Course 1 consists of 3 monthly levels where we will have a first contact with the Kaisho and Gyousho styles (with writing

standard and semi-cursive) through the practice of one or two-character calligraphy, in addition to learning about the necessary materials and their correct use. We will complete it with basic information that you should know to begin studying Shoudo.

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COURSE 1 – LEVEL 1

- Video presentation by Professor Elena Hikari

- Theoretical introduction: Origin - What is Shodou? - Main styles (Power Point presentation video)

- Necessary materials and their arrangement on the work table (video)

- Picking up and loading the brush (video)

- Introductory exercises: Vertical, horizontal, diagonal and spiral lines (video)

- Files for copying some basic strokes of the regular kaisho style (JPEG)

- Practice of the kanji Mountain 山 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Mountain 山 in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Moon 月 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice of the Moon 月 kanji in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Cleaning and maintenance of the brush and inkwell (video)

- Examples of all the calligraphy to be practiced, translated, with the number of strokes and writing order indicated (JPEG)

COURSE 1 – LEVEL 2

- Technical sheets: Parts of the brush and its different types according to size, flexibility or type of hair. (JPEG) / Article on the oriental brush: Origin and a little history (PDF)

- Practice of the kanji Water 水 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Water 水 in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Tree 木 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Tree 木 in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Luz 光 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice of the kanji Luz 光 in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Examples of all the calligraphy to be practiced, translated, with the number of strokes and writing order indicated (JPEG)

COURSE 1 – LEVEL 3 - Special Kakizome 書初め, the first calligraphy of the year.

- Kakizome: What is it and what does it mean to the Japanese "the first calligraphy of the year"? / List of materials related to work for New Year (PDF)

- Practice 1, for all levels: kanji Kotobuki 寿 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice 2, for all levels: Kotobuki 寿 kanji in semi-cursive gyousho style (video)

- Practice 3, for those who have done at least level 1: kanji Luck 福 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Practice 4, for those who have completed level 1 and 2: Fireworks 花火 in regular kaisho style (video)

- Examples of all the calligraphy to be practiced, translated, with the number of strokes and writing order indicated (JPEG)