FAQ

Does kyudo have different schools or styles?

At Redwood Dojo, we practice Kyudo Renmei of the All Nippon Kyudo Federation (ANKF) in the shomen and reishakei styles.

What can I expect from learning kyudo?

Kyudo is a martial art that focuses on personal development. It is a path best taken slowly (even our shot is slow) and over the long term. If you enjoy a peaceful martial art that allows you to focus on improving, kyudo might be for you. Throughout your journey, there will be opportunities to meet like-minded people from around the world and participate in international kyudo events.

What are the basic requirements for practicing kyudo? Are there any age or gender restrictions?

There are no specific age or gender restrictions in the modern practice of kyudo. However, kyudo requires good physical health to handle the bow and perform the required movements and postures, such as seiza (traditional Japanese formal sitting on the floor, with the legs folded under the thighs). Though there are some federation approved modifications to standard form and movements, like many sports, they will not account for all physical needs of the individual. For example, while the standard form in kyudo is to sit in seiza (traditional Japanese formal sitting on the floor, with the legs folded beneath the thighs) as a zasha archer, the acceptable standing form called rissha is also practiced here.

What are the minimum and maximum ages for practice?

Although we do not have a maximum age for practice, Redwood Kyudojo currently only accept applicants over the age of 18. Students between the age of 16 to 18 may be considered if their parent/guardian is a current (active) member who will be taking classes and able to supervising accordingly.

Is practicing kyudo safe?

Safety is paramount in the practice of kyudo, and is always the top priority. Kyudo has an excellent safety record due to the safety rules enforced in the dojo. Safety is a commitment shared by all our members.

Is kyudo physically challenging?

Yes and no. While performing the movements with proper form and mindfulness can be challenging, almost anyone can practice kyudo. Strength and endurance are not real issues when learning kyudo—Even people with knee, back, or shoulder problems can practice and excel at kyudo. Each bow is tailored to the archer and will therefore accommodate their physical abilities. 

Do I need to have my own equipment before I can start?

As a member contributing monthly dues, you will have access to school equipment during classes. As your body and form begins to stabilise, the sensei will provide recommendations for the type of equipment you should purchase and own. Practitioners may consider purchasing items in stages to help manage the costs.

How much does kyudo cost?

Redwood Kyudojo is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization. Members are responsible to remit a monthly fee that helps maintain the dojo’s equipment, facilities, insurance, etc. Students must pay the fixed monthly fee regardless of how many classes they choose or are able to attend each month. 

Is it possible to come and observe?

At this time, observational visits are only allowed with prior arrangement and limited to select classes (we do not offer trial classes).

What do I need to get started?

Please read this FAQ and the Protocols sections very carefully before attending. As a membership-based, non-profit educational organisation, we do not accept walk/drop-ins and our beginner sessions are often full. If you are interested in starting your kyudo journey with Redwood Kyudojo, we welcome you to email us with your interest and information. Our group of volunteers will do our best to inform you of new enrolment periods and special events open to the public. 

Redwood Kyudojo facilities:

Our dojo is located at 202 Sylvan Way, La Honda, CA. If this is your first time, or 300th time driving to the dojo, we want to remind you to go slow on Sylvan Way. The last bit of road to the dojo is a single lane, private residential road. We have kind neighbours who know about our dojo and our classes. We ask all students to respect the neighbourhood, park only where designated, and do not speed (speed limit is 5mph). As a private facility, the only days of the week the dojo is open for members are Saturday & Sundays classes, and Thursdays open practice (for approved students).

Classes will be cancelled periodically for special events, facilities maintenance, or even road conditions, but this is typically infrequent. To stay up to date with classes, we recommend subscribing to the online Google Calendar or bookmark and check the website which has the calendar embedded: https://www.redwoodkyudojo.com/classes

Daily Sign-in eForm:

Members are required to sign-in every time they visit the dojo. This helps us with general tracking and notification for things like lost and found. When arriving, scan the QR code in the entry way, enter your name and the class you are attending, and don't forget to click submit. 

Winter-time in the Redwoods:

During the winter season, beginners without keikogi are recommended to wear warm exercise clothing, including warm socks (even double socks), since we take off shoes in the kyudojo and it is chilly when the doors are open. Wear layers to stay warm, but nothing that can get caught in a bowstring (no front shirt buttons, earrings, bracelets, rings, etc).

Students with keikogo are welcome to wear V-neck styled long-sleved shirts in neutral colours, and leggings/thermals under their hakama. 

Equipment & Clothing 

Caring for and maintaining kyudo equipment is part of the practice. As such, all kyudo practitioners must have the appropriate clothing and their own kyudo equipment. As a member contributing monthly dues, you will have access to school equipment during classes. When borrowing school equiment, you will be asked to purchase consumables such as bowstrings, giriko powder, etc., for use with the school’s bows and gloves.

The investments for equipment and supplies is a bit of a personal one, and we want to make sure that your form and experience has a foundation before locking into "gear". One aspect that our students would need to purchase sooner on their own are keikogi (kyudo uniform consisting of hakama, dogi, obi, and tabi) and shitagake (glove liner) once you start using a kyudo glove. Since equipment is an integral part of practice, students will eventually be required to purchase their own equipment.

What makes up a kyudo uniform?

This includes a kyudo-gi (white top), hakama (traditional skirt/pants), obi (cloth belt), and tabi (toed socks), as well as a muneate (chest protector) for women. 

Can I practice kyudo even if I’m left-handed?

