Japanese calligraphy: Shodo / peace and harmony
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 31 Jul 2025End Date: 31 Jul 2025Thu (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00
- Start Date: 31 Jul 2025End Date: 31 Jul 2025Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will practise the basic Shodo technique using a brush. There is a ritual which starts by relaxing your mind, then grinding ink, understanding stroke orders and finally mastering brush control. Also how to care for the tools before and after using them.
What will we cover?
Stroke orders / shape of Kana and Kanji, understanding meaning of Kanji characters, brush movement and practice, increasing your sense of aesthetics
Looking after our body posture and hand movement
How to look after the tools.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- write simple Japanese words using the Shodo technique
- appreciate other classmates’ artworks
- keep your mind and body calm
- use a brush and other basic tools.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for people with some basic knowledge of Japanese writing in Kana and Kanji.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
During the class there will be group and individual demonstrations. You will be given examples and practise them at your own pace, and will be able to have direct support from the tutor.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
1 - You will be able to use our tools (brush, ink etc..) but if you have your own, please bring them
2 - You will need to purchase
PaperJapanese Calligraphy Paper : measures approx. 34.0cm by 24.5cm. This is an example:
https://shorturl.at/dVuc3
3 - You will need to bring:
Some newspaper
Please wear dark-coloured casual clothes, the ink may stain your clothes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ask the tutor for information regarding other Japanese language courses.
Chika has over 27 years of experience as a Japanese teacher, 23 of which she has spent at City Lit. Her work was recognised with a Teacher of the Year award in 2017. She has a teaching diploma and a Degree in Fine Art. Since coming to the UK from Yokuska, Japan, in the late 1980s, Chika travelled extensively as a performance artist, taught Zig and Zag Japanese on the Big Breakfast TV show, and wrote pieces about Japanese life for various publications. Chika encourages her students to experience every aspect of Japanese culture, which she supports by introducing food, onsen, music and etiquette in her classes, as well as running special film night events at City Lit. Chika is constantly researching new methods to introduce students to the joy of learning, encouraging self- discovery and connection through class activities. Chika’s love of art and performance is reflected in her inspirational teaching materials, including original hand drawn certificates for student achievements which are displayed in the City Lit 100 years exhibition. Teaching and learning Japanese is a joy that Chika wants to share with everyone.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
