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ClassBento money-back guarantee
Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing through our workshops and experiences. We curate our teachers and hosts carefully to ensure that they are of high quality.
That's why we provide a money-back guarantee*: If you're unsatisfied with this experience, just leave it at least 20 minutes before it ends, and tell us (the ClassBento team) the reason for your dissatisfaction within 4 hours of that time, and we'll provide you with a refund.
For extra peace of mind, all our bookings are covered by our $20 million public liability insurance.
* We may choose to limit our refund per student at $1000. In some rare cases, we may also require you to show us your photo ID before we process the refund.
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Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: No cancellations, but free to reschedule up until 2 days before the class
Q: How long does the class run for, what's the price?
A: 1 hour, $50 per person
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Shodo Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
1 hour
1 to 5
label $50 (or 4 payments of $12.50 via- Afterpay)
What you'll do
Rejuvenate while improving your focus with Ren, a master in Shodo calligraphy. Ren’s work has been recognised by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, gaining the esteemed title of national property of Japan for his work ‘Furusato’ which now lives at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra, as well as having various works exhibited internationally.
Learn how to make different types of sumi ink to kick-start your calligraphy career, wield your calligraphy brush or 'fude' against a special type of Japanese paper called ‘hanshi’. Learn Japanese characters, and express your emotions through brush stroke pressure, rhythm and tone.
Just 4 minutes' walk (200 metres) from Chatswood station.
This workshop is a perfect meditative experience to break-up a stressful week.
Knowledge Required
No knowledge of Japanese required
What to bring
All equipment is provided. Just bring your enthusiasm!
Location
Chatswood, NSW
Exact location is anonymised for privacy. You'll get the specific address after booking.
Your teacher
Ren is an artist who specialises on ‘Shodo’, Japanese traditional calligraphy. He was conferred Consul-General's Commendation on in 2016.
After holding exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka, he moved his centre of activity to Sydney in 1996.
Now his work can be seen all over NSW through his exhibitions. In addition, he has held various performances and workshops at many occasions including the NSW Art Gallery, the Japanese Embassy’s Candle Festival and the Cowra Japanese Gardens.
He has also taken the role of Kanji (Japanese characters) Demonstration in the SBS Japanese learning show ‘Nihongo Daisuki’ and other Chinese learning shows.
In recent years he has also impressed overseas audiences with many activities including his exhibition in Dubai and performance at the Japan Day in New Zealand, to which he was invited by the Auckland Consulate of Japan.
In 2010 his work ‘Furusato’ (En: place of origin) was approved by the Japanese Foreign Ministry as a national property of Japan, meaning his artistic talent is now recognised by two nations(Australia and Japan). This work is now housed at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra.
He holds Shodo classes in Sydney, and is endeavouring to pass his talent to future generations.
Ren participated in production of Hollywood movie “The Wolverine” (2013) as a calligrapher. Also he was conferred Consul-General's Commendation on in 2016.
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Verified reviews
We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class
Edward White • Feb 2021
Great experience! We went as a group of four and had a great time. Teacher was excellent and very kind.
Paul Ramsey • Feb 2021
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
My 2nd lesson in 4 weeks now. Was very detailed in his lesson. I definitely think I've improved from my 1st lesson.
Paul Ramsey • Jan 2021
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Had a great lesson. Teacher was very passionate about Japanese Calligraphy.
Was patient with me, helped me learn more about Japanese culture.
Handed me a practice paper and paint brush to take home to help me improve before his next lesson.
Thank you.
Paul
Jeita Hartwell • Jan 2021
My partner and I had such a fantastic, focused and peaceful time! We were allowed equal parts freedom and guidance - this has really kickstarted our calligraphy journey.
Carolyn Adams • Dec 2020
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Convenient and comfortable venue. Materials were all provided and were of high quality. Ren was an excellent and patient teacher. He made the class relaxed and enjoyable. Highly recommend this class as a quiet time out.
Jenny Yang • Nov 2020
Great session - had heaps of fun. I would strongly recommend it for those who are interested.
