The Art of Shodo (Japanese Brush Calligraphy) is the study of learning to coordinate one's thoughts and actions to create beautiful examples of brushed Japanese calligraphy.  This study is more than only learning to copy brushed calligraphy.  This class will instruct the student in the creation of brushed pieces, and will cover various related aspects of Japanese calligraphy (including seals, “Gasenshi/Jofuku” (scrolls), and the history of Oriental calligraphy).  Numerous relationships to martial arts study are also shared with the practice of this art (breathing, motion, concentration, etc.).  Once one has participated in the introductory class,which demonstrates the basic strokes necessary to create the Kanji, and instructs the student in the care, and maintenance of the provided tools of this art, the student will be able to participate in the Nagarete Kokyukan Shodo Class.  The Nagarete Shibu (“Flowing Hand” Branch group), provides student's of Shodo the opportunity to have a scheduled class, where technique instruction and corrections can be provided for the student to continue their study of Shodo beyond the “Introductory” classes level of instruction.  This is a 1 year course, to assist the student in learning further instruction of the basic techniques application and to have an instructor available to assist with any difficulties that the student may be experiencing.  This class is designed to be begun at any time throughout the year.  At some point during this first year study course, the student is encouraged to join the Nihon Shuji Kyoiku Zaidan, Japanese Calligraphy Education Foundation, and begin to utilize the association's monthly assignments for their practice examples and then receive official recognition of their ability level through that association.

The Cost to participate in this class is $25.00/month

(Inclusion requires that the student have participated in the introductory classes, and has acquired all the necessary tools).

(Class Costs cover two (2) classes per month)

11:00AM – 1:00PM   1^st and 3^rd Saturday every month, weekly instruction in the art of Shodo.

This class will review the basic techniques for performing this art, and will provide personal guidance/correction as the student progresses in their study/practice.

In the event of holidays or inclement weather occurring on the day of a class, rescheduled class times will be announced and posted for the participants of the class.   

  This course is based around the texts, “Japanese Calligraphy, Practice, Learning and Art (a general instruction aanual) and “Japanese Calligraphy”(a first year curriculum), by M.J. Sullivan.  These are technical reference manuals for instruction of the basic strokes, and general Shodo.  Though their purchase is not required to participate in the class, I would recommend the purchase of these books for the student's reference.  All of the kanji contained within them were brushed by Harada Kampo, and are excellent examples to work from.  These books are without doubt, THE BEST BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR LEARNING JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY.

Check with your local book store, or they can be purchased through the instructor from the Japanese Calligraphy Education Foundation (Nihon Shuji Kyoiku Zaidan), where they are priced at $40.00/set (+shipping).