Halifax Kyudo - Kozan Kyudojo
Kyudo, the Way of the Bow, is one of the oldest arts of the Japanese tradition of contemplative warriorship. The aim is not the target, but synchronization of awareness and body in the present moment.
Intensive and First Shot Program
January 19th, 2025
A rare occasion to enter into the path of Meditation Kyudo, contemplative archery.
This introductory program is suited for beginners and experienced students from age 13 on. Beginners will spend the entire time learning the complex formal movements, and may release an arrow at the next class(s), Sunday February 2 and/or 16.
This is a chance to begin a lifelong journey with the practice.
Practice Times
The students of Kozan Kyudojo practice at Halifax Shambhala Centre every second week (with exceptions) on Sundays 5-7pm.
Next scheduled Practice Days are
January 5
January 19: Intensive & First Shot Program 2-7pm
February 2 & 16
March 2 (John’s B’day!)
March 16
Anyone interested is encouraged to come observe a class. Please contact kozankyudo@gmail.com for details.
Halifax Shambhala Centre
1084 Tower Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y5
What is Kyudo?
Kyudo is traditional Japanese archery. The focus of the Kyudo practice is on cleaning the mind rather than on marksmanship. The target becomes a mirror reflecting the quality of one’s mind at the moment of the arrow’s release.
The practice of Kyudo is deceptively simple. Neither age, nor gender, nor physical strength has any significance. Beginners receive instruction in the basic form, the "Seven Coordinations" also known as Shichido.
In this tradition, Kyudo is a form of meditation. Because it is a mindfulness practice which is done standing, and which involves movement, it is referred to as ‘meditation in action’, or ‘standing meditation’
The Practice of Kyudo
After the initial "Seven Coordinations" or Shichido training, practice begins by shooting at a target only a bow’s length away (roughly 2 meters). When a degree of proficiency is attained, the practice expands to include “hitote” or long distance shooting at 28 meters.
Working within the precision of the form, a natural process gradually unfolds in which the practitioner has the opportunity to see his or her mind.
The target becomes a mirror that reflects back to the practitioner the quality of the mind at the moment of the arrow's release.
This distinguishes Kyudo from sports archery, where competition to hit the target is the goal. To practice Kyudo in this way, one must have a teacher. It cannot be learned from books. It is verbally passed on for centuries from teacher to pupil.
At Halifax Kyudo, Kozan Kyudojo, we practice and teach kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
Many other traditions of archery have a very different approach, including other kyudo schools. They focus more on hitting the target, ranks, etc., and are sometimes referred to as sports kyudo.
In our school, Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha, hitting the target is not important. Instead, we work on cutting ego and polishing the mind & heart. Polishing the mind here means working with hope and fear, being totally present, and becoming clear, connected. Then your perception is purified, clear, rather than influenced by the strong ego. Being totally present with each shot is like polishing the dust from the heart’s mirror, which has gathered there over years. This polished heart expresses itself in discipline with oneself, and kindness to others.
Kyudo in Halifax at Kozan Kyudojo
There are currently four main schools of Kyudo in Japan:
Ogasaware-ryu, Honda-ryu, Yamato-ryu, and Heki-ryu.
Kanjuro Shibata XXI is the head of the Chikurin-ha branch of the Heki-ryu school. Kanjuro Shibata XX, established and named the Halifax area Kyudo group the Kozan, or “Mountain Tiger" Kyudojo. The dojo, one of several in Canada, the United States, and Europe, is part of Zenko International, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting Kyudo practice.
Getting Started
We invite those who are interested to first observe a class.
The Kyudo path then begins with taking "First Shot," where the students will be familiarized with the equipment (bow, arrow, and glove), shooting technique (seven coordination steps known as Shichido), and dojo etiquette before being able to release their first arrow.
Taking the First Shot is a prerequisite to practice at Kozan Kyudojo.
This initial step is achieved over the course of several consecutive class attendances, or during a full weekend Intensive.
Updates on Social Media
“One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery. In Kyudo there is no hope. Hope is not the point. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth” ”