Kyudo Association of Canada - Seikyu Kai
Kyudo Association of Canada - Seikyu Kai
Seikyu Kai was founded in 2008 by Mie Takahashi (Renshi 5 Dan) as a Martial Arts program at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Originally from Japan, Takahashi Sensei began Kyudo training in university where she participated in the league tournaments representing the school and later joined the Prefecture Team representing Chiba in the annual National Kyudo Tournament (Kokutai). The name Seikyu Kai was given to the Toronto Kyudo club as Sei (正) meaning "Correct", and Kyu (弓) meaning "Bow", representing the concept that one must not try to hit the target by any means necessary, but instead use only the correct form and correct mindset.
Seikyu Kai joined the Kyudo Association of Canada in 2010, and in 2011 its members first attended a Kyudo Seminar hosted by the American Kyudo Renmei and overseen by the International Kyudo Federation. Since then, members of Seikyu Kai have participated in events all over the US, and in Japan where they were a part of Team Canada at the 3rd World Kyudo Taikai (Competition) in 2018.
Besides regular weekly practice that includes Taihai and Sharei, Seikyu Kai also hosts Sensei from other countries for annual seminars, all to advance our own knowledge of kyudo as well as expand the art throughout Ontario and Canada.
Classes are offered through the Martial Arts program at the Japanese Canadian Culture Centre (JCCC). Visitors are free to watch outside the dojo during class time.
If you have previous Kyudo experience, and wish to continue your practice with us, please fill out the following form https://forms.gle/Ue7n366qHAvt5EEv9 and someone will follow up with you shortly. If you practice with an IKYF affiliated renmei, an email from your dojo leader to toronto@kyudo.ca would be beneficial and a great way to connect. After your visit, if you are deemed ready to join the regular class, we will let the JCCC know to send you the steps to register.
If you are new to Kyudo, we offer an Introductory Course from time to time, completion of which is necessary to join the regular practice. Interested individuals can reach the JCCC at jccc@jccc.on.ca where your information will be placed on a contact list so that you can be notified when a new course is available for registration.
The Introductory Course will consist of:
Hassetsu (The eight stages of shooting and posture)
Gomu-yumi (Practice bow)
Subiki (Drawing the bow without an arrow)
Makiwara (Shooting towards a short-distance target)
Taihai (Formalized movement )
All equipment necessary to practice Kyudo is available to borrow for up to a year after the start of the Introductory Course. By the time the course finishes, students will be able to perform the basics to join the regular class and continue onto the next level.
Transit: The centre can be reached via the #100 (Flemingdon) TTC Bus from Eglinton or Broadview Subway Station
Driving: Directions from DVP Northbound.
Exit at Eglinton Ave and turn left. Turn right at Gervais Dr. and right again on Wynford Dr. Sakura Way is the first street on your left.
Directions from DVP Southbound.
Exit at Wynford Dr and turn right. Sakura Way is the first street on your right.
Parking: Free onsite parking
Schedule: Saturdays - 12:00pm to 2:30pm (Taihai and Makiwara Practice)
*Visitors are welcome to view outside the dojo
Transit: The centre can be reached via TTC Bus
Driving: Directions from DVP/404 Northbound.
Exit at Woodbine Ave heading north. Turn right at Esna Park Dr.
Parking: Free onsite parking
Schedule: Last Thursday of every Month - 7:00pm to 9:30pm (Kinteki (28m) Practice)
*Attendance is restricted to approved members only