Instructors Training, Barnet VT Photo by Marie-Antoinette Crivelli

Kyudo  Meditation Archery  at Miyako Kyudojo  of  Washington, DC

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What Is Kyudo?

Kyudo is traditional Japanese archery -- the "zen art of archery." In this case, however, "zen" doesn't mean the Zen school of Buddhism, but rather "meditation." For hundreds of years in Japan, Kyudo has been considered the highest form of samurai training. Deeply rooted in a warrior tradition based on principles of harmony, dignity, and genuineness, Kyudo is not a sport. At Miyako Kyudojo, it's "standing meditation."

Starting with the precision of the movements, working with the body's energy in the draw, and peaking with the power of the arrow's release, a process unfolds: Hesitation, fear, and other conflicting emotions subside, allowing serenity and strength to co-exist. The practitioner has the opportunity to see his or her mind, pure and spacious. This experience then continues into everyday life. To practice Kyudo in this way, one must have a good teacher -- a master.

Who is our teacher? Kanjuro Shibata XXI

Kanjuro Shibata, Sensei is such a teacher. Since the early 16th century the Shibata family has maintained an unbroken lineage of master archers and bow makers for the shoguns and warrior families of Japan. In 1877 the 18th Kanjuro Shibata received appointment to the post of official Bow Maker and Archer to the Emperor. Since then, the 19th, 20th, and 21st Shibata lineage holders have continued to make bows for dignitaries, official functions and for the practice of Kyudo. The 20th Kanjuro Shibata was recognized as a "National Living Treasure of Japan." You can read more about the Shibata lineage here. In 1980 the 20th Kanjuro Shibata (1921-2013) established his first kyudojo in the west, in Boulder, Colorado (USA), at the invitation of the Tibetan meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Together, they founded Zenko International with the vision of propagating a culture of enlightened warriorship. They were aided by Sensei's long-time student, Zen master Kobun Chino, Roshi (1938-2002). Now, since October 2013, the 21st Kanjuro Shibata continues in the leadership of Zenko International, and of this style of Kyudo, the Bishu Chikurin-ha branch of the Heki-ryu school. Since 1980 Zenko has expanded to over 30 locations in North America and Europe. For more practice locations, see the Zenko International site. For more about lineage, see the Boulder, CO site.

Some quotes from Kanjuro Shibata XX: Kyudo is meditation. The main point of kyudo practice is to polish your heart, deeply. Trying to master hitting the target is the way of desire. Not helpful. That’s a road for people who want to defeat their perceived enemies. When someone hits the target, you can sometimes see happiness. In kyudo, you cut this happiness. That’s merely the enjoyment of ego. Whether you hit the target or not, whether you have a beautiful form or not, this is not the true measure of your practice. In kendo, karate, judo, all these forms of fighting training, victory comes from cutting someone else. Kyudo is completely different. You cut yourself, your own ego. Busily running around in little circles, this is not kyudo. Come to a stop. Enter a big circle. [i.e., Wa, harmony, is not a little circle. It is] Mushin, empty heart. This is kyudo. This is high quality practice. In this way, we can begin to create a peaceful world. We can make a big international WA, a circle of peace the whole world over. That is victory! -- Kanjuro Shibata XX

Kanjuro Shibata XX Photo ©Martine Bouman, Barako KyudojoNetherlands

Open Your Heart With Kyudo!

The practice of Kyudo is deceptively simple. Beginners can receive instruction in the basic form in three or four classes, but the real value of "Mind Kyudo" comes from regular practice. Neither age, sex, nor physical strength have any significance, so anyone can do it. For information about our practice times, where we are, costs, and how to start, read our Frequently Asked Questions.    Come join us!

More Resources:

Here are two videos: The first one is "Master Archer," produced by National Geographic in 1987, of our root sensei, Kanjuro Shibata XX (1921 - 2013). The second video is one made 22 years later, of Sensei XX in 2009 at Dechen Chöling, the Shambhala land center in France. (This second video is on Facebook, so you'll probably have to log in after clicking the link.) In any case, we recommend you watch the "Master Archer" video first (it's only 11 minutes on YouTube), and after that, the 18-minute 2009 video on Facebook.

And here is a presentation of  teachings from Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX. The title of the page is "Ten Years, One Step"-- meaning we can't just use our Western linear thinking to learn Kyudo in one weekend. What we are doing here is cultivating our hearts.  

Click here for Miyako  Kyudojo in the Washington Post (March 2002)  

Stand-up Sit-down Zen! - an interview from the Lotus Garden Buddhist Retreat Center in Stanley, Virginia, June 2006. (Miyako taught Kyudo there 2006 - 2015.)

People who are students of Shambhala Buddhism might find interesting an article written by Carolyn Kanjuro, the wife of Sensei XX: Kyudo Is Not a Shambhala Art, in the Shambhala Times Community Magazine, May 9, 2012.
 

