Becoming a BCI Suiseki Instructor
The Art of Stone Appreciation · A Living Tradition
In suiseki, a humble stone holds the essence of mountains, rivers, and entire landscapes. The art of seeing what nature has sculpted — and sharing that vision with others — transcends language and culture.
If you carry the gift of helping others see beauty in stone, BCI invites you to join a select group of endorsed Suiseki Instructors who preserve this ancient art worldwide.
Looking for bonsai? ← Bonsai Instructor Program
“Suiseki is the art of reading nature's own sculptures. To teach it is to open eyes to beauty that has waited millions of years to be seen.”
Why Teach Suiseki with BCI?
BCI provides the recognition, the platform, and the network to share suiseki knowledge globally.
Official BCI Endorsement
Earn recognition as a BCI-endorsed Suiseki Instructor — joining a select group of approved practitioners worldwide.
Convention Judging
Opportunities to lecture on and judge suiseki at BCI conventions and international events.
Website Profile
Your name, photo, and bio featured on the BCI website, visible to clubs and event organizers worldwide.
Magazine Contributions
Contribute technical articles on suiseki to BCI Magazine, reaching thousands of enthusiasts globally.
Global Network
Connect with fellow suiseki enthusiasts and instructors across cultures for collaboration and shared learning.
Preserve the Art
Help preserve and promote suiseki traditions for future generations as part of BCI's educational mission.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Suiseki Instructor Registry Committee.
Read qualifying requirements and submit the online application form
Committee individually reviews your application to verify all requirements
Consensus or majority vote; final decision rests with the Chair
Receive your BCI certificate and be featured on the BCI website
Suiseki Instructor Requirements
To earn full BCI endorsement as a Suiseki Instructor, we look for:
BCI Membership
Must be a BCI Individual member for two years or pay two years membership in advance. Certificates are valid for the membership period.
3 Suiseki Presentations
Minimum of 3 lectures or demonstrations on suiseki topics at international events. At least one must include a detailed explanation of all main suiseki categories and types. Video of each presentation or a letter from a recognized suiseki expert is required as evidence.
Published Work (Alternative)
Written articles on suiseki in magazines or newsletters may substitute for live presentations, provided they cover the main categories and types in detail. Full copies must accompany the application.
Commitment to BCI
Willing to lecture on or judge suiseki at BCI conventions, and author one technical article on suiseki for BCI magazine each year with photos or illustrations.
What to Include in Your Application
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A biography or CV describing your experience with suiseki, affiliations with clubs, societies, federations, and positions held
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A list of National or International Events at which you have demonstrated, lectured, or led workshops on suiseki
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Published suiseki articles and books (optional but recommended)
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BCI may request photos of suiseki from your collection
You must be logged in to submit your application. Please allow 60 days to process your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Written articles on suiseki published in magazines or newsletters can substitute for live presentations, provided they include detailed coverage of the main suiseki categories and types. Full copies of articles must be submitted with your application.
Each presentation must be accompanied by either a video of the presentation or a letter from a recognized suiseki expert confirming the requirements were met.
Yes, you must be a BCI Individual member for at least two years (or pay two years in advance). Your instructor certification remains valid for the duration of your membership. Join BCI →
At least one of your presentations must include a detailed explanation of what suiseki is, along with the characteristics of all the main categories and types of suiseki. This demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the art form.
Ready to Share Your Suiseki Knowledge?
If you are passionate about suiseki and meet the qualifications above, we welcome your application to the BCI International Suiseki Instructors Registry.
