I'd just like to point out that "calligraphy" is not really a good translation of the word 書法, although it is the standard way to translate it. It just means "writing rules", and is meant to be just that. You follow the rules, and your handwriting will be good/correct/acceptable/whatever. The art aspect that we think of when we say "calligraphy" is an extension of that, but not the main thing. Adapt these rules to a different writing instrument – say, a pen (see Johan Björkstén's book) – and you will also have good handwriting with that instrument.
So I guess the moral is: don't think of this stuff as being some flowery ancient art form that isn't applicable to today. If you want to write well, you have to learn 書法.
So I guess the moral is: don't think of this stuff as being some flowery ancient art form that isn't applicable to today. If you want to write well, you have to learn 書法.