"Through Halada Sensei's respectful and loving approach to this art form and her students, I have learned patience, humility and self-exploration. The brush stroke of a single line becomes the most important accomplishment I have ever made."
-- Katharine Frey, Master Ballet Teacher


"During the last session with Halada Sensei, we reached a major milestone. I embraced the source of my fear and anxiety and then let it go. All of the things that would keep me immobilized and prevent me from moving forward in my life were put into perspective and would no longer hold me captive. My art is giving me joy for the first time."
--Carol Saker, Bead Artist

"Halada Sensei teaches one to connect with one's inner fears and release them so that only a pure connection with inner divinity remains. I worked with her on the line exercises and connected with the fear around my heart. As I chanted during the line exercises, the fear was released and serious heartburn I 'd felt for several months disappeared. It hasn't been back since. I am grateful to Sensei and amazed at this process."
--Pat Beck

"When I first began learning Shodo from Sensei, I was unsure of myself and who I might become. Now, I am much more confident in myself and my potential. Sensei's spirituality, self-confidence, and desire to help others has inspired me to believe in myself and more deeply appreciate the beauty in the world."
--Jessica Dailey,High School Teacher

"My friends were all asking me if I had met a man because suddenly I seemed happier and more joyful than normal. No, I explained to them, I had just taken one Japanese calligraphy class with Halada Sensei and the shift she inspired in me made the difference!"
--Dr. Brandie Gowey, Private Session Student

"My time in Sensei's class has been a wonderful experience. My life has become calmer and happier; I enjoy every moment in this class. The writing helps me relax andfind my inner self. It has also helped my mom and I to get along better in our relationship. I have also become friendlier to my friends and others."
--Shyann, High School Student

"Halada Sensei's exercises made me stress-free and I felt better, likeI could carry on my day with positive feelingsand thoughts."
-- Ericca D. , High School Student

"I realized after a few weeks that Halada Sensei was doing more than just teaching Japanese Calligraphy when I began to see a remarkable change in the students' attitudesand behaviors. She had a powerful impact on them."
-- Deborah Dabibi , Faculty Member, Sierra Vista Academy

"Thank you for introducing children at Saguaro to the art of Japanese calligraphy. You have given them a spiritual foundation for calligraphy and proved it requires discipline to achieve success. You caused abundant positive energy to converge on the meeting room through the medium of your own cheerfulness and gave us all respect for this way of expressing Japanese culture."
-- Patricia Harrington, Saguaro Branch Library

"Thank you for making a positive impact in my life . I appreciate the way you see life, the way you talk and finally the way you live life. You look toward life in a positive way . I just want to say that I loved your presentation and that I thought you were great. Domo Arigato!"
-- Brenda C. , High School Student

"By doing the thank you exercise I felt more connected to my surroundings, like I was being accepted by the world. Probably because saying thank you over and over around me helped me be more understanding and accepting to everything in my life."
--Kyrie, High School Student

"Ms. Halada works with a class of teens for 90 minutes and they are captivated throughout the entire time. Her presentation is entitled “Japanese Calligraphy” but it really is so much more than that. The students learn about positive energy, positive attitude, and respect. The students practiced breathing and stretching exercises, along with posture, listening, and being focused, all of which will lead to success in their lives. We endorse this program and will look forward to when she returns to our school again next year."
--Michael Glenn, Teacher, William K. Eaton School