Yes, Kyudo archery is practiced only with the right hand. Traditionally, the highest seating area—where judges, hanshi, special guests, sensei (Kyudo instructors), or senior members sit to observe the archers—is located only on the right side of the dojo. Therefore, archers must face to the right when standing on the shooting line. We have left-handed members who have no trouble learning to use the bow with their right hand.

Will wearing prescription glasses be a problem?

It will not be a problem.

Can I wear jewellery and my watch?

To observe proper kyudo culture and etiquette, a practitioner should not wear any items other than the uniform and equipment. Furthermore, due to the physical nature of kyudo, wearing jewellery and watches can be dangerous. Therefore, you must remove these items before the class begins. This includes necklaces, earrings, rings, and any jewellery attached to any external part of the body. If, for any physical reason, you are unable to remove them, please show them to the instructor before the class begins.

Can I bring my child to practice?

We understand the importance of childcare, and understand that there are times when you may need to bring your child to kyudo practice. However for safety reasons, any child under the age of 15 must be actively supervised by an adult at all times making it difficult during class sessions. We ask members to use their best judgement and also arrange with the sensei and instructors prior to bringing a child to class.

Can my relative/friend watch a class?

They are welcome to observe one class as long as you first request permission from sensei and they carpool with you (our parking is quite limited). 

For additional information, review the Kyudo in Practice section above. 

What to expect in these classes:

Kyudo is taught as an ongoing classes. During the beginners class, we will start with the basics of showing you about kyudo equipment (bows, arrows, gloves, attire, targets), the kyudo shooting space (dojo, matoba, yamichi, and 28-meter vs makiwara shooting), and we will get you started learning the Hassetsu, the 8-stages of shooting  with the Yumi, the Japanese bow.

At first, you will shoot using a stretchy band, then a rubber-yumi (gomu-yumi) which is essential for training in basic forms, while you learn the proper shooting form. You will also learn how to move to coordinate with others in the kyudojo. 

One of our main volunteers often tells new students that classes are not "rigidly linear" in the that if you miss a class you are just lost come the next week. Everything in kyudo is revisited through repetition, as this is one of the core tenets to training.

There is a lot to learn before you will be shooting arrows. 

Instructors

Maria Peterson-sensei (All Nippon Kyudo Federation certified Renshi, Rokudan) will oversee all classes, and the main instructor of the classes is Tim Macmillan-sensei (All Nippon Kyudo Federation certified Renshi, Godan).

We have three-(03) assistant instructors (All Nippon Kyudoo Federation certified with the rank of Godan), who support and lead classes when Tim-sensei &/or Maria-sensei are unavailable. Though not sensei, but sempai, it is expected that they are given the respect worthy of their positions as both senior members and assistant instructors.

• Satoe Haile Ishii

• Erika Castillo

• Geronimo Barrera de la Torre

Equipment considerations for beginners:

We consider the kake to be a crucial part of the equipment; the glove is used to pull the tsuru (bowstring). We do not recommend purchasing a yumi for at least one year. It will take that long for your form to stabilise enough so that you don’t break or outgrow your new yumi. As for ya (arrows), since we shoot at close range in our dojo using the makiwara ya, you probably won’t need to buy any of these for a while, until you start shooting at long range.

When can I start shooting 28-meters?

This depends entirely on each person’s progress in learning the basic form, but before shooting the full distance, students will focus time on close range makiwara shooting. Some people establish the basics for makiwara in a few weeks; others take longer.

What attire should I wear?

As a beginner, we do not expect you to have the keikogi on Day 1, so think about coming to classes in comfortable nonrestrictive clothing (be careful to not wear shirts/tops with buttons, zippers, hooks, etc), and socks (the dojo is a shoeless facility, but bare feet is not allowed). Exercise clothing and socks are good to start with.

Can I join a beginner’s session after it has started?

No, beginner class sessions build on the knowledge and experience gained in previous sessions. It is not possible to join a beginner class after it has started. If you missed the start of a beginner class, please register your interest in the next Introductory Course announced on the website or on our social media.

I have to miss a class (or 2 or 3). Can I get a refund for that class?

We are not a "pay as you use" organisation, but we understand the realities of life, and that some months you may find yourself away from class. We do allow for membership pauses with advance notice and arrangement. If you know that you will be travelling or unable to attend classes for a period of time, discuss with the sensei immediately. As volunteers, we need a one-month lead time of notice to be able to pause membership due invoices to prevent issues.

Is there a ranking system in kyudo?

Yes, we belong to the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF). The federation follows a "Dan Ranking" system consisting of 10-Levels—Shodan (1st Dan) to Judan (10th Dan)—with an additional 3-Level Shogo (master) titling system that opens to individuals of Godan or higher who aspire towards a teaching path. The title of sensei in kyudo is awarded upon reaching the Renshi level.

IKYF evaluates students annually at various locations around the world for qualified individuals who wish to take the examination (Shinsa). The examinations may not be for everyone and are not required to continue practicing. When a kyudo practictioner is "ready" to take an exam is based on sensei guidance and ultimate approval. 

+ More information about IKYF

Does Redwood Kyudojo administer exams?

No. Our association is a member of the AKR, which works in collaboration with the All Nippon Kyudo Federation (ANKF) and the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF)—the only official bodies authorized to administer rank qualification exams. In principle, each country’s federation may host an exam; however, the Japanese organisations are the ones that grant the ranks.

We encourage all members to participate in exams and seminars each year as soon as they are ready, and we will assist members with registration and preparation.