Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/16/2019 - 11/17/2019
All Day
Location
Hampshire College - Robert Crown Center
Categories
An introduction to Kyudo practice and an opportunity for more experienced archers to practice indoor long distance shooting inside the Hampshire College gymnasium.
Led by Laurajean “LJ” Stewart of Barnet Tradepost Wellness Center
Hosted by Samuel Kanner, Carrie Bergman and members of Shuuko Kyudo – Amherst
Saturday, November 16, 2019 Workshop/Practice: 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, November 17, 2019 Workshop/Practice: 10am – 5pm (lunch break: noon – 1:15pm)
In historic times, the Japanese archer was considered the elite of the warrior class. The Japanese bow (yumi) was constructed to reliably perform accurate shots on a battlefield over great distances. The use of yumi in battle eventually became obsolete and this military archery technique (Kyūjutsu) was adapted into a method of standing meditation. The emphasis of aiming at a target is non-existent in modern forms of Japanese archery now referred to as Kyūdo, meaning the way or profound method of the bow.
For beginners: The Shuuko Hampshire Kyudojo invites you to participate in the first steps of this journey over a weekend of beginner’s instruction and training of introductory skills.
For more experienced students: have the chance to practice their alignment over long distance shooting, hitote and tsukubai, and etiquette on the platform (shajo).
Shuuko class equipment will be available to use. No purchase of Kyudo equipment is necessary.
Meals & Lodging:
No lunch Saturday but hot tea, water, and light snacks will be available during both days of the event.
Lunch Sunday will be catered by Hampshire Dining @ Noon – 1:15pm in the mezzanine of the gymnasium.
Feel free to bring your own food and refreshments. Many restaurant options within a short drive of the campus and on the bus route.
As Hampshire College is in session, we cannot occupy the dorms overnight.
Some hotel/motel options include:
Holiday Inn Express – Hadley, MA
Marriot Courtyard – Hadley, MA
Howard Johnson – Hadley, MA
Rodeway Inn – Hadley, MA
To Register:
Select your ticket type, below, to reserve your space at the event. Payment will be accepted at the event via cash or check. Venmo and Square Cash are now being accepted. Unfortunately, PayPal as of yet. Thank you!
If you have any questions, contact Samuel Kanner, instructor, at samuel.kanner@gmail.com.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
If it’s not too much trouble, I have a question I was hoping you might help me with. Do you think it’s better for a new hunter to get started with a longbow or a crossbow. It seems like a longbow is more accurate. My dad says crossbows though are better for beginners. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Hello Katharyn,
Thank you for your question but I’m afraid I am unable to give you an answer related to my knowledge of archery and martial arts practice. The specs and scopes required for hunting are vastly different to what we work on here at the Shuuko kyudojo. Bows and arrows are mechanically very similar in all their forms around the world but I would caution against feeling they are all used solely for the same purpose. Just because tigers and zebras both have stripes does not mean they get along with each other.
I wish you success in your hunting pursuits. Good luck with finding your answer and be sure to stay updated with your local state’s licenses and permit policies.
Thank you and be safe,
Samuel Kanner,
Head Instructor,
Shuuko Kyudojo
Amherst, MA