Shokaisha Course
How does the course and monthly practice work?
- Access course materials online, through the app, or by email
- Practice copying the monthly example (for more info see ‘format of monthly coursework’ below). Brush at your own location, using your calligraphy materials
- Show the teacher your copy (either at the in-person class; or digitally online). Up to 2 meetings with teacher per month (see ‘How is coursework tutored…’ below)
- Teacher will correct your copy and give guidance
- Brush the example again, taking into account the advice given
- When complete, post your assignment to Shokaisha (by the 20th of the month; or hand it in to Pure Wind class in advance). Digital copies cannot be accepted, please send originals
- Your assignment will be checked by Shokaisha teachers in Japan, and your name and position will appear in the monthly magazine two months later
More info below, and detailed instructions and guidance from your teacher will be given when you join.
Which calligraphy works are brushed, and which calligraphers are copied?
Students will brush from a large selection of inspiring poems and classic calligraphy texts, some of which have been copied by calligraphers for centuries, such as waka and haiku poems and the Senjimon 千字文 Thousand Character Classic. Ancient styles may also be consulted such as kōkotsubun 甲骨文 shell and bone script, also known as oracle bone script, and tensho 篆書 seal script. A few of the many calligraphers studied include Ogishi 王羲之 (4th century), Chiei 智永 (7th century), Kaiso 懐素 (8th century), Bunchōmei 文徵明 (16th century) and Matsumoto Hōsui (20th century).
Which styles are taught?
The range of shodō calligraphy styles that can be learned with Shokaisha include: kaisho 楷書 (regular script); kana 仮名 calligraphy; reisho 隷書 (clerical style); gyōsho 行書 (semi-cursive); sōsho 草書 (fully cursive ‘grass’ style); kyōsō 狂草 (‘crazy’ cursive script); and tensho 篆書 (seal script). The principal styles for monthly and annual assignments are kaisho, gyōsho, sōsho and kana. Examples are included in the Shokai 書海 monthly magazines (pictured).
What is the format of monthly coursework?
The monthly coursework (called kadai 課題) is the same as the Shokaisha coursework for students in Japan. Students choose to submit between one and three kadai pieces per month, consisting of:
Kadai No. 1 第一部: (recommended)
A monthly assignment in kaisho 楷書 (regular script) with five kanji characters written over two vertical columns on standard hanshi sized calligraphy paper (33 x 24cm).
Kadai No. 2 第二部: (optional)
Students also have the monthly option of completing one other hanshi sized piece (33 x 24cm) in any of the styles offered (see styles above).
Kadai No. 3 第二部: (optional)
Students lastly have the monthly option of one larger hansetsu size work (136 x 35cm). Any style and layout can be chosen (for instance single column, or two or three vertical columns).
View submitted kadai in Shokai magazine
The progress of your kadai can be seen in the monthly Shokai 書海 magazine for members, where submitted kadai are listed, and images of selected pieces are included with feedback (pictured).
How is coursework tutored and assessed?
You can have up to 2 meetings with the teacher per month (students can decide whether they need both meetings, and breaks are allowed):
- For remote students: up to two Zoom meetings of 1 hour each
- For in-person students: one in-person class at Woodside Library (with one to one support time), and one Zoom meeting of up to 1 hour
- Flexible for students to switch between in-person and remote learning
Your teacher Blair Thomson will support your development and check over the work you do on any assignments, in order to prepare them for monthly submission to the Shokaisha office in Tokyo, upon which they will be assessed (using precise guidelines for Shokaisha teachers tasked with assessing work) together with the submitted work of other students (mostly based in Japan) in your rank. The same process applies for shiken 試験 annual exam assignments.
How does the ranking system and exams work?
- The shodō ranking system is somewhat similar to those in other Japanese cultural schools and the Japanese martial arts. In Shokaisha students can move up the lower ranks each month depending on how monthly assignments are graded, and both lower and higher ranking students can move up by submitting shiken 試験 annual assignments.
- The lower ranks in Shokaisha are called Kyū 級 and move up 1st Kyū (Ikkyū 一級), these ranks can be reached with either the monthly assignments or shiken 試験 annual assignments. The upper ranks are called Dan 段 and start at Shodan 初段 (first rank in upper ranks).
- Once a student reaches Ikkyū 一級, the highest of the lower ranks, entry to Shodan 初段 (first rank in upper ranks) and all subsequent higher ranks is by the shiken 試験 annual assignments, which are submitted by post to the Shokasha head office in Tokyo in February to be assessed.
How much do I commit to, and what about breaks?
Arrange your calligraphy practice around your work or family life. The basic minimum is to complete one assignment per month in kaisho regular style, (but you have the option to complete up to three assignments.)
It is optional how much work you do each month, and up to you whether you want to take a break from monthly practice. And it is for you to decide whether you wish to submit for the shiken 試験 annual exam assignments. As long as you have submitted one month’s work (which allows you to gain an initial rank), and retain your membership through your monthly subscription, you won’t lose your rank or membership of Shokaisha Foundation.
We encourage you to maintain a regular monthly practice as much as you feel possible, even if you can’t always submit something each month, and to speak to your teacher for advice and best steps forward. If you are on holiday and miss the coursework, or need a break from the coursework for any reason, that is fine. It is helpful to let us or the teacher know that you are having a break and don’t need any tuition or correction whilst on your break.