See 42 more reviews
Fiona Tres • Oct 2020
Great class! We went to this class for our dating anniversary and we have no been disappointed. The calligraphies are now being framed on our wall :)
Timothy Williams • Aug 2020
Ren San is an excellent teacher a real Sensei of calligraphy
The space is well lit with windows on the south and east, the materials and work tables beautifully prepared.
He talked about the importance of breath, of calm, of how the brush transmits your state of mind. He finds out what you know and adapts to your level. You learn how to prepare the ink, Ren listens for the correct grinding sound on the stone.
He teaches Brush technique and exercises to practice. A word is chosen, the strokes, their order and the balance of spaces between were practiced on thin paper again and again and discussed, then you commit to a beautiful piece of board.
After a fleeting hour, You go home with a beautiful thing peace
Stephanie Barbieri • Jun 2020
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Thank you for a great class. I very much enjoyed what I learnt, especially about the Japanese language and culture. Looking forward to practising now at home. Thank you
Cherry Clark • Jun 2020
The teacher was very friendly and easy to get on. We learned the traditional Japanese Calligraphy culture starts from making the ink from scratch which was educational for the kids!
Eileen Jenkins • Mar 2020
Great private session with Renclub. He was very helpful and encouraging. Really enjoyed coming away with my own artwork and am keen to do more.
Josie Groen • Feb 2020
The Japanese Calligraphy Class was a great experience and Ren the teacher was very supportive, helpful and welcoming. I really enjoyed learning this skill as well as the proper technique in order to do so which was very calming. I’d love to try it again and learn more about it as well now. Thank you very much for an introduction into this special skill.
Wing Yip • Jan 2020
Both my friend and I who went are beginners and we thoroughly enjoyed the class. Ren san our teacher was nice and easy going, he demonstrated some basic techniques to get us started and we had some time to do a few practices before doing a final piece of a card board that we get to take home. Time flew by and it was a fun experience, I recommend it and would like to go back for more classes.
Nesta Miles • Jan 2020
First time trying this and it was a really fun experience, I would love to do more in the future. Great teacher! Would recommend to anyone.
Kelly Dees • Oct 2019
Loved learning this new style of brush lettering. Teacher had a great eye for small corrective details and had an easy progression of teaching working up to our chosen word. Class could be a little longer like 1.5 hours rather than an hour to go at a little slower more relaxing pace. All in all it was very enjoyable!
Alice Thachasongtham • Oct 2019
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
It was a great fun! the teacher is very helpful and knowledgeable. What I have got is more than just calligraphy technique but history and reasons behind everything we do!
Highly recommended
Sophie Cocard • Sep 2019
The teacher was amazing and I really enjoyed the class. It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning calligraphy.
Noah Gock-Stephens • Aug 2019
I really enjoyed this class, great brushes and supplies. I was able to do the whole process of grinding the ink, practicig the brush strokes etc. I was also able to choose which kanji to write, even if you are someone who can't already write some characters, i would still recommend as Mr Ren took me through the whole process.
ありがとうございます。
Heather Sundin • Jul 2019
Wonderful experience in our calligraphy class, thank you Ren- sensei for your patience and understanding. Definitely a class for anyone wanting something fun to do
Ron Ragel • Jul 2019
All good teacher was attentive and helpful throughout class giving me a good background into calligraphy. The venue was conveniently located near Chatswood station which made it east to get to. I intend to do more with Ren
Emily • Jul 2019
It was a very interesting class that briefly touched on the techniques of calligraphy. I would highly recommend for people who want to see what it is like
Leanne Jan • Jul 2019
7 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews
Professional venue in a very nice setting. His instructions were clear and simple to follow as he explained very clearly. I would do again.
Tirone Pama • Jul 2019
Within the space of an hour, I was able to learn a large amount about Japanese calligraphy; such as the proper way to hold a brush and even things such as breathing when writing a character. Ren is an amazing teacher that makes writing complicated kanji seem simple, and it’s easy see that he’s very experienced in what he does. I enjoyed my lesson a lot and I’ve taken away a lot of knowledge from my shodo class.
Kylie Jackson • Jul 2019
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
The class was fun. Looks easy but actually very challenging to master the strokes. Good technique requires a calm mind and connection to breath. Was great to learn and be guided by the teacher. He was very encouraging.
Yogini Patel • Jun 2019
Intimate class, hands on teaching. All materials provided.
