Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

The art of Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) is more than just writing kanji (Chinese Characters). The activity of brushing characters can help us relax and calm our minds and spirits. If you immerse yourself in that activity, you will be fully aware and present at that moment. The experience of this practice can have a lasting impact on our daily lives by giving us the power to bring that same calmness and clarity into other life activities.

Learn the fundamental techniques of Japanese calligraphy in this 3-hour hands-on workshop taught by Esteban Martinez. This class includes a brief lecture on the history and characteristics of Japanese calligraphy. Students will learn about the tools and materials needed for calligraphy, how to hold the brush, as well as proper posture and form. Participants will be introduced to the basic strokes of calligraphy and will work towards creating their own calligraphy artwork on hanshi (calligraphy paper).

Esteban Martinez is a Japanese Calligrapher, Aikido teacher, and Zen practitioner. He has been practicing Shodo and teaching Aikido for 20 years and holds the rank of Yondan (4th-degree black belt) with Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Calligraphic work given to him by the late Aikido and Zen master Fumio Toyoda Shihan encouraged him to learn Japanese Calligraphy. He later studied calligraphy (shodo) and penmanship (shuji) formally under Maki Narita.