Unity of Hard and Soft — 剛柔一体 (Gōjū Ittai)
This Japanese calligraphy scroll features the phrase 剛柔一体 (Gōjū Ittai) — a profound concept that lies at the heart of Karate philosophy, especially in 剛柔流 (Gōjū-ryū), one of its most revered traditional styles.
Meaning “hard and soft as one”, 剛柔一体 expresses the seamless unity of opposing yet complementary forces — power and flexibility, offense and defense, strength and sensitivity.
剛 (Gō)
Hardness — symbolizing decisive strikes, firm stances, and unwavering will.
柔 (Jū)
Softness — reflecting fluid movement, adaptability, and the ability to absorb and redirect force.
一体 (Ittai)
As one — the unity of hard and soft, in which body and spirit move in perfect balance.
This calligraphy captures the essence of Karate not merely as a martial art, but as a way of life — one that teaches unity between opposing energies, and mastery through mindful discipline. A perfect piece for Karate practitioners who understand that true strength lies in balance.
Display Options
Dimensions
Shipping Preparation Time
Because our artworks are primarily handcrafted, we ship within 2-4 business days of receiving your order. If it takes longer than the estimated shipping time above, we will contact you directly.
Delivery Days
For delivery by DHL, it usually takes 3-5 days after we ship. More details here.
Important Note on Washi Paper
The washi paper used in our artworks may contain slight fibers or impurities from the raw materials used in its production. This is a characteristic of washi paper and adds to the unique charm of handcrafted items. We kindly ask for your understanding of this characteristic before making your purchase.
Choose options
Custom Order Inquiry
If you're interested in a custom order, please consult with us through the form below. We look forward to hearing your requests!