Beginner’s Kyudo
The Way of the Bow
with Marion Taylor
Kyudo is one of the traditional Japanese martial arts, referred to as “standing zazen.” When taken up with patience and attention to detail, Kyudo is a dynamic way to focus the mind and open the heart. The stance of Kyudo is compared to a tree: deeply rooted in the earth, centered in the hara, rising through the upper body, opening the chest, and outstretching the arms. The physical aspect of Kyudo is inseparable from its spiritual aspect, the flight of the arrow becomes a subtle mirror reflecting the mind at the moment of the arrow’s release.
This retreat will offer a powerful way to begin Kyudo practice under the guidance of a dedicated practitioner and highly respected teacher of the Way of the Bow. We will receive training in Seven Coordinations, the basic form for properly shooting an arrow, then practice the gentle flow and continuity of movement in the heart of stillness, moving without tension, establishing balance through extension, and effortlessly releasing the flow of energy. Traditional handcrafted yumi (bows), as well as other necessary equipment will be provided. There are no restrictions on size, age, or physical strength—anyone can practice Kyudo.
About the Instructor
One of the most senior Kyudo practitioners in the United States, Marion Taylor is a generous and enthusiastic teacher. He began his study of Kyudo twenty years ago with Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sensei, bow-maker to the Japanese Emperor. For the past thirteen years, he has taught Kyudo at Hampshire College in Massachusetts.
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