The Name Ken in Japanese/Chinese on a Custom-Made Wall Scroll.

合気剣 is Aiki-Ken, a style of Japanese sword technique.

阿肯 is the name Aken in Chinese (Mandarin).

This is a common way to write the Japanese given name Akeno.

Some will also romanize this as Akino.

アメリカン拳法 is the most common name for American Kenpo or American Kempo in Japanese.

You may also see this as アメリカ拳法 (dropping the “ン” or “N” sound from American) or 米国拳法 (uses the older Japanese name for America as “Rice Country” along with Kenpō).

Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Katakana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

The Bodhi or 菩提 is the moment of completion in Buddhism.

It is when all things become known and you have completed your journey to enlightenment.

The reference is to the Bodhi tree where Siddhartha Gautama (the legendary man who established the Buddhist religion) achieved enlightenment. Sometimes this is referred to as “the tree of enlightenment,” but if you want the full version with the character for a tree at the end, please see the Bodhi Tree entry.

See Also:  Buddhism | Buddha | Nirvana | Enlightenment

In Chinese, this can mean losing one's love; to breaking up (in a romantic relationship); to feel jilted.

In Japanese Kanji, this means disappointing love, broken heart, unrequited love, or being lovelorn.

失戀 is also valid in old Korean Hanja, which means unrequited love, unreturned love, a disappointment in love, or a broken heart.

Note: In modern Japan, they will tend to write the more simple 失恋 form instead of 失戀. If you order this from the Japanese master calligrapher, expect the more simple modern version to be written (unless you give us instructions to use the older or more traditional version).

破鏡重圓 is about a husband and wife who were separated and reunited.

About 1500 years ago in China, there lived a beautiful princess named Le Chang. She and her husband Xu De Yan loved each other very much. But when the army of the Sui Dynasty was about to attack their kingdom, disposed of all of their worldly possessions and prepared to flee into exile.

They knew that in the chaos, they might lose track of each other, so the one possession they kept was a bronze mirror which is a symbol of unity for a husband and wife. They broke the mirror into two pieces, and each of them kept half of the mirror. They decided that if separated, they would try to meet at the fair during the 15th day of the first lunar month (which is the lantern festival). Unfortunately, the occupation was brutal, and the princess was forced to become the mistress of the new commissioner of the territory, Yang Su.

At the Lantern Festival the next year, the husband came to the fair to search for his wife. He carried with him his half of the mirror. As he walked through the fair, he saw the other half of the mirror for sale at a junk market by a servant of the commissioner. The husband recognized his wife's half of the mirror immediately, and tears rolled down his face as he was told by the servant about the bitter and loveless life that the princess had endured.

As his tears dripped onto the mirror, the husband scratched a poem into his wife's half of the mirror:

You left me with the severed mirror,
The mirror has returned, but absent are you,
As I gaze in the mirror, I seek your face,
I see the moon, but as for you, I see not a trace.

The servant brought the inscribed half of the mirror back to the princess. For many days, the princess could not stop crying when she found that her husband was alive and still loved her.

Commissioner Yang Su, becoming aware of this saga, realized that he could never obtain the princess's love. He sent for the husband and allowed them to reunite.

This proverb, 破鏡重圓, is now used to describe a couple who has been torn apart for some reason (usually divorce) but have come back together (or remarried).
It seems to be more common these days in America for divorced couples to reconcile and get married to each other again. This will be a great gift if you know someone who is about to remarry their ex.

This is the martial arts title Dakenjutsu in Japanese Kanji.

迪肯 is the name Deaken in Chinese (Mandarin).

ディーケン is the name Deaken in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

醉猴 is the short title for Drunken Monkey (often used as a title for a style of martial arts or kung fu which mimics the movements of a drunk monkey).

This martial arts style was inspired by the novel, “Journey to the West.”

See Also:  Monkey Fist

酔い猿 is the Japanese title for Drunken Monkey.

See Also:  Monkey Fist

醉猴功夫 is the title for Drunken Monkey Kung Fu (Gong Fu).

The martial arts style was inspired by the novel, “Journey to the West.”

See Also:  Monkey Fist

醉拳 is Drunken Fist, a traditional Chinese martial art/technique of Kung Fu.

It is a northern style of martial art that imitates a drunk person in its movements. Many staggering movements serve to deceive the opponent and keep them off-balance.

Some consider Drunken Fist to be among the more complex styles of martial arts due to the need for robust joints and fingers.

