Recently, the Japanese capital hosted a seminar and the first World Championship in Kyudo, organized by the International Federation of Kyudo (IKYF)

The event was attended by representatives of most European countries, including Russia, Ukraine and Poland, and North and South America and Asia. Unfortunately, it should be noted that for many Europeans, who applied to participate, seminar has become impossible due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. It's hapend just on the on the eve of the seminar whith subsequent cancellation of most flights from Europe. For those who were lucky enough to get to Tokyo, got a wonderful opportunity to be trained within 3 days whith the Japanese masters of the traditional martial art.

The seminar was divided into two phases: training of applicants for 1-4 dan was carried out from 20 to 22 April (Workshop B), and concluded with an exam on April 23. From 26th to 29th a seminar for owners of higher-dan and trainers.

Each day began with demonstrations of ceremonial shooting Syarey, after which the participants, divided into four groups according to dan, and under the guidance of Japanese teachers began to practice the basic movements, movements in the order of the exam, coordination in tati (group from 3-5 archers ) and syaho-hassetsu. Masters a lot of attention paid to the correct operation whith the tandem (center of gravity), and the natural posture in setting body and movement, on which depends the beauty of archery. There also have been elaborated shitsu (errors in the exam, such as: breaking string, droping arrow or bow) and methods of their elimination. In addition, each participant received a useful individual comments on its technique and style, including the kihon dosa (basic movements) and toriyumi-no-shisey (holding the bow between shooting). A teachers with patience and responsive help us to improve our kyudo, despite the bad weather and unusually cold for Tokyo in April.

On April 24-25 the First World Championship of Kyudo, which was present by, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, which is the honorary president of the International Kyudo Federation.

Seminar on Kyudo not only helped to deepen understanding of Kyudo, but also meet and acquaint with new friends on Kyudo from Russia, Poland, Hungary and many other countries. Remarkably, Kyudo which being originally a martial art brings people together and promotes harmony, erases borders between countries and cultures.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the German Kyudo Federation, which is a member of the International Federation of Kyudo, and helps the development of this wonderful art in Eastern Europe.

Author: Kate Martynenko.