Japanese Calligraphy for Beginners

Shodo (書道) - the "way of writing" is the Japanese art of calligraphy. In Japan, people learn calligraphy from a young age and learn how to write characters in a certain order. Calligraphy teaches how to show respect for other people by following the rules in class and how to bring balance into your life by taking control of the brush to write balanced characters that are pleasing to the eye through repetitive practice. It is done in a quiet environment; therefore it is a form of meditation as well. Most serious martial artists in Japan also practice calligraphy and it is part of the curriculum in the Sumo schools!

In the beginners class, we will start by learning how to write the Japanese alphabet, called Hiragana (ひらがな), and Chinese characters or Kanji (漢字) You will gradually learn how to control your writing in pencil and then move on to brush writing. This could also be a great opportunity for you to learn Japanese through Shodo, Japanese Calligraphy.

Fee: $10 per lesson. You will need to bring your own pencil, papers, calligraphy brush, inks, and other equipment needed. Details on where to purchase these supplies will be available in class.

About the Instructor

Etsuko Kobira Rutz is originally from Kagoshima, in southern Japan and moved to Chicago in March 2007. She has also lived in the western U.S., Switzerland, and England obtaining her education and professional experience in a global environment. She started learning Japanese Calligraphy in 1975 achieving 6th Dan in Kaisho (楷書 - standard style) and 4th Dan in Sosho (草書 - flowing style). She enjoys teaching and sharing different aspects of Japanese culture from business to art.