What should you learn in Shodo?
You can develop the ability to write correct and beautiful Shodo by learning the following three elements in order.
STEP 1. Acquire the basic knowledge of Shodo
Everything such as sports, scholarship, business and art has its basics to learn. There are four basics to learn for you to start Shodo.
Basic 1: How to hold a writing brush
The way to hold a writing brush is different from the way to hold a pen you usually use. If you master it and hold the brush correctly, you will be able to draw stable lines without shaking.
Basic 2: Arm posture
We pay attention to our hands and fingertips when using a pen. On the other hand, you need to use your whole arm in Shodo. By doing so, you can write more dynamic characters.
Basic 3: Sitting posture
We also keep in mind to the sitting posture when writing Shodo. If you do not sit in the correct posture, you will not be able to control a brush freely because you put unnecessary strain on yourself especially upper body and arms. You will be able to write good Shodo and comfortable when you sit properly.
Basic 4: How to use calligraphy tools
We use many tools including the four most important tools: writing brush, inkstone, ink stick, and calligraphy paper. Getting to know how to use and care for them will make the tools last longer and help you write correct and beautiful Shodo.
STEP 2. Basic practice (Practice basic strokes)
What is the basic practice in calligraphy?
It is to practice writing the various lines and dots that make up the kanji. The combination of these various lines and dots creates the unique beauty of Japanese calligraphy. Writing kanji without basic practice is like trying a marathon without enough training.
You will surely learn the techniques for writing beautiful kanji by practicing the basics. In addition, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the brush holding, arm usage, sitting posture that you learned in step 1 and develop your concentration.
STEP 3. Learn how to write kanji characters
Try to write a kanji character after practicing the basics to some extent.
While the shapes of kanji have various beauty, the shapes vary greatly depending on the kanji and there are many complicated shapes.
How should you practice kanji characters?
Actually, there are some knacks when practicing kanji. We will tell two of them here.
1. Pay attention to the center of kanji
Imagine a vertical line running through the center of a kanji character. If you write with that in mind, the overall balance of the character will be better and it will look good.
2. Keep a stroke order
All kanji have a set stroke order. Why? Because it’s more easier to write. Furthermore, it is more easier to write well-balanced characters. Good balance is one of the elements of beauty in Shodo.
You can improve faster by practicing with them in mind.
After practicing your favorite kanji to some extent, try to make your fair copy as your own work. When you make the next work after practicing, compare it with the previous work. Getting to know where and how much you have improved will be fun and confident.
