Kaikou School of Bonsai: The Premier Bonsai Education Experience

At the Kaikou School of Bonsai, we don’t just teach bonsai—we immerse you in its artistry and science, empowering you to elevate your practice to the highest level – while having fun, of course.

This premier, hands-on program, led by bonsai professionals John Romano and Peter Olson, offers an unparalleled opportunity to refine your skills through expert mentorship and personalized instruction.

What Makes Kaikou Unique?

An Immersive Two-Year Journey: Dive deep into essential techniques like repotting, pruning, wiring, and design through engaging classes and seasonal workshops.
Master Diverse Species: Gain hands-on experience with a variety of bonsai, including Shimpaku, Maples, Pines, and Quince, exploring the unique characteristics and artistic possibilities of each.
Personalized Learning: With small class sizes, you’ll receive dedicated attention to perfect every skill—from soil care to crafting show-stopping bonsai.
Beyond the Basics: Develop a profound understanding of tree health, aesthetics, and advanced techniques, leaving with the confidence to create bonsai that are both beautiful and resilient.

Why Choose Kaikou?

Kaikou isn’t just a school; It was founded in 2009 and it’s a community of passionate bonsai practitioners who support and inspire one another. Our exclusive program delivers insights and knowledge you won’t find in books or online, ensuring you leave with a deeper connection to your trees and the craft.

Seats Are Limited

With high demand and only a select number of spots available, the Kaikou School of Bonsai is your chance to study bonsai at a higher level. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your bonsai journey and achieve mastery under the guidance of professionals.

Have Questions?

Take the next step in your bonsai evolution—join us at Kaikou and let your passion flourish.

What you’ll learn

Core Bonsai Techniques: Perfect essential skills such as repotting, pruning, wiring, and root management.
Species-Specific Care: Understand the unique needs of various species (e.g., Shimpaku, Maples, Pines) and how to care for them through different seasons. And yes, we’ll also talk and teach tropical bonsai.
Soil Science and Composition: Gain knowledge of soil types, drainage, and the importance of proper soil composition for bonsai health.
Design and Aesthetics: Develop an eye for artistic bonsai styling, including balance, proportion, and natural design elements.
Wiring Techniques: Learn the art of wiring to shape trees effectively while protecting their structure and health.
Tree Health Assessment: Diagnose and address issues like pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies to keep trees healthy.
Seasonal Bonsai Maintenance: Learn specific care practices for each season to promote growth and resilience in your bonsai.
Long-Term Development: Discover techniques for long-term growth planning, from initial shaping to mature styling and refinement.
Confidence in Self-Directed Bonsai Care: Build the ability to independently evaluate and make decisions for your bonsai’s health and design.
Community and Mentorship: Engage with bonsai experts and peers for ongoing support, feedback, and inspiration.

A program like Kaikou offers a comprehensive foundation to refine and elevate your bonsai skills, providing insights and hands-on experience beyond typical beginner classes.

The format for 2025 has been updated! We’re transitioning from a seasonal program to a streamlined 8-month format. Based on market research and valuable feedback from past students, this new structure offers a more comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your learning experience. Here’s what you can expect:

Grow with Pre-Bonsai Trees: Receive carefully selected pre-bonsai trees—Hinoki Cypress, Juniper Nana, and Tiger Bark Ficus—to nurture, style, and refine as you advance through the program. Note: Tree Species could change based on availability.
Premium Supplies for Success: Work with the best! An 18L bag of essential aggregates (Red Lava, Akadama, and American Pumice) and a sifter are provided, ensuring you have the right materials to foster healthy, beautiful bonsai.
Exclusive Student Discounts: Enjoy a one-time 15% discount on all hardgoods and 10% off trees in April 2025, so you can stock up on everything you need to expand your collection and skills.
Kaikou School Branded Gear: Show off your bonsai pride with a Kaikou School of Bonsai T-shirt and a NEBG leather tool roll, designed to keep your tools organized and ready for any bonsai challenge.
Certificate of Completion: Celebrate your dedication and achievement with an official certificate, recognizing your skill and commitment as a bonsai artist.

2025 Tuition

The annual tuition is $1,295, payable in two installments each year: the first at enrollment and the second in April 2025. 2026 will be due in January and April 2026.
Tuition includes all the benefits listed above, ensuring a comprehensive bonsai education experience.

Additional Costs

While the tuition covers the essentials, students may want to make additional purchases throughout the year for items like wire, tools, and pots. These are not required but can enhance your learning and bonsai practice.

Enroll for 2025

2025 CLASS SCHEDULE

2025 classes are from 9 am to 12 am

Arakawa Group

Class #1 – March 8
Class #2 – April 12
Class #3 – May 10
Class #4 – June 14
Class #5 – July 12
Class #6 – August 9
Class #7 – September 6
Class #8 – October 9

Mayumi Group

Class #1 – March 15
Class #2 – April 19
Class #3 – May 17
Class #4 – June 21
Class #5 – July 19
Class #6 – August 16
Class #7 – September 20
Class #8 – October 16

(Dates are subject to change)

2025 CLASS SCHEDULE

2025 classes are from 9 am to 12 am

Gumi Group

Class #1 – March 1
Class #2 – April 6
Class #3 – May 3
Class #4 – June 7
Class #5 – July 5
Class #6 – August 2
Class #7 – September 6
Class #8 – October 4

Kinzu Group

Class #1 – March 9
Class #2 – April 13
Class #3 – May 18
Class #4 – June 22
Class #5 – July 13
Class #6 – August 10
Class #7 – September 21
Class #8 – October 12

(Dates are subject to change)

Note: You will be assigned to a group, but there is flexibility to attend a different group if you need to miss your scheduled session (e.g., due to vacation).

