Japanese Calligraphy

Calligraphy (Sho-do) writes Kanji and Hiragana with a brush. Its aim is to concentrate the spirit and to express the inside of your mind.

We take pleasure in seeing our students write calligraphy.

Let's enjoy SHODOU!!

今、書道教室には　日本語を勉強されている方、そうでない方、またいろいろな国の方々が参加してくれています。　もちろん　皆さん　書道をするのは初めてでしたが、今では　一筆一筆を大切に・・毎週とてもいい　“書”を書き上げてくれています。 書道は一筆勝負です。
その時に違う事を考えていたり、心が乱れていると　それは字に表れます。
私は　書道をする時には　“無心”　になる事を心掛けています。
そして、その　“無になる瞬間”　が心地よく、とても好きです。
皆さんにも　その一瞬を、自分にしか表現できない書を楽しんで頂けると幸いです。
自分の想いを　“書”　に乗せて・・・人に伝えてみませんか。
パソコンが当たり前の時代になったからこそ、人のぬくもりを感じられる日本の伝統文化『書道』に多くの方々が触れられる事を願っています。

I came across the ITO Calligraphy classes by chance, and I already look forward to it every Saturday. The calligraphy itself is both creative and challenging, the teacher is extremely friendly and helpful, and because the class is in Japanese I have picked up many new words, grammar and phrases! It’s also a great way to meet fellow Japanese language students, and share experiences and studying tips.

13/06/09

You could say that Japanese Calligraphy is more difficult than it looks, but that would be a gross understatement. It’s a good thing, then, that these classes are meant to be an informal and fun affair. The format is simple; watch first as the sensei writes out a word in kanji for you with deceptive ease, before attempting to replicate that yourself in the space of an hour. You’ll have some good laughs trying to get it looking right, interacting with other people who will all be sharing in your struggles, and perhaps learning a new skill at the same time.
Definitely a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and even practice some of that Japanese you learned a decade ago!

Chiang.

A leaflet picked up in Regent Street introduced me to Japanese Calligraphy. I was not a Japanese Language student but was interested in the art form. My first KANJI I was taught was hana 花 flower. This was very appropriate because honour for nature is ingrained in Japanese culture. Each week as a student you will be taught to write a different KANJI. The art of SHODO is not uniform but individual to the person. Your personality and character will be expressed in your execution of the KANJI. All the materials you will need provided by the school. You will use authentic ink and brushes. Once you start the course Saturday afternoon will never be the same again.

Vanessa. 06/06/09

I really like these calligraphy classes, they’re so much fun! You don’t need to Pay for “blocks” or anything, just turn up on a Saturday at 4pm and enjoy learning calligraphy from a very talented and kind teacher. At first I thought “this is going to be easy”, but as soon as you mess up the first stroke you begin to understand that there is a lot and I mean A LOT more to this then meets the eye.
It is also very relaxing, it can be quite meditative if you want it to be which I try and make it so, but the feel of doing a long stroke is something else, not sure how to describe it, like your flowing or making something extraordinary (until you mess up…). Patient and practice achieves great skill.

Hussain.

I have been attending calligraphy classes for three years, and have always found it a wonderful and relaxing activity, despite it not being as easy as it looks! The teacher is always very helpful, explaining the stroke order and technique so it is possible for you to successfully create a beautiful piece of work (with a lot of practice!). After an hour session, it’s always satisfying to proudly look upon the product of your hard work, and to hang it up on a wall in your house for visitors to see.

Melissa. 09/05/09

Saturday is calligraphy day! I am always looking forward to it… Relaxing and challenging at the same time. All thoughts of the week are away during this short time of concentration on brushstrokes mindful to ink and paper. And all in nice company with a group on Japanese Learners as well as others.

09/05/09