See Also:  Drunken Monkey

酔拳 is the Japanese version of the title for Drunken Fist or Drunken Boxing.

This is a common Mandarin Chinese transliteration for the male German name Eiken.

イーケン is the name Eiken in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

一拳必殺 is Ikken Hissatsu, a Japanese martial arts term that means to annihilate with one blow.

This translates directly as “one fist, certain death.”

杰肯 is the name Jayken in Chinese (Mandarin).

ジェイケン is the name Jayken in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

界王拳 is the name Kaioken in Japanese. The meaning is World King Fist. This title is associated with Dragon Ball Z.

This can be pronounced in Chinese, but would only be recognized by Chinese fans of Dragon Ball Z.

This is Kaiōken in Japanese.

界 = Community, circles, world, border, or boundary.
王 = King
拳 = Fist

Often translated as World Lord Fist, Fist of the World King, Kamajamaja (Norwegian), and Leptonski Udarac (Slovenian).

Associated with Goku's attack technique in Dragon Ball Z.

拳法功夫 is the Japanese slogan associated with Kajukenbo.

There is no way to write Kajukenbo in Japanese (as the “ka” for karate cannot be separated from the “kara” character it is supposed to represent - among a few other language issues). This slogan which reads, “fist law, kung fu” is often written on banners and patches for Kajukenbo clubs or dojos.

拳法 is a form of martial arts that can be translated in several ways.

Some will call it “fist principles,” “the way of the fist,” or even “law of the fist.” The first character literally means fist. The second can mean law, method, way, principle, or Buddhist teaching.

Kempo is really a potluck of martial arts. Often a combination of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu with Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Jujutsu (Jujitsu), Aikido, and others. You may see the term “Kempo Karate,” which basically means Karate with other disciplines added. In this way, Kempo becomes an adjective rather than a title or school of martial arts.

These facts will long be argued by various masters and students of Kempo. Even the argument as to whether it should be spelled “kenpo” or “Kempo” ensues at dojos around the world (the correct Romaji should actually be “kenpou” if you precisely follow the rules).

The benefit of Kempo is that the techniques are easier to learn and master than pure Kung Fu (wu shu). Students are often taught basic Karate moves, kicks, and punches before augmenting the basic skills with complex Kung Fu techniques. This allows students of Kempo to achieve a level where they can defend themselves or fight in a relatively short amount of time (a few years rather than a decade or more).

Because the definition of this word is so fluid, I should make some notes here:

1. Purists in Okinawa will claim that “Okinawa Kenpo” or “Ryukyu Hon Kenpo” is the original and true version of this martial art from the old kingdom. It is actually little or no connection between Okinawa Kenpo and the way the word is used elsewhere.

2. In Chinese, where these characters are pronounced “quan fa” (sometimes Romanized as “chuan fa” because the Chinese-pinyin “q” actually sounds like an English “ch” sound), these characters do not hold the connotation of being a mixed martial art. It is simply defined as “the law of the fist.”

3. My Japanese dictionary oddly defines Kenpo as the “Chinese art of self-defense.” I personally don't feel this is the most common way that people perceive the word but just something you should know.

肯 is the name Ken in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケン is the name Ken in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

キーナ is the name Kena in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

This is a common Mandarin Chinese transliteration for the male French name Kénan or Kenan.

ケナン is the name Kenan in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯納西亞 is the name Kenasia in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケナシア is the name Kenasia in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯達 is the name Kenda in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンダ is the name Kenda in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯答爾 is the name Kendal in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンダル is the name Kendal in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯答爾 is the name Kendall in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンダル is the name Kendall in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯德爾 is the name Kendell in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンデル is the name Kendell in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯迪斯 is the name Kendis in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンディス is the name Kendis in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Often associated with Kenjutsu, 剱道/劍道 means “The way of the sword” in Japanese (and Korean with an alternate form of the first character).
This is also the term used for swordsmanship and even fencing in Japanese and Korean, depending on context.

Note: These same characters are also used separately in Chinese, but this exact combination yields a common title in Japanese only (perhaps someone who is really into swords would use this in China).

Note: There is more than one way to write the “sword” character (shown above is the Japanese version - if you want the Korean version, please let me know when you place your order).