2025 Kaikou School of Bonsai Curriculum

We’re thrilled to you are considering this incredible journey into the art of bonsai. Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, this is a space where we celebrate growth, creativity, and the joy of learning. Everyone’s bonsai path is unique, and it’s perfectly okay if we’re all at different skill levels—that’s part of what makes this community so enriching. Together, we’ll embrace the process, have fun, and create something beautiful along the way. Let’s get started!

Curriculum Overview

March: Introductions, Vision, Expectations, and Spring Preparation

Theme: Goal-Setting, Repotting Essentials and Structural Refinement
Focus: Starting the bonsai year with clear goals, refining structural elements, and preparing trees for the growing season.
- Repotting techniques, soil preparation, and root pruning for early-budding species.

- Branch selection, structural pruning, and wiring deciduous trees using winter silhouettes.

April: Bonsai Fundamentals & Seasonal Care

Theme: Seasonal Best Practices & Pot Selection
Focus: Setting up for success in the growing season.
- Pruning, wiring, and choosing appropriate pots for health and aesthetics.
- Seasonal care: watering, fertilizing, and pest prevention.

May: Foliage Management & Growth Control

Theme: Leaf Pruning, Defoliation, and Bud Pinching
Focus: Encouraging back budding, reducing leaf size, and managing growth.
- Hands-on techniques for leaf pruning and partial defoliation.
- Growth control for species like maples and ficus.

June: Pine Bonsai Care & Candle Cutting

Theme: Styling and Maintenance for Pines
Focus: Candle cutting, needle pruning, and compact growth techniques.
- Workshops on Japanese Black Pine care and styling.
- Needle thinning and candle cutting for healthier, denser foliage.

July: Tropical Bonsai & Propagation

Theme: Styling, Repotting, and Propagation Techniques
Focus: Caring for tropical species and experimenting with cuttings and air layering.
- Styling and repotting tropical trees like ficus and jade.
- Managing summer heat and propagation methods.

August: Pest & Disease Management and Wiring

Theme: Protecting Trees and Advanced Wiring Techniques
Focus: Preventive care and learning the nuances of aluminum vs. copper wire.
- Identifying and addressing common pests and diseases.
- Advanced wiring demonstrations and practical exercises.

September: Fall Preparation & Seasonal Care

Theme: Preparing Trees for Fall Transitions
Focus: Fertilizing, pruning, and overwintering strategies.
- Final pruning and wiring adjustments.
- Strategies for frost protection and cold-weather preparation.

October: Celebrating Fall Colors & Winter Prep

Theme: Fall Beauty and Seasonal Transitions
Focus: Showcasing the fall beauty of deciduous trees and preparing for winter dormancy.
- Fall color workshop with maples and elms.
- Moss application, texture enhancement, and display techniques.
- Overwintering preparation and creative holiday bonsai projects.

Student Electives

1-Hour Private Workshop: Tailored, one-on-one sessions with John or Peter to refine specific techniques.
Nursery Volunteer Experience: A behind-the-scenes opportunity to assist with nursery tasks like watering, pruning, fertilizing, propagation, and greenhouse setup.
Tool Maintenance Clinic: Hands-on sharpening and care for your bonsai tools.
Arnold Arboretum Field Trip: Explore bonsai inspiration in a natural setting.

Year 2: Advancing Your Bonsai Journey

Year 2 of the Kaikou School of Bonsai builds upon the foundation established in Year 1, introducing advanced techniques and deeper explorations into the art and science of bonsai.

Special Projects: Air layering, forest planting, root-over-rock, and more.
Field Trips & Guest Teachers: Learn from invited local experts
Carving & Heavy Bending: Techniques using raffia and advanced shaping methods.
Exhibition Preparation: Prepare trees for the Kaikou Study Group exhibit and student showcases.
Species-Specific Classes: Deep dives into care and styling for specific bonsai species.

This curriculum ensures every student—whether beginner or advanced—can grow, learn, and deepen their appreciation for bonsai. Together, we’ll make this year a meaningful and rewarding experience.

The Teachers

John Romano

Teacher

John has been published in various bonsai publications such as Bonsai Today, international Bonsai, ABS Bonsai, and BCI Bonsai Magazine. He currently writes a regular column for International Bonsai Magazine on shohin bonsai called ‘A Little Magic with Shohin Bonsai’.

Pete Olson

Teacher

Pete has devoted himself to the art of bonsai for nearly a decade, turning professional in 2020. Pete has had the unique privilege of training under the renowned Japanese bonsai master, Mr. Jun Imabayashi, who has mentored him for close to 7 years. In addition to maintaining and creating the bonsai collection at NEBG, Pete has performed numerous demonstrations and taught lectures throughout southern New England. As he furthers his bonsai knowledge and abilities, he eagerly anticipates sharing his expertise through the prestigious Kaikou School of Bonsai.

Enroll for 2025