BUDŌ: PART 3 - Kyūdō

About the Event:

Join Byakko Kyudojo for an introduction to Kyudo, the centuries-old practice of Japanese archery. This is the third installment in our BUDŌ Series, featuring traditional Japanese martial arts.   

The event will provide a window into the precise yet deceptively simple practice of Kyudo, including an introduction to common equipment and basic techniques such as the “Seven Coordinations.” Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the history of Kyudo and its everyday mental and physical benefits. We hope you will join us!

About Byakko Kyudojo:

Byakko (White Tiger) Kyudojo was founded and named in 1986 by Kanjuro Shibata XX, twentieth generation Kyudo Master and head of the Heki Ryu Bishu Chikurin Ha school of traditional Japanese archery. Since the 19th century, the Shibata family lineage has been onyumishi, or archers and makers of yumi (bows) for the Japanese Imperial family, including the sacred bows used in the re-consecration of the shrine at Ise. The lineage, now headed by his son Shibata Kanjuro XXI, is based in Kyoto where Shibata produces world-class yumi.

The school practices archery as meditation, not as sport. There is no counting of bull’s eyes or awarding of belts or certificates. The Boston group has no resident Kyudo Master. Instead, classes are taught by advanced students using skills they have studied for years with Shibata Sensei, as well as other accomplished American teachers. Instructors support practice which may serve to polish kokoro, or “heart-mind,” when pursued with steady practice and good motivation.

About the Speakers:

Our senior instructors have, combined, more than fifty years of study to share. Don Seckler is a psychologist, Joyce Wu an MIT trained engineer, business consultant, and potter. Alejandro Mirles is an aerospace engineer. Felita Go is a consultant. David Van Vactor is a professor at Harvard Medical School. Others are teacher-students with equally distinguished careers. Together, we have fun and work on our skills, manners, and spiritual capabilities, all by shooting arrows with grace and dignity.

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