Kampo Cultural Center
Notes of a Student of the Correspondence Course
(Please note, this page is neither reviewed nor affiliated with the Kampo School)
During my time as a calligraphy student of the Kampo School I have come up with several questions that a non-Japanese my have. Below I will state my questions and then the answer that I have come up with. These are just my perceptions and should not be taken as the final word on the matter. Calligraphy, like all forms of Asian Art, is not properly learned from books; however books can suffice when a qualified instructor is not available. In all cases I recommend you seek a qualified instructor and utilize her or his knowledge and guidance.
Question #1 Where can I order my supplies and how much do they cost?
Supplies can be ordered from:
Kampo Cultural Center, INC.
31 Bond Street
New York, NY 10012
A current price list can be requested, and in most cases you will find the best price is actually through the school, so support the school by ordering your supplies from them.
Question #2 How do I get graded?
Your assignments will be graded and sent back to you monthly. The grading structure starts at Hachikyu and works its way to Shodan, and then from Shodan on up.
If you have ever studied martial arts, Shodan is the equivalent to 1st Degree Black Belt; however in calligraphy you will not receive a belt, just a rank.
Question#3 Why are there orange circles on my returned assignments?
As far as I can tell, there are three basic ways of marking a student's paper:
1. Correcting the Stroke - the person grading the paper has made the correct stroke in orange.
2. Single Circle - Character is very good. (correctly brushed)
3. Double Circle - Character is very very good (correctly brushed well)
Question#4 Why do I get alternate assignments?
You may turn in as many as two (2) samples of your work each month. If you don't want to do the main assignment, you can do the alternate assignments. This is useful when you are working on different styles of shodo (i.e. Sosho or Reisho).
Question#5 Why are the supplies so expensive?
Have you ever been out to the movies? If so, how much did you spend on just one person for the movie, popcorn or other snacks? For me, when I want to complain about spending money on somethign that is going to last for months or years, I think about the last time I spent $20 at the movies BEFORE I bought popcorn.
If you buy the kit they recommend you are going to spend about $60 to $80 on something that will last you a long time. I recommend you take the long view on you calligraphy, it will be at least a year before you really start getting the feel of it if you have no talent for it (like me), so relax and spend the necessary money for good materials to start off with.
Question#6 Why does it cost over $100 for a year?
How much would a year at the local gym cost you? How much would you pay per year for Karate or Kung Fu lessons? I pay over $300 per year for the Karate I study, and that doesn't include the money I put out for child care while I am at karate.
Question#7 What is this certificate I received for my July (or February) assignment?
Your work for July and Feburary (I would have to check the months to make sure they are correct) will be automatically entered in the semi-annual contest. I have no idea of the rules or of the process, I just know that mine comes back with a certificate.
Note: Mr Takemori (my instructor through the school) took time to translate my certificate for me. I cannot say he will do it for everybody, but he seems helpful enough to do so.
Question#8 Can I sell my work?
Sure.
Question#9 Do I have to order a seal chop?
No, however you may find you want to after a while. I carved my own (poorly).
Question#10 How long does it take?
The books I have read indicate that Shodo is a life long study.
I hope this information was helpful.
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