Improving handwriting.

jamchan · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hello

My kana/kanji handwriting is just terrible. I was thinking about taking calligraphy lessons to get a better understanding about kanji. I do realize that a different technique is used in calligraphy.

Will it somehow still improve my handwriting? Does anyone have experience? Or any other tips that I could use?

Thanks!

SHAD0W · (#2 (**permalink**))

Why don't you post some pictures of examples and we might be able to help you?

KyleGoetz · (#3 (**permalink**))

Calligraphy will make you know stroke order better. That may be about it. The only way to get good at writing kanji is to write kanji. It eventually will come to you.

Regular handwriting is almost all wrist and finger action. Neither of these play as big a role in calligraphy. Check out this guy writing beautifully to see how much importance arm movement plays in calligraphy (and compare it with how much is used in handwriting): 書道入門　筆の選びかた　大井錦亭 - YouTube

You might want to wait for an answer from Ryuurui, though. He's our resident calligraphy expert on the board.

jamchan · (#4 (**permalink**))

Here's a picture of my handwriting:

[Edit] I made a silly mistake =(. ジムしゃん should be ジムちゃん. Thanks Sumippi![/Edit]

My kanji gets sloppy when I write at a normal speed.

@KyleGoetz
Thank you for sharing that link! I almost get hypnotized while watching his movement. So beautiful.

I guess I'll just have to practice more! Thanks.

Sumippi · (#5 (**permalink**))

ジムしゃん？not ジムちゃん？

ジムしゃん、「硬筆（こうひつ）」からやってみたらどうですか？

jamchan · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sumippi

ジムしゃん？not ジムちゃん？

ジムしゃん、「硬筆（こうひつ）」からやってみたらどうですか？

Yes, thank you for pointing that out! It should be ジムちゃん.

I'm sorry but I'm still an absolute beginner and can't understand the second question you asked. Could you translate that for me?

masaegu · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamchan

I'm sorry but I'm still an absolute beginner and can't understand the second question you asked. Could you translate that for me?

硬筆 means calligraphy using pen/pensil. Sumippi is suggesting that you start with that instead of with the brush.

Brush calligraphy is not gong to help improve your writing with pen/pensil. It is a proven fact here in Japan. You do not even use the same muscles for the two forms of writing. You need to practice what you want to become better at. That is to say that you do not practice baseball for the purpose of becoming a better soccer player.

jamchan · (#8 (**permalink**))

Ah I see, thank you for explaining.

KyleGoetz · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamchan

Ah I see, thank you for explaining.

1. IF you meant your name is "jam-chan," that should be ジャム (Jam), not ジム (Jim). Just a careless mistake you'll stop making as you write more.

2. Your handwriting isn't that bad. I'd say it's right on track for a relative beginner. It just takes a while to get better. Just write a lot.

jamchan · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleGoetz

1. IF you meant your name is "jam-chan," that should be ジャム (Jam), not ジム (Jim). Just a careless mistake you'll stop making as you write more.

2. Your handwriting isn't that bad. I'd say it's right on track for a relative beginner. It just takes a while to get better. Just write a lot.

Gosh I feel so silly now. Should have paid more attention. Thanks. I will definitely write a lot more!