Weiqi / Go Game Workshop

The SUITS Weiqi Workshop provides a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills through the strategic board game of Weiqi, also known as Go. Our experienced workshop team will guide participants through the history, cultural significance, and rules of the game, as well as provide hands-on practice and instruction on advanced strategies and tactics.

By participating in the SUITS Weiqi Workshop, participants can benefit in several ways. Firstly, the workshop fosters critical thinking skills by encouraging participants to analyze complex game situations and make strategic decisions. This process of analysis and decision-making can be applied to various real-life situations and challenges, providing participants with valuable skills that can be used beyond the game.

Additionally, the workshop promotes collaboration and teamwork, as participants work together to analyze game situations and develop effective strategies. The game of Weiqi is also known for its emphasis on respect and sportsmanship, promoting positive attitudes and behaviors among participants.

Lastly, the SUITS Weiqi Workshop provides a unique and engaging cultural experience, allowing participants to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the game. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with experienced players and learn from their expertise, gaining insight into the game’s strategies and techniques.

Title: Introduction to Weiqi – A Strategic Board Game

Workshop Objectives:

• Introduce participants to the basics of Weiqi
• Enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Promote collaboration and teamwork

Workshop Outline:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Briefly introduce the history and cultural significance of Weiqi
• Explain the objectives and benefits of the workshop

II. Basic Rules and Concepts (15 minutes)

• Explain the basic rules of the game, such as capturing stones and creating territories
• Demonstrate how to set up the board and explain the purpose of the black and white stones
• Clarify basic concepts such as liberties, eye shapes, and ko fights

III. Hands-On Practice (30 minutes)

• Participants will pair up and take turns playing a beginner-level game of Weiqi
• Workshop facilitators will provide guidance and feedback on strategy and gameplay
• Participants will be encouraged to use critical thinking and decision-making skills to analyze game situations and make strategic decisions

IV. Debrief and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Participants will reflect on their experience and discuss what they learned from the workshop
• Workshop facilitators will summarize key takeaways and emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork in Weiqi

Materials Needed:

• Weiqi boards and stones
• Workshop handouts with basic rules and concepts
• Timer or clock

Note: Depending on the number of participants, additional time may be needed for hands-on practice or debrief and reflection.

In this workshop, we will assume no prior familiarity with Chinese characters or Chinese calligraphy. We will start by explaining a little bit about the history of Chinese characters and how they are structured. Then we will take a look at some different styles of calligraphy to get an idea of the variety in character forms, as well as an understanding of the sense of beauty in Chinese calligraphy.

Then it will be your turn. We will start with the regular script of Zhenqing Yang (颜真卿, 8th century AD), which today is regarded as a model script and a good starting point for new students. We will study the basic strokes, write some simple characters, and finish by writing a short but meaningful text. Of course, there will be plenty of room for asking questions and personal feedback throughout the workshop; if there is something specific you would like to write, we can probably accommodate that also.

Depending on the participants the workshop will be taught in English or Chinese; of course, questions can always be asked in either language.

The SUITS Weiqi / Go Game Workshop offers young individuals a unique and enriching experience that can provide them with numerous benefits.

One of the primary benefits of participating in the workshop is the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. Weiqi is a game that requires players to analyze complex game situations, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and make strategic decisions. This process of analysis and decision-making can help develop a young individual’s critical thinking skills, which can be applied to various real-life situations and challenges.

Another benefit of the workshop is the promotion of collaboration and teamwork. Weiqi is a game that requires players to work together to analyze game situations and develop effective strategies. This collaborative process can help young individuals develop important teamwork and communication skills, which can be applied to various settings such as school, sports, and work.

Moreover, the workshop promotes a positive attitude and behavior, as Weiqi emphasizes respect, humility, and sportsmanship. Young individuals can learn how to win and lose gracefully, understand the importance of respecting others’ opinions, and practice good sportsmanship. These values can help them become more empathetic, respectful, and responsible individuals.

Furthermore, the workshop can provide young individuals with a unique and engaging cultural experience. Weiqi has a rich history and cultural significance in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, and learning about its origins and traditions can broaden their cultural understanding and appreciation.

Finally, the workshop can also provide young individuals with a fun and exciting activity that can serve as a break from academic pressures and other stressors. Weiqi is a game that can be enjoyed individually or with friends, providing young individuals with a leisure activity that can help them relax and unwind.

The SUITS Weiqi / Go Workshop provides schools and organizations with a unique opportunity to promote mental health and well-being among their students or members. Here are some of the benefits of having a SUITS Weiqi / Go Workshop in your school or organization:

1. Stress Reduction: Weiqi / Go is a strategic board game that requires focus and concentration, making it an excellent tool for stress reduction. Playing Weiqi / Go allows individuals to take a break from their busy schedules and immerse themselves in a challenging but enjoyable game that can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
2. Cognitive Development: Weiqi / Go is known to promote cognitive development by enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The game requires players to analyze complex game situations, make strategic decisions, and anticipate their opponent’s moves. These cognitive skills can be applied to other areas of life, including academic studies and decision-making in daily life.
3. Socialization: Weiqi / Go is a social game that can help individuals build relationships and form new friendships. Playing Weiqi / Go allows individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and build a sense of community within the school or organization.
4. Improved Focus and Attention: Playing Weiqi / Go requires focus and attention to detail, making it an excellent tool for improving these skills. By practicing the game regularly, individuals can improve their ability to focus and pay attention to details, which can benefit them in other areas of their life.
5. Boost in Self-Esteem: The satisfaction of making strategic decisions and winning the game can boost an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. The game provides a sense of accomplishment, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with confidence or self-esteem.
6. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Weiqi / Go can be an excellent tool for mindfulness and relaxation. Playing the game allows individuals to clear their minds and focus on the present moment, providing a sense of relaxation and mindfulness.

Our Workshop costs vary depending on the lengths of the visit and the context of the sessions. Depending on your needs, the length varies between 60 mins to a full day. The cost ranges from £90 per hour per class or £500 for a full-day visit. There will be a £3 per delegate charge to cover learning materials.

1, Hosting at a venue

In return for hosting at a venue, we will deliver our workshop and sell tickets on our advertised workshop list for £10-£15 per delegate per hour. We will provide you with all the advertising material, offer you two free places for the class and handle all the bookings. There are no other charges other than any additional places above the free places you may want to book.

2, Organize an online event

In return for helping to organize an online event, we will deliver the course via our online platform and sell tickets on our advertised courses list for £6-£10 per delegate per hour. We will provide you with all the advertising material, offer you one free place for the course and handle all the bookings. There are no other charges other than any additional places above the free place you may want to book.

3, Run a workshop exclusively for your school, organization, or community

If you would prefer we can deliver the course exclusively for you. This can be at a venue or online. For venue based you simply supply us with the venue, projector and screen, and basic refreshments and you manage who attends the course on your end. If it is online you just need to organize who will have access to the session. We don’t advertise the course or allow the course to be opened up beyond your own group. As a rough guide, we charge £90 per class or £250 per half day, or £500 for the full day delivered on a single day. There will be an additional £3 per delegate charge to cover learning materials.