Kyudo Takes Root at the JCCC - Beginnings
When Mie Takahashi arrived in Toronto in July 2007 to study English, the 5th dan kyudoka searched for a place in the city to continue practicing kyudo. She eventually contacted the Kyudo Association of Canada (KAC), based in Vancouver, B.C., and they put her in contact with a woman in Toronto who was interested in learning kyudo. This was the beginning of a chain of events that brought kyudo to the JCCC.
Two packed kyudo workshops led by Mie Takahashi at the JCCC in the summer of 2008 demonstrated that there was a demand for kyudo and paved the way for regular kyudo classes to be held at the JCCC. Shortly after the second workshop the KAC put 5th dan Salvatore Gianfreda from Switzerland in touch with Mie Takahashi. Just months after the workshops, in November, 2008, the first beginners' kyudo class of 20 students began led by two 5th dan instructors.
This first beginner's session started with minimal equipment: enough gomu-yumi, practice "bows" for each student, some old straw tatami mats for targets and three bows from a previous kyudo class held over 10 years ago. More bows were eventually purchased, but the practice of kyudo involves much more than just individual target shooting. Taihai involves five archers entering the dojo, approaching the target and preparing for shooting in harmony, with precise timing and rhythm. At least five targets are necessary to practice taihai. In addition, the standard shooting distance for kyudo is 28 meters - a distance too great for the regular dojo. For a student to have any hope of passing a ranking exam, taihai experience and practice at the 28m (kinteki) distance are crucial.
We were able to achieve both of these important elements with the generous cooperation of JCCC. The club now has 12 targets, and we are in regular contact with the JCCC to arrange times for kinteki shooting in the parking area behind the dojo in nice weather. We would like to thank George Tsushima and Mas Yamashita, who constructed our first set of five stands to hold "makiwara" targets. As a result, we were able to host two successful seminars and invite Carly Born-sensei from the American Kyudo Renmei. Moreover, due to the relentless devotion of the instructor, Mie Takahashi, sixteen members passed their ranking examinations this summer in Minnesota. As we approach the end of another year, it seems an appropriate time to review our history and look forward to what is to come. We hope to continue growing and developing together with the JCCC in the New Year and years to come.
Originally appeared in the December/January 2011-12 JCCC Newsletter
Kyudo Takes Root at the JCCC - Beginnings
When Mie Takahashi arrived in Toronto in July 2007 to study English, the 5th dan kyudoka searched for a place in the city to continue practicing kyudo. She eventually contacted the Kyudo Association of Canada (KAC), based in Vancouver, B.C., and they put her in contact with a woman in Toronto who was interested in learning kyudo. This was the beginning of a chain of events that brought kyudo to the JCCC.
Two packed kyudo workshops led by Mie Takahashi at the JCCC in the summer of 2008 demonstrated that there was a demand for kyudo and paved the way for regular kyudo classes to be held at the JCCC. Shortly after the second workshop the KAC put 5th dan Salvatore Gianfreda from Switzerland in touch with Mie Takahashi. Just months after the workshops, in November, 2008, the first beginners' kyudo class of 20 students began led by two 5th dan instructors.
This first beginner's session started with minimal equipment: enough gomu-yumi, practice "bows" for each student, some old straw tatami mats for targets and three bows from a previous kyudo class held over 10 years ago. More bows were eventually purchased, but the practice of kyudo involves much more than just individual target shooting. Taihai involves five archers entering the dojo, approaching the target and preparing for shooting in harmony, with precise timing and rhythm. At least five targets are necessary to practice taihai. In addition, the standard shooting distance for kyudo is 28 meters - a distance too great for the regular dojo. For a student to have any hope of passing a ranking exam, taihai experience and practice at the 28m (kinteki) distance are crucial.
We were able to achieve both of these important elements with the generous cooperation of JCCC. The club now has 12 targets, and we are in regular contact with the JCCC to arrange times for kinteki shooting in the parking area behind the dojo in nice weather. We would like to thank George Tsushima and Mas Yamashita, who constructed our first set of five stands to hold "makiwara" targets. As a result, we were able to host two successful seminars and invite Carly Born-sensei from the American Kyudo Renmei. Moreover, due to the relentless devotion of the instructor, Mie Takahashi, sixteen members passed their ranking examinations this summer in Minnesota. As we approach the end of another year, it seems an appropriate time to review our history and look forward to what is to come. We hope to continue growing and developing together with the JCCC in the New Year and years to come.
Originally appeared in the December/January 2011-12 JCCC Newsletter