How to Join Aesthetics Program




Objective: Let's aim together for flowers with poetic beauty. This has been referred to as "Fūkyō" in traditional Ikebana texts, which represents the life and essence of Ikebana itself. When humans and nature are in harmony, this could be achieved.

Eligibility: Beginners are welcome. Anyone can participate. Whether you are someone who is currently learning Ikebana, has learned it before, or is already teaching Ikebana, you are welcome.

  • Please familiarize yourself with the basics of Zoom.
  • Sessions will be conducted in English or Japanese.

Ikebana Aesthetics Program: This is a one-year course based on a unique curriculum. The course content is not tied to any particular school of Ikebana and has been published as an academic paper.

Assignments: Find a task in our post (see Home page or click Task tag). Please complete the assignment before the class (Zoom meeting).

Typically, an example piece of Ikebana will be presented. Please create an arrangement as closely as possible to the example piece. Alternatively, you are encouraged to interpret the characteristics, intentions, or poetic elements of the piece in your own way and create an original arrangement that reflects that interpretation.

Dates & Time: See our schedule page.


Fee:

Aus $160 per semester, with a 3-semester system (8 sessions per semester).

  • Please pay via credit card from the bottom of the schedule page.
  • Please note that there are no refunds.
How to Participate:
Step 1 - Book & Pay

(1) Book from our Booking Calendar in our Schedule page by one week before the session. 


(2) Upon receipt of your payment, our booking system will send you an email of invitation to the Zoom session.


Also in some sessions you will receive session notes on how to make our sample work or special video usually 5 days prior to the session.


Please visit our orientation page for more practical advice on how to use Ikebana Dojo.


Step 2 - Get Ready

(3) Assignment details will be posted on the website.

Do your assignment. Make your ikebana work before the session.


(4) Take a photo of your work (less than 0.5 Meg.) and send to ikebana.dojo@gmail.com at least 24 hours before the session starts if you want detailed feedback.


(5) Alternatively, you can share the photo of your work during the session. Find a way to share your file using Zoom.


Step 3 - Join Dojo

(6) Join the session. Prepare your work and its photo. If the session start from 4PM, our schedule is as follow. 


03:55 PM Australia/Melbourne: Please join the session, and check your connection etc.


04:00 PM Australia/Melbourne: Let’s start session together.


04:30 PM Australia/Melbourne: Session closes


(7) Each participant will have about 4 minutes to introduce their work (Show & Tell). Enjoy show and tell by other students before and after your own presentation. 


Please explain the intention behind your work and any challenges you faced. The facilitator will mainly comment on your work based on the photo. Other participants may also provide comments. Group interaction is helpful for your learning. Works by others can inspire you.


Step 4 - Rework

(8) After the class, please revise your work. The revised version may be featured on our website or Ikebana Gallery Facebook Page. (See how to apply for Ikebana Gallery Award if you are a student).


(9) If you attend 22 or more of the 24 classes in one year and submit all of your assignments (24 revised works), you will receive a completion certificate (PDF).



Post-Graduation Options After Completing the One-Year Course:

You can continue studying Ikebana using the following two "Ikebana Dojo" programs. Some participants choose to take the Ikebana Aesthetics Program again each year.

  • a. Monthly Ikebana Challenge:
    You can participate in the monthly online sessions at any time. This is recommended for those who do not plan to pursue certification but want to continue Ikebana in a relaxed manner.
  • b. Sen-nichi Sōka Gyo (1000 Ikebana Challenge):
    For those aiming to become certified instructors, the first step is to create 1000 Ikebana arrangements. This rigorous training program allows you to complete it in under three years by creating one arrangement a day. It is a self-paced program, and compared to being part of a specific school, it allows for a more economical way to continue your studies.                            
    1. Please submit an application form to begin.
    2. You must complete the practice within 10 years from the start (create at least 2 works per week during training).
    3. While participating, you must join the "Monthly Ikebana Challenge" at least 6 times a year). If you do not participate for over 3 months, you will be considered to have withdrawn from the practice. You can restart, but you must begin again from the start. Joining Monthly Ikebana Challenge every month is also welcome. 
    4.  It’s certainly fine to keep creating pieces on your own, but to avoid getting stuck in self-satisfaction or repeating the same mistakes, advice from others is very useful. That’s why we would like you to take part in the ‘Monthly Ikebana Challenge’ at least once every three months.
    5. You can apply for the following certifications from the Ikebana Dojo. A fee will be charged for certification:
      - Hana Gyoja Grade 1 (336 arrangements)
      - Hana Gyoja Grade 2 (672 arrangements)
      - Hana Ajari (1000 arrangements + a thesis): This is the Ikebana Dojo certified instructor/facilitator qualification. Once registered as a teacher, you can teach classes using the Ikebana Dojo curriculum, either in-person or online. You may also be selected as a facilitator at the Ikebana Dojo headquarters.

Facilitators:


Additional Information:

  1. Zoom can be downloaded for free here: https://zoom.us/download
  2. Please cooperate to ensure the class is fun and positive. Any disruptive behavior will result in being removed from the class, with no refund.
  3. The Ikebana Dojo emphasizes collaborative learning, rather than the traditional teacher-student hierarchical method. The facilitator’s role is to guide, not to lecture.
  4. This program is run by Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd, ACN 654 762 893 registered in Australia.
  5. Participants of the Ikebana Dojo are also exhibitors at the "Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival." 
  6. Special programs with guest lecturers will be held irregularly throughout the year. Fees for special programs may differ.
  7. There may be changes to the details of this course or the website content.
  8. Be careful when you work with secateur, kenzan etc. Always prepare first aid kit when you practice ikebana.
  9. We may not be able to reply to any enquiries about the details of the tasks or information presented for free in this website. It is usually the best to join our Zoom Ikebana Dojo and ask our friendly facilitators any questions.
  10. If you are using multiple names, please make sure that we don't get confused.