Instructors Training, Barnet VT Photo by Marie-Antoinette Crivelli

Kyudo  Meditation Archery  Miyako Kyudojo  of  Washington, DC

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What Is Kyudo?

Kyudo is traditional Japanese archery -- the "Zen Art of Archery." At Miyako Kyudojo in the Washington, DC area, Kyudo is not a sport, but a form of meditation. Starting with the precision of the movements, peaking with the power of the arrow's release, and continuing with everyday life, a process unfolds in which the practitioner has the opportunity to see his or her mind, pure and spacious. To practice Kyudo in this way, one must have a good teacher -- a master.

Who is our teacher?

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 and 20th Shibata lineage holders have continued to make bows for dignitaries, official functions and for the practice of Kyudo. In 1994, Sensei's son, Nobuhiro Shibata, was recognized as the 21st in the lineage. The 20th Kanjuro Shibata continues as a "Living Treasure of Kyoto," and the head of the Bishu Chikurin-ha branch of the Heki-ryu school of Kyudo.

In 1980 Kanjuro Shibata (XX) established his first dojo in the west, in Boulder, Colorado (USA). Since then he has expanded to over 30 locations in North America and Europe. For a full list, see the  Zenko International site (for Kyudo in North America) and the Oko Kyudokai site (Kyudo in Europe).

Open Your Heart With Kyudo!

The practice of Kyudo is deceptively simple. Beginners can receive instruction in the basic form in four or five 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!

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 (News flash - May 2007 at Lotus Garden was another smashing success! It seems we may be doing it annually there for a while. Check with Lotus Garden in the spring for the next "Shedra" program.)
 

Miyako Kyudojo Events Regular Practice and Beginning Instruction                  at  Miyako Kyudojo  of  Washington, DC  area You are encouraged to come observe our practices.                  Every Sunday 11:30-1:30 Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, which gives directions to our practice locations, and other helpful details.  2007 East Coast Events June 28 - July 6:  Intermediate/Advanced pgm July 6 - 8:   Beginners' Program           Karme Choling, Barnet, VT           Beginning Instruction given.           Click here for Program Details with Shibata Sensei and Senior Instructors. Register either online or call (802) 633-2384. Aug 15 - 19:  Open Program           Zen Mountain Monastery, Mt. Tremper, NY           Beginning Instruction given.           Click here for Program Details You might also check their Program Calendar           for other ZMM events. with Don Symanski, Senior Instructor and bow-maker If you want to call ZMM:           (845) 688-2228 Sept.:  Open Program           Last year there was a program in September at           Suiko Kyudojo, Montreal, Quebec           Beginning Instruction was given. Contact: Jean-Pierre Poggi           (514) 747-4224 For non-East Coast events, and Sensei's teaching schedule, see Zenko.org For the events that might interest you, check the event websites for the latest information. Schedule subject to change.      Check with host location before making travel plans.

 For information about programs in other regions of the United States, Canada and Europe please visit the  Zenko International site (for Kyudo in North America) and the Oko Kyudokai site (Kyudo in Europe). You might also want to check the calendars at individual dojos. For a list of dojos, check: European Dojos, and North American Dojos.

Questions?  Talk to Ken Rawie (301) 649-4990, or Ed Garrasi (301) 317-5965.