Kakemono Dojo Scroll
Ken Zen Ich’i Nyo - The Fist and Zen are One
Old Japanese saying suitable for all styles of karate.
In English the direct translation is: The Fist and Zen are One. The meaning usually given to this is, the mind, will or consciousness ZEN, should be completely synchronized with the fist or KEN, for success to be achieved. This could be viewed as meaning long term hard training leads to automatic, intuitive and therefore, effective response.
We must remember that, despite those who claim that Zen is connected with, or even the foundation of martial arts training, Zen theologians will tell you that the connection is at best, minimal. Nonetheless, the scroll is inspirational and beautiful and therefore suitable for any training area be it a dojo or your garage!
Karate Kakemono (lit. “hanging things”) for the dojo, your home, or as the perfect gift for dojo kyodai, “dojo brothers & sisters.” The proverbs written on these scrolls have been selected specifically for karate enthusiasts.
On our karate dojo scrolls are written maxims of particular significance to all martial artists. They remind us of the core principles governing our training and how we should live our lives. Rest assured that they are guaranteed 100% accurate translations that will bring credit to you and/or your dojo!
After years of research, we discovered the best way to reproduce calligraphy scrolls is to use a commercial Japanese twelve color art printer that uses special pigments, not toners. This gives a permanent image with an “organic” look rather than toners’ shiny plastic appearance. Our karate dojo scrolls look just the same as those found in Japan and Okinawa.
Printed on high quality art paper in size 11" X 17" to easily fit a standard sized frame, they are printed in black with contrasting red seals (hanko) applied individually. Shipped flat between boards to prevent creasing.
These sayings come to us from antiquity. Some are the words of the founders of martial arts traditions; all are designed to inspire, to encourage and to enlighten. A perfect gift for a friend, instructor, or for oneself.