Range of Motion | Whole Arm Handwriting

[@babsbybend]

Back in 1969, we were taught this in the eighth grade and had to practice it for whole class sessions for weeks. We were told that that when we went into high school and possibly college, we'd be able to write for hours without cramping our hands. I think that's when some students decided not to pursue higher education.

[@DieyenDualPen]

Oh that's very funny! Thank you for sharing.

[@vagrantastronaut]

I love how you say that whole arm movement might not be best suited to everyone in their handwriting journey; it's quite refreshing to know that one doesn't quite have to follow the penmanship masters' stern instructions and measurements to a T, but rather more wise to adapt to one's own goals/lifestyle! Brilliant! I'm starting with the Palmer Method and tried whole arm movement for the first time yesterday, and boy it gave me shoulder fatigue with all the tension of trying to battle against the instinct of applying finger movement- from all those years of fast, small writing in the margins of school notes! I found the "finding your range of motion" advice very very helpful, I'll definitely be trying that! I also see that you use grid paper to practise; do you recommend this? I'm looking to buy papers/notebooks so I can keep track of my penmanship. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. The fluidity and speed of your hand is a beautiful thing. I'll definitely be looking through more of your videos as I begin to practise :)

[@DieyenDualPen]

Most of these old masters if not all wrote hours and hours a day. Most of us will never reach an equal investment of time. For the sake of success in their technique it can be useful to cut out fat and stick to perfecting the technique. There are some extremely impressive modern penman who have done just that. But I've always written for the joy of writing and whole arm movement suits long writing sessions. I'm also very interested in writing with both hands. Grid paper is very useful for size accuracy. I sometimes use it but most often I use blank sheets because I enjoy working on my ability to write straight across blank sheets. Best of luck on your practice.

[@YokaYaamay]

Just a reminder: I thank u from deepest of my heart. May God bless you, brother!!

[@DieyenDualPen]

Thank you for such kind words! God bless.

[@HealthyAndrew]

This is what I’m currently working on. I’m switching from a wrist based writing technique to a whole arm writing technique. I’m using a Schaeffer pen I got for about $6 from Walmart and is a good starter pen.

[@DieyenDualPen]

Excellent! It can be a steep learning curve but pays off well in the end. I hope you find my videos helpful in your pursuit.

[@raba2d723]

the best explanation i heard about arm-writing is it is as if your arm is a 2d plotter. Once I read that it was more clear how to effectively do it

[@DieyenDualPen]

Yeah, kind of like that.

[@windowspotatodefender1452]

I have recently taken up penmanship writing; it is honestly relieving now knowing I do not have to solely write with my fingers. I also draw, and I had used my arm for some time when I drew (I did portraits to an extent) so I already had some leg up experience when I first started. Of course, I was instinctually wanting to revert to my original writing, it's gotten better and now I seldom have that urge. I'm still working at Palmer method, and I'm introducing combination movements to speed up the process and in your words: "Result in the most practical style of writing." You and perfect biscuits have been a great help to improving my writing. I appreciate the mass of content. Thank you.

[@DieyenDualPen]

Very happy to hear that you have found the content helpful. Also, thank you for the honor of being lumped alongside David, he's a fantastic penman. I agree when I first learned of muscular movement writing it was as if epiphany struck. I'm very happy that there were masters ahead of us developing such sophisticated techniques. Best of luck!

[@maurolimaok]

Eu comprei a coleção Spencerian na Amazon, e estou começando. Tem algum vídeo com dicas pra quem está iniciando os exercícios? A possibilidade de usar o movimento de todo o braço, em conjunto com movimentos menores do punho me pareceu muitíssimo interessante, assim como a empunhadura que não "estrangula" a caneta ou lápis. Em tempo, muito obrigado por mais esse vídeo. Certamente vai ser muito útil!

[@Purple-f6d]

Hi. Can this method of writing be implemented while writing on a chalkboard with a chalk?

[@swarnikachandra8617]

How much time will it take to complete learn this technique??

[@patelpalak710]

How to focus with eye sight on pan point when writing paper

[@DieyenDualPen]

Hmm not quite sure what you mean.

[@patelpalak710]

@@DieyenDualPen we should focus on hand with eye moment when we writing on paper

[@DieyenDualPen]

Oh this is interesting, I've been experimenting with peripheral focus points to allow for greater perception of movement.

[@patelpalak710]

@@DieyenDualPen plz make one video for eye hand coordination when writing on paper

[@patelpalak710]

@@DieyenDualPen I am very curiour for my handwriting it's so terrible every person say me change your writing

[@Jusangen]

So I'm working on Spencerian and I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's very similar to "business penmanship" from my understanding and uses whole arm movement. My question is, what points are connecting with the page when you write? From the video is seems that the forearm, maybe a little bit at the base of the wrist, pinky and ring ringer nails, and the point of the pen. Is that right?

[@DieyenDualPen]

Hi Aaron, Spencerian does use a lot of whole arm movement, but the action is typically much slower. This is what I've seen and heard from some proficient penman. Points of contact are correct but will vary from person to person because of anatomy. Wrist contact is also not ideal, it can often become a point of resistance in movement. If you're interested in texts, I recommend the old "The Business Educator" lessons they're written many different masters from the golden age. I have found that simply reading the old texts and imagining the movement has helped me more than I would expect. Time and patience on your friends in this practice. Best of luck on your journey.

[@Jusangen]

@@DieyenDualPen Hey I will definitely check that out! I appreciate your feedback. I was watching some videos from PAScribe as well and he has a modified version (as always he is very detailed in his explanations as to why) which DOES have the wrist touching. He puts a playing card under it which is kind of neat to get rid of the resistance. But I'm just interested in learning how they did and not practicing the wrong way. I'm concerned about making sure I have good arm posture because I already have tendinitis in my knuckles so it's made me more conscious of better movements.

[@DieyenDualPen]

@@Jusangen PaScribe is a pro - a calligrapher for British gov't at one point, I believe, if not still. But he does not practice the American styles. He works in traditional copperplate - and English style, and his variation of it. American penmanship style are considerably different in their appearance and production.

[@Jusangen]

@@DieyenDualPen Correct. He mainly does copperplate, well at least right now with his new book. But it was still helpful along with your videos and perfect biscuits. I think the side angle of the hand posture is the most helpful (which you do) =D

[@Happyflute007]

I want to learn ambidextrous writing

[@DieyenDualPen]

I have a playlist on ambidextrous writing here: kzbin.info/aero/PLGhV4Zi3_KeST4oqEFg46_0Wj9Z-hUk3a

[@Casibrunette7979]

I like your hair

[@robogamer1921]

Can I keep my arm in the air instead?

[@DieyenDualPen]

You can but that is not conducive to practical daily writing. You will have to write larger and it will be much more difficult to write smaller. You may also become fatigued more quickly. Off hand writing is more for flourishing and ornamental penmanship. Not so much business cursive.

[@robogamer1921]

@@DieyenDualPen Got it! thanks for the help!

[@SirMopy]

Still for „going“ you use a third of the whole line/space in the row..that’s way too big.. especially for notes..

[@DieyenDualPen]

The better your control gets the smaller you can write