Kyudo: The Way of the Bow 2021
with Sam West, 'Somo' of Kozan Kyudojo
September 3 - 5, 2021
“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
We practice and teach kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
Trungpa Rinpoche had invited Kanjuro Shibata XX in the late 1970s to teach his students kyudo in the West. Following Shibata XX’s passing, the current lineage holder is his son, Kanjuro Shibata XXI, who has taken over as the Imperial Bow Maker and Archer to the Emperor of Japan.
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.
Who Should Attend
The weekend presents the opportunity for both beginning and continuing students to learn and practise an ancient form of kyudo using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).
There will be equipment available to newcomers to use. Students 12 years and above are welcome.
Costs
Tuition: $160
Meal Service: $40
Accommodations: Extra. (To view options, please visit the registration page.)
Useful Links
What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here
For information on financial assistance, email our Finance Department.
About the Leader

Sam West, 'Somo' of Kozan Kyudojo
Sam began kyudo in Boulder in 1980 with Sendai, Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX, who had been invited by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to teach kyudo in Colorado. 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 […]
Learn more about Sam West, 'Somo' of Kozan KyudojoCategories : Featured Events, Public Program