Introductory Japanese

Calligraphy Class

  It is not necessary for a Westerner to know Japanese in order to study Japanese calligraphy. While this knowledge would greatly enhance such study, Japanese calligraphy will be addressed in this class in as non-linguistic a way as possible. One can appreciate the flavor of Japanese food without knowing the language; likewise one can appreciate the subtle elegance of Japanese architecture or the physical and spiritual impact of a Japanese martial art.  In the same way, we can be enhanced by the study and practice of Japanese calligraphy without a thorough understanding of Japanese language.

  Japanese calligraphy is the art of writing the Japanese language by hand, beautifully. But it is much more than that. It is also a spiritual practice, a form of physical exercise similar in some respects to Yoga. Also, it is a mental discipline.  The principle motto of Nihon Shuji Kyoiku Zaidan is “sei to bi”, translatable as “accuracy and beauty”. When we see an accurately and beautifully balanced  character, we can see in it the spirit of the person who wrote it.  In striving for accuracy and beauty in the characters we write, we become more accurate and beautiful people, true to out innermost values, faithful to our traditions, balanced in mind, body and spirit. This is the meaning of “sei to bi”.

  This idea is also expressed in the phrase “shin gi ichi nyo”(“heart/mind and art together as one”). This describes the ideal flow of one's self into one's art so that one becomes the art, and the art precisely reflects one's self. To attain this ability, four elements are required. These will come to the dedicated student in four progressive stages”

1.                                                         “Perfect Concentration”

2.                                                         “Sticking to one thing”(By not scattering one's efforts, but consistently practicing one art)

3.                                                         “Appreciation of beauty”(Not a skill to be learned, but an attitude allowed to develop over time)

4.                                                         “The formation of a true human being of the highest human values”

   The Introductory class, will provide instruction in the proper use and care of all the provided tools & materials, along with guiding the participant in the correct manner of brushing the necessary strokes (required to create all of the Oriental characters).

  Participants will receive all the necessary tools and materials (supplied in a “Beginner's kit” sold by the Nihon Shuji Association) to learn and practice this art and are included in the price of the Class.

  These will consist of the following:
                                                            Beginner's (Large) Brush (Fude)

                                                            Beginner's (Small) Brush (Seiju Fude)

                                                            Ink Stone (Suzuri)

                                                            Ink Bottle 180cc (Sumi)

                                                            Water Bottle

                                                            Paperweight (Bunchin)

                                                            Felt (Shita-Jiki)

                                                            Brush Holder (Fude-Maki)

                                                            Blank Paper (Keirin Hanshi)

                                                            Carrying Case and Transportation Accessories

                                                            Reference CD (containing class “examples” and reference material)

 Class dates: (Introductory Classes are held quarterly throughout the year, Spring/Fall/Summer/Winter). Continuing study Shodo classes

                                  are held Saturday mornings 11AM-1 PM, 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays/every month.

 Introductory Class Size is limited to 8 students per/session.

 Student's wishing to repeat this class, can do so for a cost of $10.00

 Upcoming Class Dates:    PRESS FOR DATE/TIME (or contact Sensei Hurshman)

 All Classes held at the Nagarate Kokyukan Dojo

 Located at:

 421 S Thompson Ave
 Excelsior Spgs, MO  64024-2129

Attendance of BOTH classes is required to complete basic instruction.

                  2-Class RyuTe Association Member Price                                             2-Class “Non”- Association Member Price

                               $65.00                                                                              $80.00

 The Instructor for this class is Mr. Tony Skeen.

Mr. Skeen has been a certified instructor with The Japanese Calligraphy Association (Nihon Shuji Kyoiku Zaidan),for over 14yrs. If there are any questions or inquiry's in regards to the class, information taught, or general questions related to this subject, please call 816-853-5806