SESSION 1：Introduction & Basics I

You will receive our original PDF booklet “書 SHODO The Way of Writing: The Art of Japanese Calligraphy”, which gives you all the fundamental knowledge of Japanese calligraphy to get you started, a week prior to the class. We will go over all the basics: a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and philosophy; tools and supplies and how to use them, how to take care of them; proper posture and connection between your mind and body. We will work on introductory kanji characters to practice basic calligraphic strokes and a few warm-up exercise to get to know with your brush.

SESSION 2: BASICS II

We will practice selected Kanji characters focusing on two of the eight most common strokes in regular script, and learn the techniques of ‘Break’, ‘Press Down’ and balance of the character. You will receive personal advice from the teacher on how you are doing and how you can improve.

SESSION 3: BASICS III - Radicals

You will learn about radicals, which is the building blocks of Kanji. We will focus on the radical shinnyo while practice a selected Kanji character.

SESSION 4: BASICS IV - YOUR NAME AND COMPOSITION

We will learn another radical rekka through practicing a selected Kanji. We will also learn how to write your name using a small brush to complete your work, while we pay close attention to the overall composition and its balance.

SESSION 5: EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF YONG & FINISHING A PIECE

By the end of the course, you will complete learning the The Eight Principles of Yong: 8 most common strokes in regular script. We will work on creating a final piece, and focus on the balance between mind and body. You will be familiar with your own brush, and learn how to be present in the moment physically and spiritually stroke by stroke.