18/08/2026
I feel deeply honored that two calligraphies by Ishida Hanshi hang at the shōmen, the front of our Shudokan Dojo in Klagenfurt. For me, they carry a very special meaning and create a direct connection between our dojo and Ishida Hanshi’s dojo in Tagawa, Japan.
The calligraphy on the left reads 内家拳 – Nèijiāquán, referring to the internal Chinese martial arts. It reminds us of the Chinese roots that helped shape Karatedō and, at the same time, reflects another important aspect of our dojo: we share this place with practitioners of a wonderful Wing Chun tradition, keeping the connection to Chinese martial culture alive.
On the right we find 古武術 – Kobujutsu, meaning old martial arts or traditional martial arts. To me, these characters express our commitment to the traditions of the old masters—to preserve, study and pass on what has been entrusted to us.
These two calligraphies are therefore much more than decoration. They represent roots, tradition and connection—between China and Japan, between Tagawa and Klagenfurt, and between past and present.
My heartfelt thanks to Ishida Kenshin Hanshi for these beautiful calligraphies and for the bond they symbolize. I am truly honored to have them at our shōmen.
🙏 ありがとうございました、石田範士
