Kyudo: The Way of the Bow 2025

with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XXI

September 18 - 21, 2025

Book now and get CAD $50.00 off listed prices. Offer valid until Jun 14, 2025.

Date and Time Details: Arrival Thursday, late afternoon. Departure Sunday after tea (approx. 4:30).

Location: Dorje Denma Ling

Address: 2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada

Contact: Program Manager
programs@dorjedenmaling.com

  • Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy (150/night) – CAD $840.00
  • Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy (60/night) – CAD $570.00
  • Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy (150/night) – CAD $840.00
  • Gyatso Lodge: Double Occupancy (60/night) – CAD $570.00
  • Large White Tent: Single Occupancy – CAD $660.00
  • Large White Tent: Double Occupancy – CAD $525.00
  • Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy – CAD $660.00
  • Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $525.00
  • White Hut: Double Occupancy – CAD $495.00
  • Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided – CAD $495.00
  • Bring Your Own Tent, RV, Camper: No Platform – CAD $450.00
  • Shrine Room Floor: Garuda (25/night) – CAD $465.00
  • Live or Staying Locally – CAD $390.00

Kyudo integrates technical skill with the cultivation of a focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by both 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, Kyudo today is a practice of purifying one’s heart and mind, awakening natural human dignity, and going beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression, or confusion.

Our Kyudo Tradition

Kozan Kyudojo practices in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage of the Shibata family.

We are honoured to welcome Kanjuro Shibata XXI, Sensei, the Imperial Bow Maker and Archer to the Emperor of Japan, for his first teaching visit to Canada. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity.

Sensei teaches in English and is known for his warm, jovial style.

Students begin by learning the Seven Coordinations (Shichido)—a prescribed series of movements that lead to completing a shot. These are repeated with care and mindfulness as one’s practice deepens.

Who May Attend

This weekend retreat welcomes both beginning and continuing students.

Participants will learn and practise this ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).

Kyudo requires concentration and stamina, but not great physical strength—yumi are available in varying strengths to suit different body types. Equipment will be provided for newcomers.

Ages 13 and up are welcome.

Schedule

We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (3-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2025.

Thursday, September 18
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 – Sunday, September 19-21
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: Sunday, September 21, departure after tea (approximately 4:30).

Costs

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving credit card transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals
: $390
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.

Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.

Useful Links

What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here

About the Leader

Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XXI

After the retirement of Shibata Sensei XX in October 2011, his adopted son (i.e. his son-in-law), Shibata Kanjuro XXI, took over as the official head of Zenko International – the multi-national umbrella organization of Shibata-style KYUDO. Shibata Sensei is a 21st generation master bowmaker, archer, and is also a 4th generation official bowmaker to the […]

Learn more about Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XXI

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