See Also:  Sword | Katana

肯德拉 is the name Kendra in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンドラ is the name Kendra in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯德里 is the name Kendree in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンドリー is the name Kendree in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

坎德利克 is the name Kendrick in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンドリック is the name Kendrick in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯戈納 is the name Kengona in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンゴナ is the name Kengona in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯尼 is the name Keni in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケニ is the name Keni in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

ケニンデ is the name Keninde in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

In Japanese, the modern definition, using simple terms, 剣術 is “A martial art involving swords” or “The art of the sword.”

However, in Chinese, this is the word for fencing (as in the Olympic sport).

I will suppose that you want this for the Japanese definition, which comes from skills and techniques developed in the 15th century. At that time, Kenjutsu (or swordsmanship) was a strictly military art taught to Samurai and Bushi (soldiers). The fact that swords are rarely used in military battles anymore, and with the pacification of Japan after WWII, Kenjutsu is strictly a ceremonial practice often studied as a form of martial art (more for the discipline aspect rather than practical purpose).

Language note: The Korean definition is close to the Japanese version described above. However, it should be noted that this can mean “fencing” depending on the context in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

Character variation notes: There are slight variations possible with the second character. Either way is correct and understood by both Japanese and Chinese folks.

Since there are about 5 common ways to write the sword character, if you are particular about which version you want, please note that in the “special instructions” when you place your order.

Romanization note: This term is often Romanized as Kenjitsu; however, following the rules of Japanese Romaji, it should be Kenjutsu.

This is the title Kenka Karate in Japanese.

Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯恩 is the name Kenn in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケン is the name Kenn in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯納 is the name Kenna in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケナ is the name Kenna in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯尼迪 is the name Kennedi in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケネディ is the name Kennedi in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯尼迪 is a common way to transliterate the name Kennedy into Mandarin Chinese.

ケネディ is the name Kennedy in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯尼斯 is the name Kenneth in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケネス is the name Kenneth in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

堅忍不抜 means indomitable perseverance or invincible fortitude in Japanese Kanji.

肯尼思 is the name Kennith in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケネス is the name Kennith in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯尼 is the name Kenny in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケニー is the name Kenny in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯索 is the name Kensaw in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンソー is the name Kensaw in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

This is the Japanese martial arts school, “Kenshin-Kan” or “Ken Shin Kan” in Kanji.

見性 has the same meaning as Satori but refers to the initial state or initial experience of enlightenment.

This can also mean “self-discovery,” “self-awareness,” or “consciousness of one's character.”

In a very religious context, this means to behold the Buddha nature within oneself.

This term is exclusively used by devout Buddhists. It is not a common term, and is remains an unknown concept to most Japanese and Chinese people. Some Japanese people will dispute whether this title is valid in the Japanese language. Only order this if you are sure this title is right for you.

See Also:  Buddhism | Enlightenment

見性成仏 or Kenshō Jōbutsu is the initial enlightenment that leads to self-awareness, becoming Buddha, and the path to enter Nirvana.

Kenshō Jōbutsu is a complex concept in Japanese Buddhism. 見性成仏 is probably better translated as “Seeing one’s nature and becoming a Buddha.”

See Also:  Buddhism | Enlightenment | Initial Enlightenment

肯斯利 is the name Kenslee in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンスリー is the name Kenslee in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯森 is the name Kenson in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンソン is the name Kenson in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯特 is a common way to transliterate the name Kent into Mandarin Chinese.

ケント is the name Kent in Japanese.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

健太 is the name Kenta in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンタ is the name Kenta in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯思 is the name Kenth in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンス is the name Kenth in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

昆汀 is the name Kentin in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケンティン is the name Kentin in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

拳と足道 is the title “Ken To Ashi Do” in Japanese.

拳 = fist
と = and
足 = foot
道 = martial way / path

Literally: “Way of Fist and Foot”

肯頓 is the name Kenton in Chinese (Mandarin).

肯特雷爾 is the name Kentraile in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケントレイル is the name Kentraile in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯特雷爾 is the name Kentrell in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケントレル is the name Kentrell in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯特里克 is the name Kentric in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケントリック is the name Kentric in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

This is a common Mandarin Chinese transliteration for the female Arabic name Keny.

ケニー is the name Keny in Japanese (Katakana).

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

This is the Chinese name for the country of Kenya.

See Also:  Africa

This is Kenya in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

肯雅塔 is the name Kenyatta in Chinese (Mandarin).

ケニヤッタ is the name Kenyatta in Japanese Katakana.

Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.