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Toshi M.

Toshi M.

4.9 (369)
⛩ Calm your mind and find inner peace by understanding the philosophy and art of traditional Japanese writing. Japanese calligraphy is one of the most well-known and popular of the traditional arts of Japan. It’s called shodō (書道) in Japanese, which literally means the way of writing. Shodō has a very long history. However, it’s still practiced today and it’s a popular class in school, from elementary school to university. 🏯 Shodō is closely linked to Zen Buddhism and is influenced by its ideas and values. Japanese calligraphy goes far beyond simply writing characters or words. The key to true calligraphy is to bring the mind and soul into the work and to write with your heart, otherwise, it’s meaningless. The calligrapher only has one chance, since the brush strokes can’t be corrected. To express a deep meaning, the work must show the emotions, personality, and passion of the artist. It is also said that the way of writing is the path to enlightenment. To write Zen calligraphy the mind must be clear, and the characters flow out effortlessly. This state of mind is called mushin (無心), and means “consciousness without consciousness”. When practicing Japanese calligraphy, you should clear your mind and focus only on the meaning of the words you write. 🇯🇵 Toshi shows how this practice can connect body, mind, spirit, and brush to flow through ink and paper. Learn how to gravitate between the practical aspect of calligraphy and its spiritual component. As Toshi firmly believes, this process allows your inner peace to translate into anything you create. Begin by getting to know Toshi. As a seasoned calligrapher and artist, his focus lies in teaching his students to concentrate on their inner Qi (energy flow) with every brushstroke. Discover the wide range of influences and inspirations which have shaped his style. Learn the background and essentials of Shodo, and how it intertwines with mushin, meditative clarity of the mind. Toshi teaches all of the essential calligraphy stroke systems and techniques. 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 “Sincere heart.” Toshi 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. 🌸 Requirements and materials 🌸 No previous experience or knowledge of calligraphy and Shodo is necessary. You need a calligraphy brush, an inkstone, an ink stick, ink liquid, and calligraphy paper. At the beginning of the class, Toshi describes the materials and gives you recommendations on where to find them. ( You need to purchase, Toshi will send you an Amazon link total cost of $30-$40) ⭐️ The brush (筆, fude) is usually made of bamboo with bristles made from animal hair. There are thin and thick brushes and the width of the character you’ll write decides which type you’ll use. ⭐️ Ink (墨, sumi) is a dry stick form. There are also liquid ink types. The black ink used in calligraphy is made of pine tree soot. ⭐️ Calligraphy paper (和紙, washi) is made of mulberry fibers, which are tougher than normal wood pulp paper. ⭐️ An inkstone (硯, suzuri) is used, with water, to grind the ink stick. You use it in a way that is similar to when painting with watercolors. Toshi started practicing Shodo at the age of five under the creative supervision of his grandmother, a distinguished SUMI calligrapher. Later he began to take lessons at a Sumi SHODO calligraphy school. His passion for learning and teaching SHODO and the interest in developing the effective method of teaching this beautiful form of art has always been expanding. Since then, Toshi's love for Japanese calligraphy inspired him to get involved in other Japanese traditions and started to study Sado(Japanese tea ceremony) as well. 🍵 Japanese calligraphy is a millennia-old art that still exists today, reflecting Japanese culture and aesthetics. Being one of the most popular and important traditional art forms, it’s a popular cultural activity that you’ll have the opportunity to experience in many of his language courses and his JLPT study course, too. 💖 Toshi deeply cares for and wants to help every student.
$150
/60 mins
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She’s very passionate about the history of calligraphy and the precision of its beauty. Wonderful teacher. My 13 yo daughter loved her.

Peyton (Calligraphy lessons with Marty W.)

Margaret is kind and patient instructor. She truly is passionate and very knowledgeable about her craft. I would recommend her to someone interested in learning calligraphy.

Jessica Plain (Calligraphy lessons with Margot G.)

Great beginners modern calligraphy class or in my case a great refresher course to motivate me to start practicing again! Margot was very patient and provided some great tips. Would definitely recomme

Lou Arden Vernon (Calligraphy lessons with Margot G.)

Margot is a fantastic instructor! Very fun yet thorough, she kept the class exciting and informative. I would suggeset a class with Margot to anyone!