My friends and I really enjoyed the experience.
Rachel Perrett • Jun 2019
Excellent experience Ren was a master and the take home equipment I purchased was very affordable. Would highly recommend
Milton Braga • Jun 2019
The teacher was great and very patient. Just remember to bring your word to work with.
Greg Kesby • May 2019
Ren Is a very Experienced teacher who did his best to put as much as possible into the hour I had with him. It was a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommend it.
Leslie Lau • May 2019
An amazing experience. Ren-san was a great teacher, very attentive, supportive and encouraging throughout the entire session. He was extremely accommodating and welcoming with his friendly, casual approach, and I very much appreciated his tutelage and friendly warmth. I have acquired the tools to practice on my own and am already planning on making another visit to further sharpen my skills! Domo arigato, Ren-san!
Luke Sumner • Apr 2019
Wonderful experience. The teacher was very welcoming and accommodating. Very patient and explained things in a way I could understand. Very enthusiastic and supportive. Very nice person. I had a wonderful time and will definitely recommend
Kara Valeontis • Mar 2019
Ren is an amazing teacher. Very patient & positive. All art supplies are provided. Venue is accessible by transport. I enjoyed the workshop so much that i will be looking at joining classes during the week.
Olgney Pinto • Feb 2019
Hi There
We arrived late. The teacher was fantastic. He was able to accommodate us and help us to catch up with the rest of the group. We love it.
Regards
Katarzyna Syta • Feb 2019
It was a great class. All materials has been provided and for sale to take home, so I bought some to practice at home. Great atmosphere and very calming experience. Will come back next week for more. Teacher is patient and makes everything clear for students.
Anthony Liem • Feb 2019
To learn Japanese calligraphy is interesting and challenging. More time is needed to follow all the procedures and to practice. Certainly learnt a lot and provided ideas for my watercolor paintings
Kaye Yaager • Jan 2019
Lovely lesson. Much more to calligraphy than I realised. Gentle informative tuition following traditional methods with a supportive and encouraging teacher. Wish to do more.
Xinhui Chen • Nov 2018
Great experience, when writing the words, I can feel I am interact with the character.
Eugene Penna • Oct 2018
Excellent. Highly recommend. Great teacher - authentic, honest and willing to share knowledge with an understanding of the client needs.
Lana Habl • Sep 2018
A wonderful, masterful and jam packed workshop: for an hour, Ren's efficiency really took over and the progress from practising strokes to actually creating calligraphy was swift. I didn't want the class to end. Really recommend this workshop for an hour of Zen to break up a hectic day. Thank you Ren!
Kye • Aug 2018
Good value for money, teacher was friendly and good at explaining would highly recommend for people interest in learning Shodo (even with no prior experience)
Renate Carius • Aug 2018
Hitoshi was great- encouraging, organised and adaptable. He created a positive and friendly atmosphere and was able to share some of his professional experiences after the lesson. Great to have a master to learn from.
Katherine Smith • Jul 2018
The lesson was very clearly delivered, materials all laid out and ready to go.
Zackery • Jul 2018
We had a great experience, very friendly teacher and nice location. We will definitely consider coming back for another lesson.
Kate Ahmad • May 2018
It was wonderful.
Amazing teacher who took us through every step.
Japanese equipment and a very calm and relaxing experience. Will be back!
Jane • Apr 2018
Great teacher and we enjoyed the class very much
Samantha • Mar 2018
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Ren was a wonderful teacher and was very patient and thorough in teaching me the various strokes. It was the perfect meditative class that helped me to relax and unwind whilst also learning a new skill.
Melanie Ozanne • Dec 2017
Amazing instruction.I learnt an appreciation of Japanese lettering and will come again from Tasmania when I have done my homework to learn and respect more of this style of calligraphy.
Lee • Sep 2017
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Will return.
Ren sensei setup a lovely space welcome me to calligraphy in. Whilst his club's studio is in Chatswood and handy to the train station it's in a quiet area suitable for this kind of activity.
Ren himself was unassuming and an excellent teacher, working out my capabilities quickly and giving just enough information then space and feedback for me to work things out.
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2021-03-10 13:00:00
2021-09-25 10:00:00