shudokan修道館shuu dou kan
shuudoukan
shu do kan
Shinto Muso-Ryu神道夢想流shin tou mu sou ryuu
shintoumusouryuu
shin to mu so ryu
Koryu Bujutsu古流武術
古流武术
ko ryuu bu jutsu
koryuubujutsu
ko ryu bu jutsu
gǔ liú wǔ shù
gu3 liu2 wu3 shu4
gu liu wu shu
guliuwushu
ku liu wu shu
kuliuwushu
Goshin-Kai護身会
护身会
go shin kai
goshinkai
Kobukan古武館
古武馆
ko bu kan / kobukan
Gojukan
Goju-Kan
剛柔館
刚柔馆
gou juu kan
goujuukan
go ju kan
Okinawan Goju-Kan沖縄剛柔館
沖縄刚柔馆
okinawa gou juu kan
okinawagoujuukan
okinawa go ju kan
Chidokan致道館chi dou kan
chidoukan
chi do kan
zhì dào guǎn
zhi4 dao4 guan3
zhi dao guan
zhidaoguan
chih tao kuan
chihtaokuan
Shinden Fudo Ryu神伝不動流shin den fu do ryuu
shindenfudoryuu
shin den fu do ryu
Kenshin-Kan建心館ken shin kan
kenshinkan
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.


Dictionary

Lookup Old School in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...

A Journey of 1000 Miles Feels Like OneA Life of Serenity Yields UnderstandingAadenAadilAadonAbdulAbilityAchrafAdeleAdrianAdrielAikidoAikikaiAiniAiramAlanisAlexaAliceAlistairAllyAlone With Only Your Shadow for CompanyAlways Be PreparedAlways Striving for Inner StrengthAnahiAnderAndersonAngieAnitaAnnalynAntoinetteAntonArelyArindamArjonArnieArt of HealingAsayama Ichiden-RyuAvinAvrilAwakeningBarunBastiBeginner MindBendijoBerengarBetelgeuseBlancaBloodless VictoryBodhisattvaBon VoyageBoundlessBreaBreannaBrielBrooklynBuddha ScrollBudo-KaiBujutsuBullBushi KaiCaineCalm MindCapricornCarmeliCastilloCelestial DragonCesarChadCheriChito-RyuChristaChristyCirceClarisseClaudiuClementineCliffordConstantinoCorazonCourage to Do What is RightDaito-RyuDakotaDalenDalilaDanielleDanniDarinDavianDe LeonDemonteDennieDenzDetermination to AchieveDhannaDiamondDickinsonDojochoDonaDragon EmperorEagleEleuterioEllenEloiseEmmanuelEnisEnjoy LifeEssenceEzraFearlessFernFifiFive FortunesFive Reflections - GoseiFlexibility Overcomes StrengthFordForeverFour SeasonsFudoshinGeminyGeorgeGladysGo Rin No ShoGoju-RyuGoldGood Health Healthy VigorGoshin JutsuGoshin-DoGouthamGregGreggGuanyinGudoGunterHaiderHarmonyHaruHealing PersonHeartHollyHoshiHunterIchigo IchieIchigo KurosakiImprovise Adapt OvercomeIndestructibleIron ManIssacIzabellaJanaJayeJeraldJeromeJessicaJettJobinJollyJuliKadieKaelynKarate-DoKarlKateKathyKatrinKatsujinkenKawasakiKayleighKelseaKen Zen Ichi NyoKenyonKeziahKodokan AikidoKodyKokoro O MoyaseKusaLambertLathamLightLightning BoltLitaLoreenLuceroLucioMacintyreMadonnaMaiaMaliaManzoMargieMariaMarimarMarishiten MariciMaritaMarquezMary JaneMelissaMen Die for Wealth Birds Die for FoodMeraMiao

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.


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

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.

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

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.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

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.

A high-ranked Chinese master calligrapher that I met in Zhongwei

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.

Some people may refer to this entry as Old School Kanji, Old School Characters, Old School in Mandarin Chinese, Old School Characters, Old School in Chinese Writing, Old School in Japanese Writing, Old School in Asian Writing, Old School Ideograms, Chinese Old School symbols, Old School Hieroglyphics, Old School Glyphs, Old School in Chinese Letters, Old School Hanzi, Old School in Japanese Kanji, Old School Pictograms, Old School in the Chinese Written-Language, or Old School in the Japanese Written-Language.

2 people have searched for Old School in Chinese or Japanese in the past year.
Old School was last searched for by someone else on Feb 27th, 2024