Genki Sudo - Calligraphy

僕が書道を始めるきっかけは、司馬遼太郎の小説『空海の風景』を読んだことでした。この中で、空海が書道の達人であったことを知り、その深い技術と才能に興味を持ちました。しかし、もっと直接的な動機となったのは、格闘家として知名度が上がり、サインを求められる機会が増えた際、自分の字のあまりの汚さに衝撃を受け、「このままではいけない」と強く思ったことでした。

その後、高校時代の恩師のご縁で、柳田家四代目の柳田泰山先生と出会いました。柳田家は江戸時代に初代柳田正齋から始まり、二代目泰麓、三代目泰雲と続く、楷書の名門中の名門です。泰書會を見学した際、泰山先生が書く姿とその文字の美しさに感動し、その場で入会を決意しました。

書道を始めた当初は、「字が上手くなるだろう」と期待していましたが、泰山先生から「書道をやっても字が上手くなるわけではない」と告げられました。当時はその言葉の意味が理解できませんでしたが、今では深く納得しています。書道は単なる「字を書く技術」ではなく、その奥にある精神性や美意識に魅了され、すっかりのめり込むようになりました。

現代はデジタル化が進み、文字を書く機会が減少しています。しかし、だからこそアナログで「揺らぎ」を持つ書道の価値がより際立つと感じています。書道には、人間らしさや個性を表現する力があり、その魅力をこれからも大切にして表現していきたいと思います。

経歴

2003年 泰書會入門

2006年第58回 毎日書道展 入選

2008年第60回 毎日書道展 入選

同年 第15回 泰書展 新人奨励賞 受賞

2009年第26回 産経国際書展 入選

2015年柳田泰山先生より雅号「泰玄」を授かる

2016年東京書作展 奨励賞 受賞

2021年東京書作展 優秀賞 受賞

2023年東京書作展 奨励賞 受賞

My Journey into Calligraphy

The spark that ignited my passion for calligraphy came from reading Shiba Ryotaro’s novel “Kukai no Fukei” (The Landscape of Kukai). In this book, I learned that Kukai was a master of calligraphy, and his profound skills and talents deeply intrigued me. However, the more direct reason for pursuing calligraphy was the realization of how terrible my handwriting was. As a professional fighter gaining recognition, I was often asked for autographs. The state of my handwriting shocked me, and I felt a strong urge to improve.

Later, through a connection with my high school mentor, I had the privilege of meeting Master Taizan Yanagida, the fourth-generation head of the Yanagida family. The Yanagida lineage is a renowned name in the world of kaisho (block script) calligraphy, tracing back to the Edo period with its founder Seisai Yanagida, followed by the second-generation Tairiku and third-generation Taiun. During a visit to Taisho-kai, I was profoundly moved by Master Taizan’s graceful writing and immediately decided to join the group.

When I first began, I had the naive expectation that practicing calligraphy would automatically improve my handwriting. However, Master Taizan quickly dispelled this notion, saying, “Calligraphy does not necessarily make your handwriting better.” While I didn’t understand his words at the time, I now fully grasp their meaning. Calligraphy is not merely about improving penmanship—it is about delving into the depth of its spiritual essence and artistic beauty. Captivated by this profound world, I have been fully immersed ever since.

In an era of accelerating digitalization, the opportunities to write by hand are diminishing. Yet, I believe this is precisely why the analog and inherently human aspect of calligraphy has become even more valuable. Calligraphy has the power to convey individuality and emotion, and I am committed to cherishing and expressing its unique charm.

Career in Calligraphy

• 2003: Joined Taisho-kai

• 2006: Selected for the 58th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2008: Selected for the 60th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition

• Received the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the 15th Taisho Exhibition

• 2009: Selected for the 26th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2015: Received the art name “Taigen” from Master Taizan Yanagida

• 2016: Received the Encouragement Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2021: Received the Excellence Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2023: Received the Encouragement Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

This journey reflects my growth and dedication to the art of calligraphy, a discipline I deeply value and continue to pursue.