Shodo: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy
A course by RIE TAKEDA , Calligrapher, Artist, and Teacher
Calm your mind and find inner peace by understanding the philosophy and art of traditional Japanese writing
Japanese calligraphy, known as Shodo, is rich in its history and form. In many cases, a single character can represent an entire concept, making it akin to a painting. Rie Takeda combines the calligraphy art form with mindfulness, and guides you to discover the essence of Shodo.
Rie shows how this practice can connect body, mind, spirit, and brush to flow through the ink and paper. Learn how to gravitate between the practical aspect of calligraphy and its spiritual component. As Rie firmly believes, this process allows your inner peace to translate into anything you create.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 26 downloads
- 99% positive reviews (334)
- 14,325 students
- 16 lessons (2h 13m)
- 26 additional resources (12 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a piece of Japanese calligraphy inspired by nature and design a stamp with your name in Japanese to sign your work.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in calligraphy art, ink painting, or mindfulness meditation.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience or knowledge of calligraphy and Shodo is necessary.
To complete this course, you need a calligraphy brush, an ink stone, an ink stick, ink liquid, and calligraphy paper. At the beginning of the course, Rie describes the materials and gives you recommendations on where to find them.
Reviews
RIE TAKEDA
A course by RIE TAKEDA
Rie Takeda’s journey with the art of Shodo began at the age of five under the creative guidance of her grandmother, a distinguished GAYU calligrapher. She went on to study at the Gayu SHODO Calligraphy School, which laid the foundation for her artistic career.
She currently works as a freelance artist and professional calligrapher in the UK, Europe, and Japan. Her work has been displayed in numerous group and solo exhibitions throughout the globe. Rie also gives workshops and group lessons of her unique approach to calligraphy which combines Shodo and mindfulness.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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What Will We Do in the Course?
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U2
Introduction to Shodo
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Shodo and Mushin Clear Mind
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Styles and Techniques
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Utensils and Materials
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U3
First Stages
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Warming up Body and Mind
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Basic Brush Movements
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Foundational Strokes
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U4
Step by Step with "Evening Moon"
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Demonstrations and Presentation of Kanjis
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Technical Exercises to Create the YUGETSU
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Fine-Tuning Balancing Up
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Seisho Clear Calligraphy
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U5
Final Stage Finishing the Piece
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Mounting
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Calligraphy on the Mounted Paper
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Calligraphy Your Name and Creating the Stamp
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FP
Final project
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Shodo: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
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Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational techniques, mindfulness practices, and essential tools for starting Japanese calligraphy, even if you have no prior experience.
You will need basic tools: a brush, ink, inkstone, and calligraphy paper. The course also covers alternatives and how to set up your workspace for optimal practice.
You’ll learn Japanese calligraphy basics, mindfulness techniques, brush and ink preparation, foundational strokes, and how to apply calligraphy for well-being, design, and artistic expression.
Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment, coordinate body and mind, and improve relaxation and creativity, making your calligraphy practice more expressive and meditative.
Yes, practicing mindful calligraphy can improve focus, reduce stress, and aid emotional regulation. It is also beneficial for cognitive and physical well-being, including therapy for neural injuries or autism.
Shodo is the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, focusing on expressive brushwork, energy flow, and the balance of kanji characters, distinct from Western calligraphy styles.
Yes, the course explores how classical Japanese art styles like Neo-Japonism, Ukiyo-e, and Taisho Romanticism influence modern calligraphy and contemporary design.
Super Kurs !!
muy bien explicado practico y hermoso
ottimo corso per imparare l'arte della scrittura degli ideogrammi. L'insegnante spiega in modo semplice e chiaro con esercizi pratici come eseguire le calligrafie proposte.
This was a lovely, mindful course. Calligraphy is not easy and takes practice, but the teacher took us through all the steps to make a lovely piece of work, with the added bonus of information to help the student sign their name and make a little seal so the piece really looks complete. Thank you .
Corso meraviglioso e affascinate, mi ha permesso oltre che imparare questa arte meravigliosa anche a staccare completamente. consigliassimo