Miyako Kyudojo Events both Regular Practice and Beginning Instruction                  at  Miyako Kyudojo  of  Washington, DC  area                                                                                                           12:00-2:00 two Sundays every month You are encouraged to come observe our practices -- or start instruction -- anytime. We'll be practicing two times a month, in Vivi Spicer's back yard. For directions to her house, email Vivi Spicer, -- or call Vivi at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 Our practices are always outside, so here's our weather policy. And here's the hourly weather forecast for Vivi's house. For other info, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.  Practice  Schedule: We practice twice a month in Vivi's back yard. For directions to her house, email Vivi Spicer, -- or call Vivi at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 Practice is outdoors, so if the weather's bad, we usually cancel without making any last-minute update to this page. So it's best to check the hourly weather forecast for Vivi's house. And here's our weather policy. Even though it's Vivi's back yard, it's still outside, so be sure to wear appropriate protection, bring water, hat, and so forth. Sometimes the ground can be soggy, so please do use appropriate footwear. And, of course, dress in layers etc. Our Frequently Asked Questions page gives more helpful details. Dec 20:  -- CANCELLED -- because of the snow on the ground, and maybe a shower/snowflake. (Here's our weather policy.) For answers to any questions, though, you can email Vivi Spicer, -- or call her at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 Dec 27:  -- 12:00 to 2:00 -- in Vivi's back yard This will be the last practice for 2020, so it will include a "Last Shot" ritual at the end of practice. Practice at Vivi's is outdoors, so be sure to check the weather for Silver Spring, zip 20910.   Here's our weather policy. For directions to her house, email Vivi Spicer, -- or call her at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 Jan 17:  -- 12:00 to 2:00 -- in Vivi's back yard This will be the first practice for 2021, so it will include a "First Shot" ritual at the start of practice. Practice at Vivi's is outdoors, so be sure to check the weather for Silver Spring, zip 20910.   Here's our weather policy. For directions to her house, email Vivi Spicer, -- or call her at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 Jan 24:  -- 12:00 to 2:00 -- in Vivi's back yard Practice at Vivi's is outdoors, so be sure to check the weather for Silver Spring, zip 20910.   Here's our weather policy. For directions to her house, email Vivi Spicer, -- or call her at (h) 301-588-8396, (c) 301-580-3060 --

--As always, stay tuned to the hourly weather. Here's our weather policy.

First 2021 Kyudo Program -- is being contemplated for May 6-9, 2021 with Don Symanski, and the New York City group, Toko Kyudojo, at the Garrison Institute (in Garrison, NY) We're not sure yet whether this will be a program for beginners, or experienced people. Program information will be available March 1, and Registration will be March 15 - April 15 Check Toko Kyudojo's program page for updates.

The following programs were planned for 2020, but CANCELLED, due to the COVID pandemic. They remain listed here to provide perspective on what's usually offered during a "Normal" year.

Annual Kyudo Intensive in Boulder, CO (Intermediate/Advanced) led by Sam West PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic May 29, 30, and 31, 2020 Open to everyone who has taken their "First Shot." at Zenko Kyudojo 4220 19th Street Boulder, CO 80304 Click here for Program Details (but don't try to Register for the program)

Beginners Kyudo program PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic July 3 - 5, 2020 led by Grace DiNapoli and Tom Kyle at Karmê Chöling Shambhala Meditation Center 369 Patneaude Lane Barnet, VT 05821 Click here for Details (but not Registration)

Intermediate/Advanced Kyudo Intensive led by Jim Boorstein PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic July 9 - 12, 2020 Open to everyone who has taken their "First Shot." at Karmê Chöling Shambhala Meditation Center 369 Patneaude Lane Barnet, VT 05821 Click here for Details (but not Registration) Click here for Photos of 2019 Kyudo Intensive

Solo Kyudo Retreats Here is a unique opportunity to deepen your personal practice on your schedule by creating your own self-guided kyudo retreat at Karmê Chöling . Ideal for intermediate or advanced kyudo practitioners with an established ongoing kyudo practice. Click here for Details and Instructions for Scheduling

Women's Kyudo Retreat (Intermediate / Advanced) with Lucy Halverson PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic July 23 - 26, 2020 Open to women who've taken their First Shot. at Karmê Chöling Shambhala Meditation Center 369 Patneaude Lane Barnet, VT 05821 Click here for Details (but not Registration)

Intermediate Kyudo Intensive with Don Symanski PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic August 4 - 9, 2020 at Zen Mountain Monastery Mount Tremper, NY Click here for Details (but not Registration)

Annual Kyudo Intensive in Québec August 26 - 30, 2020 PROGRAM  CANCELLED  due to coronavirus pandemic (There may be  more info on the Suiko Kyudojo website.)

Kyudo Intensive with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XXI (Beginners are also welcome.) [tentative date in September] at Bodhi Manda Zen Center, 1 Bodhi Drive, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 The program includes sitting meditation, work practice, lots of kyudo practice, evening talks and discussions. After a long day, the hot springs are available for relaxation. PROGRAM  CANCELLED for 2020 due to COVID19 pandemic. (Here is the BMZC calendar for future events.)

The following program(s) are in the past, but are examples of what can happen during the summer. There are also occasional spring programs, and maybe one or two (indoor) winter programs as well.

Kyudo weekend for Teens & Tweens Beginners welcome June 21 - 23, 2019 led by Grace DiNapoli and Seiko Kyudojo teachers at Karmê Chöling Shambhala Meditation Center 369 Patneaude Lane Barnet, VT 05821 Click here for Details and Registration

For other possible events, see Zenko Kyudojo in Boulder, CO -- Or Zenko International. For European events, see the Oko Kyudojo site. -- And then check the websites at the event locations for the latest information. Schedules are subject to change. Check with host location before making travel plans.

Questions?  Talk to Vivi Spicer (h) 301-588-8396 (c) 301-580-3060.

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