Kyudo Archery

Thanks to the support of the Japan Interest Group, Kyudo practice has been started on Saturday afternoons at the Gypsy Lane Campus.

The class is under the supervision of Liam O’Brien, Kyoshi 7th Dan, president of United Kingdom Kyudo Association (UKKA).

It is open to the public as well as staff and students of the university, and the Oxford Kyudo Society offers detailed information of the practice on their website.

Kyudo is not simply archery. It is the art of finding the relationship between the bow, the body, and the spirit and uniting it into an harmonious whole. To balance all these elements in the shooting situation makes Kyudo both demanding and challenging. Japanese traditional arts and disciplines are about self-cultivation through the discipline of a prescribed regime and are not suitable for those unwilling to accept such an approach.

Costs and considerations

• Annual membership fee for Oxford group is currently £20
• There will be an additional cost towards hiring a venue for practice
• Kyudo is extremely safe and has a well established and effective safety procedure. However, insurance cover is required and this is obtained through membership to the national Kyudo association (UKKA). Membership to this body also gives access to national and international seminars and examinations (currently £20 - £50 per year depending on your level)
• Equipment for beginners is on loan from the Society for the initial period of training, but members of the class will be expected to purchase the correct training uniform within a few months. As the equipment is an intimate part of practice, students will eventually be obliged to purchase their own equipment
• Students are required to purchase the All Nippon Kyudo Federation publication, Kyudo Manual Vol.1 (available in Japanese and English). This is the main reference text used by students of all levels
• Use of the kinteki facilities in London is without charge to students of this class
• Regular weekly attendance is required

All are welcome to visit the class to see firsthand what is involved in kyudo practice. However, prior notice would be preferred. Individuals who already have some level of experience are also most welcome.