First Shot: Beginner Kyudo Program starting April 14th

 

Outwardly, Kyudo may be referred to as archery practice. 

In our school, Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha, hitting the target is not important. The focus, instead, is on working with one's mind.

Initially, students learn the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), which are a prescribed series of movements which lead to completing a shot. These are repeated over and over, as the students’ practice deepens.

In this way, 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 strong ego. Being totally present with each shot is like polishing the dust from the heart’s mirror, which has gathered there over years.

Because it is mindfulness practice which is done standing, and which involves movement, it is referred to as ‘meditation in action’, or ‘standing meditation’

Many other traditions of archery have a very different approach.

Kozan Kyudojo is offering the opportunity to begin the life-long journey of Kyudo practice: our beginner 'First Shot' program at Halifax Shambhala Center will start April 14th and will continue through 3 more consecutive Sunday evenings (biweekly): April 28th, May 12 & 26
6-8pm

Cost is $160 for the 4 classes, less after that. Generosity Policy applies. Please reach out ot Dorothée ar [email protected] with any questions, or call Sam at 902.449.9378

 

The ‘Seven Coordinations’ are complex movements, and it will take all 4 classes to learn these, before a beginner student will release the arrow for the first time.

To get a taste of this journey, we strongly encourage you to come observe class on Sunday March 31 at 6pm.