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Kyudo
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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?
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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. Thats 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. Thats 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, |
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.
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--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
We're not sure yet whether this will be a |
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
at Zenko Kyudojo
Click here for
Program
Details (but don't try to |
Beginners Kyudo program PROGRAM CANCELLED due to coronavirus pandemic
July 3 - 5, 2020
at Karmê Chöling
Click here for
Details
(but not |
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Intermediate/Advanced Kyudo Intensive
PROGRAM CANCELLED due to coronavirus pandemic
July 9 - 12, 2020
at Karmê Chöling
Click here for
Details
(but not Click here for Photos of 2019 Kyudo Intensive |
Solo Kyudo Retreats
Here is a unique opportunity to deepen your personal practice on your schedule
Click here for Details and Instructions for Scheduling
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Women's Kyudo Retreat
PROGRAM CANCELLED due to coronavirus pandemic
July 23 - 26, 2020
at Karmê Chöling
Click here for
Details
(but not |
Intermediate Kyudo Intensive with Don Symanski PROGRAM CANCELLED due to coronavirus pandemic
August 4 - 9, 2020
Click here for
Details
(but not |
Annual Kyudo Intensive in Québec August 26 - 30, 2020
PROGRAM CANCELLED due
to coronavirus pandemic
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Kyudo Intensive with
Kanjuro Shibata Sensei
XXI![]() (Beginners are also welcome.)
[tentative date in September]
The program includes sitting meditation, work practice, lots of kyudo practice,
evening talks and discussions.
PROGRAM CANCELLED for 2020
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The following program(s) are in the past, but are examples
of what can happen during the summer.
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Kyudo weekend for Teens &
Tweens
June 21 - 23, 2019
at Karmê Chöling
Click here for
Details and
Registration |
For other possible events, see
Zenko
Kyudojo in Boulder, CO
-- And then check the websites at the event locations for the latest
information.
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Questions? Talk to Vivi Spicer (h) 301-588-8396 (c) 301-580-3060.
--
s
Here's three other, even cooler Kyudo sites:Zenko International has a list of Kyudo practice locations, events, etc. Zenko Kyudojo in Boulder, CO has lots of pictures, and great info about Kyudo
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