This item is appropriate for individuals who are currently enrolled in a Seichou program.

Through January 23, students who write one of the following Chinese characters, or character pairs, 250 times will receive a certificate of merit. Students who write them 500 times will receive a certificate of excellence.

Students can learn to write their character(s) of choice by viewing kanji instructional videos prepared by Kano Sensei that are available on our website. Just scroll down the landing page to find your kanji.

We envision most participants using a pencil or pen on this Challenge. However, you may use a brush if you prefer to do so. We have calligraphy sets for sale at the dojo.

We suggest you carefully read the entire kanji list below and, then, choose the one you find most meaningful. You may use a brush, but you are not required to do so. Instead, you may use a pencil or pen to practice. Let us know if you wish to purchase a calligraphy set for the Challenge. We envision most students will use pencil or pen on this Challenge. When practicing with a pen or pencil, students should focus on the correct stroke order and the meaning of each character. When practicing with a brush, focus on the correct stroke order, the meaning of each character and on the undulation and termination of each stroke.

Children should use our approved Kanji Practice Sheets. Adults may use the approved Kanji Practice Sheets or purchase a Kanji Practice Workbook. Email us and we will send the appropriate hyperlinks for the Kanji Practice Sheets and the Kanji Practice Workbook.

Neatness, Accuracy and Understanding Count. In order for this Challenge to be meaningful, students must avoid rushing when they practice. Those who merely scribble the characters will not benefit. Rather, students should focus on the correct stroke order and symmetry (balance) of each character they write. Actually, after practicing a character 30 times, you will commit the stroke order to memory. In this connection, students should remember that kanji are always written from left to right and from top to bottom. Then, in addition to employing the correct stroke order, students must meditate upon the meaning of the character each time they write it.  We will expect to see that the last characters you completed are significantly better than the first ones you wrote because growth and improvement are the heart of Seichou.

Deadline: January 23 (Sun). To be eligible for a certificate, students must submit their work by January 23 (Sun) together with a typed statement of between 25 and 150 words on what their chosen character means to them.  We will award certificates on February 26 (Sat).  Good luck and OSU!

2022 Kakizome Taikai  

1.     集中 Focus (Shuuchuu)  
   2.     忍耐 Patience (Nintai)  
   3.     根気 Perseverance (Konki)  
   4.     勇気 Courage (Yuuki)  
   5.     元気 Cheerful, Energetic (Genki)  
   6.     平和 Peace (Heiwa)  
   7.     空手 Karate  
   8.     気合 Fighting spirit (Kiai)  
   9.     努力 Effort (Doryoku)  
   10. 活力 Vigor (Katsuryoku)  
   11. 気力 Energy (Kiryoku)  
   12. 全力To do my best (Zenryoku)  
   13. 健康 Health (Kenkou)  
   14. 知恵 Wisdom (Chie)  
   15. 敬う Respect (Uyamau)  
   16. 仁 Compassion (Jin)  
   17. 礼 Politeness and Courtesy (Rei)  
   18. 義 Honesty, Justice (Gi)  
   19. 誠 Complete Sincerity (Makoto)  
   20. 友 Friendship (Tomo)