Gohitsu Shodo Kai is an independent Western Japanese calligraphy society aiming to build a community of people looking to train in Shodo to discover their inner spirit, enhance their senses, and find happiness.
The training methods that we use are ZEN, KEN, SHO (Zen, sword, and brush). ZEN, KEN, SHO uses concepts of Zen meditation, martial arts practice, and calligraphy studies to develop the human being as a whole. ZEN or meditation develops samadhi (a state of pure relaxation and clarity with a unified mind and body condition) and cultivates KAN (spiritual intuition). KEN, or sword, refers to martial arts or physical training that develops the body, and SHO refers to the brush or fine arts to express our state of mind.
Gohitsu Shodo Kai’s mission is to promote these practices in an effective and accessible way for anyone who wishes to experience an integrated mind-body condition.
We currently teach online introductory, intermediate, and advanced classes in Shodo, where students can begin learning the basics of Japanese calligraphy. However, we recognize the importance of in-person practice and aim to schedule in-person workshops and seminars for 2024.
We plan on running some seminars and workshops in 2024, but we are also booking next year’s workshops and seminars. We encourage interested individuals, art studios, martial arts schools, or meditation centers to contact us if they want to host one of these events.
Individuals or organizations can book any of the following:
Calligraphy Workshop – is a half-day or full-day workshop focused on the fundamental techniques of Shodo.
Meditation and Calligraphy Seminar – is a half-day or full-day seminar focused on integrating meditation (Zen) and Shodo practice.
ZEN, KEN, SHO Seminar – is a full-day, two or three-day seminar exploring the relationship between martial arts, meditation, and calligraphy.
These seminars are a lot of fun. It is an energizing way to spend one day or an entire weekend doing nothing but training. Seminars are about sharing an experience; therefore, the instructor is there to provide experiential training. Experiential training at seminars aims to surpass physical and mental boundaries. We must let go of ourselves completely and experience MUSHIN, or “no mind.”
Email us here if you are interested in hosting a workshop or seminar in 2024!
