A demonstration in Henderson, NV

This year, we were invited to participate in the Henderson Heritage Festival and Parade, where the Nevada Kyudo Kai joined the parade in downtown Henderson, and later performed a demonstration.

Here are some photos of our group members, at the event.

A demonstration in Las Vegas

In October 2011, the Las Vegas Kyudo Kai members were invited to perform a demonstration at the Second Annual Las Vegas Aki Matsuri, in the Chinatown Plaza.

Thanks to the very kind permission of the CraftyChick blog, we are able share a few photos of the demonstration, which she took at the event (visit the link to her blog, to view more images of the Aki Matsuri).

First up, here is Don-Sensei, demonstrating at the makiwara (straw shooting target):

Here is a demonstration of gomuyumi practice.  The term "gomuyumi" may be interpreted as "baby yumi", and is used in place of the full-sized bow, for beginners, and also to work on building strength and practicing the draw.

Finally, we performed a four-shooter demonstration, in Rissha, or standing form:

Once again, many thanks to Liz at CraftyChick, for sharing these photos with us!

Instruction at Yamaji Dojo

Because we cannot possibly learn Kyudo from books or even videos alone, those who practice Kyudo hold a deep and abiding respect for the generosity and dedication of our teachers.

At Yamaji Dojo, we are deeply thankful for the guidance and instruction given to us by Takako Matsui-Swain Sensei, of the Indiana Kyudo Renmei.  And we recognize the teachings she has passed down to us from her instructor, Makoto Matsuoka Sensei.

Kyudo and Yamaji Dojo

KYUDO: "The Way of The Bow"

The oldest of Japan's traditional martial arts, its ultimate goals are SHIN (Truth), ZEN (Goodness), and BI (Beauty). These goals are based on a Confucian belief that through a person's archery, his or her true character can be determined.

Kyudo is practiced as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development. Kyudo is a "way of life" and not a sport. One does not enter Kyudo to learn how to do it, and furthermore to excel in it; rather to receive from it the development of character, poise, and the control of oneself. Kyudo affords one a means of achieving a degree of concentration in order to create a style that expresses his or her perfect mental serenity. A "hit" on the target is proof of one's successful discipline to find and return to their original natural self.

SHIN (Truth) means the search for the truth and seeking a correct shooting method, striving to attain a correct hitting of the target.

ZEN (Goodness) refers to the morality of Kyudo, by practicing such things as etiquette guiding one's path, concentrating one's spirit, exercising great power through cooperation and harmony to create a practical life path with relevance to Kyudo and to life in society.

BI (Beauty) comes from the aforementioned truth and goodness. For example, if the shooter and his assistants harmonize well in a formal shooting ceremony, this will appear beautiful.

YAMAJI DOJO

We named our school Yamaji, which is the poetic form of the Mountain Path.  We chose it because studying Kyudo is like climbing a mountain whose summit is shrouded in clouds.  We don't know how far it is to the top.  There is aggravation and difficulty as one follows the road to understanding the essence of the path. We often need help to ascend the path on occasion need to help those following us. As a further reminder, we have several mountains close by, to remind us that this is the way.

--Sensei Don Wudarski

In the design of our mon, or emblem, of Yamaji dojo, you can see the mountain path and the clouds represented.  The five stones at the start of the path represent the five samurai virtues of Benevolence, Justice, Wisdom, Courtesy, and Sincerity.