“Kyudo literally means “the Way of the Bow” and is the Japanese martial art of archery. Until the 15th century the bow and arrow were the primary weapons of the samurai. Historically there were two main lineages, archery on foot which focused on ceremonial tradition emphasizing ritual and etiquette and mounted archery, the warrior style, setting priority on technique and skill for hitting the target.

In modern Kyudo, the bow no more serves as an implement of war, rather it is used as a means for self-development and moral and spiritual growth. Kyudo is often described as “standing meditation”. The student of Kyudo learns to control the breathing and the mind, not becoming oblivious to his surroundings, but rather becoming acutely aware of them. This teaches the practitioner to react calmly and resolutely to his environment.

Regular Kyudo practices will be held once a week. Introductory workshops will be held at intervals; students completing the workshop will be streamed in to the regular program. All necessary basic equipment is provided by the JCCC. Please contact the JCCC for the detail.

Sensei: Takahashi Mie, 5th Dan

Day Time Age Group Level
Sat. 11:30am - 2:00pm 16 & over General

Students without prior experience must complete an Introductory workshop to be accepted in the regular program. Students with experience please inquire with JCCC.

Kyudo Introductory Workshop November 2011

The fourth 15-week Introductory Course is being offered at the JCCC. Students without prior experience must complete the Introductory Course to be accepted in the regular weekly program. (Students with experience should inquire with JCCC.) Unfortunately student numbers are limited. Those unable to participate this time are welcome to sign up for the next course.

“Kyudo literally means “the Way of the Bow” and is the Japanese martial art of archery. Until the 15th century the bow and arrow were the primary weapons of the samurai. Historically there were two main lineages, archery on foot which focused on ceremonial tradition emphasizing ritual and etiquette and mounted archery, the warrior style, setting priority on technique and skill for hitting the target.
Kyudo is often described as “standing meditation”. A student of Kyudo learns to control breathing and the mind, not becoming oblivious to his surroundings, but rather becoming acutely aware of them. This teaches the practitioner to react calmly and resolutely to his environment.

The course is divided into 5 stages:
(1) Hassetsu (The Eight Stages of Shooting and Posture )
(2) Gomu-yumi (Practice Bow)
(3) Subiki (Drawing the bow without an arrow)
(4) Makiwara (Shooting towards a short-distance target)
(5) Taihai (ceremonial shooting)
* By the time the course finishes, students will be able to perform the basics to join the regular class and continue onto the next level.

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 – March 31, 2012
Time: 2:30pm - 5:00pm
Fees: $195 + HST
* It is not mandatory to attend all 15 classes. There are enough instructors and assistants that people that miss a class are accommodated in instruction the following week. Classes are restricted to those 16 years & over.