The Floating Brush: Learning Japanese Shodo from a Kendo Master

Dan Popp had the good fortune to meet Duk Yeong Kim Sensei in 1990, and what transpired was a 17 year journey of studying traditional Japanese Kendo (Way of the Sword) and Shodo (Way of the Brush). THE FLOATING BRUSH presents the ancient Japanese art of Shodo... or Way of the Brush. This book provides a glimpse of how he learned this aesthetic art form and includes examples of his sensei's art as well as Dan's own artwork over the years. Dan began his study of Kendo (traditional Japanese swordsmanship) in 1990 under Duk Yeong Kim, progressing to the rank of Yon-dan (4th degree black belt). Kim Sensei also provided Dan instruction in the art of Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy. Although his sensei passed away in 2007, Dan continues to practice Shodo to honor his teacher. His art was exhibited in Lancaster, PA in 2009 and 2010. In September 2012, Dan's work was featured in Harrisburg, PA at The Gallery at Second. He holds the rank of Roku-dan (6th degree black belt) in Order of Isshin Ryu karate and was named the 2008 Male Instructor of the Year by the International Isshinryu Hall of Fame. In July 2013, Dan was inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame, becoming the 101st member. Dan's training in martial arts also includes Modern Arnis and Kombatan, stick fighting arts originating in the Philippines. He has also promoted two tournaments for the World Kumdo Association (Korean Kendo) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The 1st World Kumdo Association tournament was held in 1998 and the 2nd U.S. Open Kumdo Championships in 2001 where he received the Kumdo Ambassador Award. A 1994 graduate of Pennsylvania State University's Capitol College in Middletown, PA with a B.S. in Professional Accountancy, Dan was employed in 1999 by the National Credit Union Administration where he still serves as a federal examiner, specializing in IT audits. He resides in Harrisburg, PA with his two daughters.