The following are the basic materials you will need to start Shodo;
Fude (brush)---normal sized brush, and a small brush to write your name
Sumi (ink stick)---bokuju (instant ink) are also available for beginners
Hanshi (Shodo paper sized 24cm x 33cm)---Hanshi will be used in all lessons
Suzuri (ink stone)---necessary if you are using ink sticks. If you are only using bokuju (instant ink), this could be replaced with a small container with a rim (such as a small bowl or cup).
Bunchin (paper weight)---could be replaced with a normal paper weight
Mizusashi (water container)---not necessary if you can pour water in the Suzuri (ink stone) in drops at a time.
Shitajiki (felt underlay)---can be replaced with a thick piece of felt that is larger than the size of Hanshi (shodo paper). Shitajiki is used to create a flat and soft surface, as well as to absorb excessive ink from the paper.
If you have all the materials explained above, you are ready to start your lesson!
If you have no idea where to get these materials, we also sell a starters kit (most commonly used in Japanese schools), Hanshi (shodo paper) and instant ink paste.
Visit our Shodo Store (to be open in the near future) for more details.
Traditional way is to fold your legs under yourself and write on a low table. You need a Japanese style room with tatami mats for this.
You can also sit in a chair and use a table or desk.
Sit up straight, squarely in front of the paper with your feet on the floor.
Leave some space between your body and writing surface, and put your left hand on the lower left corner of the paper.
3) How to hold the brush
Hold around the center of the brush with your thumb, index finger and middle finger. (Imagine picking up a small object gently with your three fingers.)
The two other fingers should be placed aside the middle finger.
Don't hold the brush too tight.
Always hold the brush straight. The brush should always be at a 90˚ angle against the writing surface.
Try using the brush with your right hand even if you are left-handed, because the strokes used in Shodo are very difficult to create using your left hand.
If you have never done Shodo before, proceed to Warming-Up Exercises before starting Lesson 1.