Instructors

Maria began her study of kyudo in 1994, while completing her PhD at Stanford University. She has led a 30+ year career in science, business, technology, and corporate venture. She directed and financed the construction of Redwood Kyudojo, the only purpose-built Kyudojo in the Western USA, where she teaches a thriving group of students in La Honda, California. Maria holds the Kyudo rank of Renshi Rokudan (6th dan), received in 2010 from the All Nippon Kyudo Federation. 

Maria serves as Director of the International Kyudo Federation (2014-present); she served as President of the American Kyudo Renmei (2016-2024), and President of the Northern California Kyudo Federation (2010-2024). Maria was one of the three archers selected for the 1st Team USA at the Kyudo World Cup 2010 and Team Manager for Team USA at the 4th World Kyudo Taikai 2024. She trains in the All Nippon Kyudo Federation form of Kyudo and the traditional form of Ogasawara-ryu Hosha (Kyujutsu). Maria is chief instructor and President of Redwood Kyudojo and Jimukyoku of Ogasawara-Ryu America.

Tim began his Kyudo career in 1980 in London, UK, with Liam O’Brien Sensei, and in 1985 he was invited to move to Tokyo, Japan, to study under Onuma Hideharu Hanshi at Toshima-Ku Kyudojo. From 1985 to 1990 under the tutelage of Onuma Hanshi Tim was able to progress from Mudan (beginner) to Godan (5th dan). In 1990 Tim moved back to the UK to embark on a career in photography, film and television, and had to take a 20-year hiatus from Kyudo due to work and family commitments. However, in 2012 Tim was headhunted by GoPro and moved to the Bay Area, California, where he recommenced his Kyudo practice with Earl Hartman Sensei. In 2016 Tim joined forces with Maria Peterson Sensei to establish Redwood Kyudojo, and in 2022 Tim gained the rank of Renshi (instructor).

Since living in Japan, Tim maintained a long-term relationship with the Ogasawara family and Ogasawara-Ryu Yabusame. For the past 20 years, Tim has been performing in Yabusame at Nikko Toshogu, and in 2020 became Shibucho of the first overseas branch of Ogasawara-Ryu, Ogasawara-Ryu America. The branch is rapidly growing and includes members all over the Americas.