Kyudo for Beginners
First Shot - 2026
Learn the Contemplative Art of Japanese Archery
Karmê Chöling and Seiko Kyudojo welcomes all who are curious or inspired by contemplative mind/body practices and their ability to deepen one's mindfulness & awareness.
Kyudo, the Way of the Bow, is one of the oldest contemplative arts of the Japanese tradition. The goal is not to hit the target, but to synchronize your body and awareness in the present moment, making it truly a contemplative practice.
One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind.
Kanjuro Shibata XX
This program will provide training in Kyudo's Seven Coordinations, shichi-do, the basic form for aligning the body and properly releasing the arrow.
Working with the precision of the form, a natural process gradually unfolds. The target becomes a mirror which reflects the qualities of the practitioner's mind and heart at the moment of the arrow's release. This gives the practitioner an opportunity to see their state of mind more clearly. This distinguishes Kyudo from archery where simply hitting the target is the goal.
To continue the study of kyudo, students are required to take First Shot instruction, making it the prerequisite to all other kyudo programs.
All are welcome, regardless of age, gender, or physical strength. Children should be at least 10 years of age.
All necessary equipment will be provided.
For questions regarding the program please contact:
Arrival & Departure
Plan on arriving Friday between 3:00 - 6:00 pm to register and settle in.
Dinner is at 6:30
The program begins at 7:30 pm.
The program ends on Sunday at 5:00 pm.
Pricing
Karmê Chöling values its commitment to making programs affordable and available to all who wish to study with us. To support this commitment we provide two program price options.
Generosity Price: $290.00
You're able to help us with this commitment by choosing the "Generosity Price". The money above the basic tuition cost goes into a scholarship fund for those who might not be able to attend a program otherwise.
Tuition: $245.00
This is the price of the program, it does not include housing options or material fees.
Please Note:
Price does not include accommodations, which will be added during the registration process.
Policies
Payment Policies:
Please read the payment policy before proceeding with registration.
Financial Aid:
Karmê Chöling offers full-time student discounts, scholarships and other financial aid.
Program Credit:
If using existing program credit to pay for a program, you must pre-register for this program at least two weeks prior to the program start date by calling the front desk (802-633-2384 x3000). Program credit may not be used to pay for housing or practice materials and may not be used on or after arrival day.
Instructor
Jack Stewart first became interested in Kyudo in 1987 and began practicing in the Samurai or warrior style. The following year, he received his first yumi (bow) as a gift from his children. In 1989, upon learning that Kanjuro Shibata, Sensei, was teaching in Vermont, Jack started to study with Sensei in the formal court style of Heki Ryu Bisshu Chikurin Ha. In 1992, Jack assisted in the building of the Matoba Azuchi, the outdoor Kyudo target range, at Karme Choling in Barnet, VT.
Instructor:
Sensei Jack Stewart
Date & Time Details:
Location:
On-Land
Program Fee:
Generosity Price - $290
Tuition - $245
Room/Meals Fee:
This will be added in during the registration process.
View accommodations
Wellness Update:
Read our Wellness Policy
Getting to Karmê Chöling:
Contact Us:
Karmê Chöling
(802) 633-2384
info@karmecholing.org
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