KI: Energy for Everybody

I have reviewed dozens of texts concerning the art of Shodo, but this one really stands out as exceptional. Reed covers every aspect with almost painful attention to detail and even includes some interesting cognitive concepts concerning the mental processing involved in this particular art. There is no mystery here but an entirely straight forward approach to the art and skill required with emphasis on the central concept of coordinating mind, body and brush to render the vision of the individual artist's essential connection with the subject. This text is an absolute must for the beginner or the intermediate Shodokan (even an advanced student will benefit, I would think). Additionally, don't overlook Alison Cameron's Chinese Painting Techniques, in which, once again, extraordinary attention to detail is emphasized. Between these two texts, all questions are answered concerning the use of the brush, strokes and materials as well as technique. If the student is interested in transfering the techniques to painting, Lian Quan Zhen's Chines Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors is top of line.

I have been a life time student of the martial arts (Karate, Judo, Kobudo, Kenjutsu)and I even took up the study of Shodo for a short while. This book was very helpful to me when I was began my study of this art form. This is not a book to read superficially. This excellent text is to be studied in order to get the most out of it. This book is broken down into three detailed sections. If you are interested in mastering Shodo, this book in combination with study under a Shodo master is a good choice. However, even if you are seeking an great intoductory text on shodo, this is the book for you. Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: A Poetic Tribute to Warriors, Samurai Aerobics, Wakizashi Jutsu, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

My story with this book is rather strange. I bought it in 2003, and haven't touched until the summer of 2004, if I'm not mistaken. Read a dozen of pages then, then started again the next summer, dropped again. Since that last summer I've been learning a lot of things and apply them to my health. Many of them are related to Eastern and Oriental healthcare approach. Then, recently, I decided to actually read the book for some reason. Now everything was obvious - I knew many things from my own experience. I also learned some new ideas and exercises, and put things into a better perspective. The book treats some subjects - the life energy (introduction), nutrition, breathing, physical self-exercises, bodywork and energy development. What makes this book unique is that each chapter (subject) is given a brief introduction, then the Western theory and exercises are described, and finally the Eastern theory and practices are being revealed (many of them have been used for millennia with good results). For example, it introduces the basic nutrients (proteins, lipids, etc.) and the calorie based diet vs the Chinese approach which is driven by harmony of the five elements. Physical exercises such as jogging vs. practices like yoga or tai chi. The book tries to be balanced in what it does, and I guess it succeeds. However, probably because of my background, the fact of comparing directly the two approaches make me realized (once again) how shortsighted is the Western science, especially for the diet and physical exercises. The East has a wholistic approach, where body, mind and spirit are aspects of the same thing, and treating as a whole many times gives better results. There are exercises presented here - it might take years or even a lifetime to master them. However, to get a masterpiece of the Eastern health and lifestyle (focused on Chinese - Taoist), read Daniel Reid's books: "The Tao of health, sex and longevity" and "Complete Book of Chinese Health & Healing" (in this order). The first one contains almost everything in "Ki: energy for everybody" and much, much more (is much thicker actually). The chapter on fasting and detoxification alone is worth the price of the book! The only thing which wouldn't there, but is in the book reviewed here is the chapter of bodywork, which isn't too big anyway. So, nice book... but there are better. Either way, get something - this or that, and PRACTISE!

Having studied shodo for more than 10 years, I felt very lucky to find this book in a bookshop back in 1998. Where English sources are very scarce, this book provided me everything from how to handle the brush to the aesthetics.Mr. Reed takes the subject in its broadest form and with use of many black & white pictures he succesfully explains the "Way of Brush Writing".It is a must for the practitioner, and as well for those who are interested in Japanese culture. I think those who are intested in Chinese painting and Sumi-e will like it too.