Kyudo: The Way of the Bow
with Max Baltin and Sam West
September 3 - 7, 2026
“One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery…. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth.”
— Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sendai.
Kyudo integrates technical skill with the development of a completely focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by Shintoism and Zen, it is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear. Originally a samurai discipline, the purpose of Kyudo now is to purify one’s heart and mind, awaken natural human dignity, and to go beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.
Our Kyudo Tradition
Kozan Kyudojo practices and teaches kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
Initially, students learn the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), which are a prescribed series of movements which lead to completing a shot. These are repeated over and over, as the students practice deepens.
This 2026 Kyudo Intensive at Dorje Denma Ling will be taught by visiting instructor Max Baltin, with Sam West.
Who May Attend
The weekend presents the opportunity for both beginning and continuing students to learn and practice an ancient form of kyudo using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).
There will be equipment available for newcomers to use. Students 13 years and above are welcome.
Schedule
We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (4-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2026!
Thursday, September 3
Arrival: Late afternoon, preferably before 5:00 pm to settle in. Check-in at the Office between 3:00 and 6:00 pm for housing assignments.
Dinner: 6:30.
Orientation and Talk: 7:30
Friday – Monday, September 4-7
Breakfast: 8:00 am
Kyudo Practice: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Lunch: 12:30
Kyudo Practice: 1:30 – 6:30 (with a break for tea)
Dinner: 6:30
NOTE: Monday, September 7, departure after tea (approximately 4:30 pm).
Cost
$560 – $960, depending on lodging choice.
Pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot
Generosity Policy
We want everyone to be able to attend retreats at Dorje Denma Ling.
Read About Our Generosity Policy
NEW! 30 & under discount and Monastic discount are available during registration.
Other Useful Links
Registration and Cancellation Policy
What to Bring & Transportation
About the Leaders
Max Baltin
Max began his kyudo journey in 1990 in Marburg with Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sendai, and has been practicing ever since. In 1993 he helped form the Kyudo group in Münster, later named Shuko Kyudojo (good manners / spiritual tiger). In 1995 Sendai asked Max to help with instructing students, which he continues to this day. […]
Learn more about Max Baltin
Sam West
Sam began kyudo in Boulder in 1980 with Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX, Sendai. In 1984, Sam became responsible (Somo) for Toko Kyudojo in Manhattan. He traveled to kyudo programs with Sendai during the 80’s and, in 1987, became responsible for Kozan Kyudojo in Nova Scotia. From there, Sam helped Sendai foster kyudo and develop dojos […]
Learn more about Sam WestCategories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program