Kyudo: The Way of the Bow 2025

“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.

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.

This practice is now taught by Kanjuro Shibata Sensei, kyudo master and the XXIst heir to the title of onyumishi, the emperor’s bowmaker. Kanjuro Shibata XXI Sensei is the leader of the international Zenko school, founded by his father, Shibata XX Sendai Sensei.

Who May 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 for newcomers to use. Students 13 years and above are welcome.

Schedule

We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (3-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2024!

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 transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals: $365
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.

Covid Considerations

Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.

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

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