Seiritsu International Education

The fun continued on day 5 of the 2009 Japan Experience program with introductions to Origami, Shodo, and Judo.

Origami is an ancient Japanese art form dating back to the Edo era. It involves using square, often highly decorated, pieces of paper and difficult folding techniques to create a beautiful figure. Our group tried their hands at boxes, cranes, boats, throwing stars, and a few other unique shapes. Under the careful eye of Seiritsu’s Art teacher, Yogo Sensei, the lesson was a huge success!

Sophia, Jessica, and Deanna working hard on their origami-in-progress.

The whole group with their completed origami. We made quite an array of different animals and shapes!

Shodo is a highly artistic form of writing the Japanese language using ink, brushes, and beautiful sweeping strokes. Shodo is referred to as Japanese Calligraphy. Seiritsu’s very own Shodo instructor, Maruo Sensei, led the students through the basics of Shodo with the support of the Shodo club. Having produced some excellent Kanji of their own, the JE participants each received an artistic rendition of their favorite kanji from Maruo Sensei himself!

Vivian and Sara powering through the delicate strokes of Shodo.

Everyone both holding, and standing underneath, their finished Kanji. Pictured with Maruo Sensei and the Shodo club.

After a short break and a Japanese history lesson led by Richard Sensei, the JE team was off to their Judo lesson. Judo, much like Karate, is a type of martial art. Judo revolves around flipping and throwing your opponent while, conversely, learning how to take a throw suffering the least amount of damage possible. Our group got the chance to learn both the hard way!

Richard Sensei's Japanese History lesson.

The JE team hearing about the philosophy behind Judo to prepare them for what they are about to learn.

Sophia, Jessica, and Eliza practicing rolls to simulate being thrown or knocked over. This exercise was to help learn how to minimize damage to the head during a fall.