Julie (Calligraphy lessons with Margot G.)

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Calligraphy Lessons

Revered throughout the world, the act of producing art from the written language is a skill worth developing. From the walls of the Hagia Sophia and Alhambra to the beauty of Chinese works of art, calligraphy has a beautiful, rich history that dates back as far as writing itself. While calligraphy is most often associated with invitations and certificates, the works of art that you produce will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come.

We offer online and in-person calligraphy lessons tailored to you, your goals, and your interests. Our calligraphy teachers offer one-on-one guidance that will help you produce beautiful artwork and inscriptions.

Certified Calligraphy Teachers

Our certified calligraphy teachers’ credentials are listed right on their profile, along with student reviews and their teaching location. You can even contact potential tutors to make sure they fit with your goals and learning style! Whether you choose to take online calligraphy lessons or meet with a teacher in your home or their studio, you can rest assured that our tutors are competent, involved instructors who center their teaching around your interests.

Our calligraphy teachers set their own rates, but the average cost of calligraphy lessons is $33 for a half-hour, $48 for 45 minutes, or $81 for an hour. With the variety of tutors available, you’ll be able to find one who fits your budget and schedule—each teacher’s rates are clearly listed on their profile. All you have to do is choose your instructor, package, and schedule, and then simply sign up!

Online Calligraphy Lessons for All Ages

Handwriting as a skill is useful for all age levels. Children retain information better when they write things down, and calligraphy develops fine motor skills that are useful far beyond pen and paper. Adults develop creativity, relax, and enjoy the meditative qualities of calligraphy while increasing focus and brain activity. In addition, you will create works of art that all can appreciate.

Our calligraphy lessons for kids and adults focus on meeting you where you are, both in skill and maturity level. Individual instruction from certified calligraphy teachers is the very best way to ensure that your needs are met, regardless of age.

Calligraphy Lessons for All Levels

Whether you need calligraphy lessons for beginners or you’ve been writing for years, we have the right teacher for you. Since our instructors work with you individually, they can adapt to your skill level and goals to help you develop the skills you need, rather than teaching to a set curriculum. This flexibility allows you to take the time you need—no more, no less—to learn and grow. As a result, we offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced calligraphy lessons centered around you.

Our personalized model of instruction follows you as your skill level grows. No matter your skills, when you begin with TakeLessons, our calligraphy teachers can guide you as you find your own style and gain proficiency with both brush and pen.

Calligraphy Lessons Curriculum

Of course, individualized instruction means our calligraphy lessons are tailored to you. In the course of studying calligraphy, topics you cover may include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Tool selection
  • Strokes and letter formation
  • History of calligraphy and scripts
  • Various scripts and hands
  • Practical applications

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Whether you’re looking for the best online calligraphy lessons or in-person tutoring, we have the right teacher for you. We’re confident that you will enjoy your experiences with our instructors—we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. All you do is choose your calligraphy teacher, package, and schedule, and then sign up! You’ll be writing beautifully before you know it.

FAQ

How long does it take to learn calligraphy?

You can learn the basics of calligraphy in just a few hours, but mastery can take months or even years, depending on your goals. Over time, you will develop your own style; many people reach this level in six months to a year. Daily practice (between 30 and 45 minutes) will help you develop skills faster. Your skills will, of course, evolve and develop for as long as you practice the art of calligraphy.

Our one-on-one calligraphy teachers can work with you to develop your skills faster than you could on your own, whether demonstrating how to use nibs and brushes or offering feedback on letter formation and individual strokes. Our individualized model is designed to get you the guidance you need as you need it, allowing you to reach your goals more quickly.

How do beginners learn calligraphy?

Whatever you do, don’t skip the basics! Starting out simply, learning your tools, and focusing on strokes can help you build your skills and make later work cleaner and easier. Beginning with calligraphy drills builds the familiarity, fine motor control, and knowledge that allow later growth.

Practice and the individual guidance of one of our certified calligraphy teachers will develop your skills and have you producing beautiful scripts as you learn the art of writing. Not only can a tutor offer immediate assistance as you are starting out, but they can also help you grow as you become more proficient. Our teachers can work with beginner, intermediate, and even advanced students as they hone their skills.

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