Shodo: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy
A course by RIE TAKEDACalligrapher, Artist, and Teacher
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
What Will We Do in the Course?
2 minutes, 18 seconds
Shodo and Mushin Clear Mind
7 minutes, 36 seconds
Styles and Techniques
14 minutes, 13 seconds
Utensils and Materials
8 minutes, 26 seconds
Basic Brush Movements
12 minutes, 56 seconds
Foundational Strokes
12 minutes, 18 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin by getting to know Rie. As a seasoned calligrapher and artist, her focus lies on teaching her students to concentrate on their inner Qi (energy flow) with every brushstroke. Discover the wide range of influences and inspirations which have shaped her style.
Learn the background and essentials of Shodo, and how it intertwines with mushin, meditative clarity of the mind. Rie teaches three of the essential calligraphy styles and techniques. Then she guides you through the different materials used in Shodo, giving you recommendations on what and how to get them.
Before painting, learn to release tension in both the body and mind using guided meditation and becoming aware of your inner Qi. After warming up physically and spiritually, practice basic Shodo brush strokes while continuing to channel your energy flow from your body, through the ink, and onto paper.
Next, draw the calligraphy characters that represent “evening moon.” Rie guides you step by step through the setup and technique. Then, practice seisho, which is clear, transparent calligraphy that must be done with mushin, a clear mind. Each step has its own (Japanese) name and procedure, which Rie meticulously unravels.
Create a stamp with your name in katakana, Japanese syllabary, to sign your work. Adjust the final touches by fine-tuning the composition, and mounting your work. Rie wraps up the course by reflecting on everything that was covered and the meditative processes practiced. Finally, she encourages you to continue exploring and experimenting with the art of Shodo.
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
- 1 month ago
Rie is truly a great teacher. She not only teaches calligraphy hand techniques, She also explains the importance of energy movement and breathing. Her demonstrations are very helpful and her templates are handy companions for my practice at home.
- 2 months ago
Com simplicidade e calma explicou as práticas exteriores e interiores de cada momento criativo. Profundo e Revelador ! Grata !
- 3 months ago
Super Kurs !!
- 3 months ago
muy bien explicado practico y hermoso
- 5 months ago
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.
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
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- What Will We Do in the Course?
- U2
Introduction to Shodo
- Shodo and Mushin Clear Mind
- Styles and Techniques
- Utensils and Materials
- U3
First Stages
- Warming up Body and Mind
- Basic Brush Movements
- Foundational Strokes
- U4
Step by Step with "Evening Moon"
- Demonstrations and Presentation of Kanjis
- Technical Exercises to Create the YUGETSU
- Fine-Tuning Balancing Up
- Seisho Clear Calligraphy
- U5
Final Stage Finishing the Piece
- Mounting
- Calligraphy on the Mounted Paper
- Calligraphy Your Name and Creating the Stamp
- FP
Final project
- Shodo: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy
What to expect from a Domestika course
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 valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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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.