Indiana State Fair: "Bridges to Japan" Exhibition

August 6 - 22, 2010

Kyudo (Japanese Archery)

The Indiana Kyudo Renmei, a non-profit organization based out of Lizton, Indiana committed to the study of kyudo, will give a kyudo demonstration at the “Bridges to Japan” Exhibition. Comprised of approximately 35 members from both inside and outside Indiana, Indiana Kyudo Renmei is one of the largest kyudo renmei, or federations, in the United States. Members of the Indiana Kyudo Renmei practice at the Wadokan kyudojo, which is located in Lizton, Indiana, 22 miles from downtown Indianapolis. Instruction for the Indiana Kyudo Renmei is handled by our chief instructor Takako Matsui Swain, Renshi Rokudan (Instructor, 6th dan) and Phil Swain, Renshi Godan (Instructor, 5th dan and IKR President). Visitors are welcome, but must call in advance to schedule a visit.

Kyudo is among the oldest of the Asian martial arts. It has evolved over centuries and remains one of the purest forms of the martial arts still practiced today. There is no combat in kyudo. In fact, the routine of preparing the bow and arrow, then shooting, is the same place to place, rank to rank. Those who study kyudo aim to develop themselves through the study and perfection of kyudo.

Kyudo, which literally means The Way of the Bow, is considered by many to be the purest of all the martial ways. In the past, the Japanese bow was used for hunting, war, court ceremonies, games, and contests of skill. Some of the ancient schools survive today, along with the ancient ceremonies and games, but the days where the Japanese bow was used as a weapon are long past. Modern kyudo is practiced primarily as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development.

http://www.indianakyudorenmei.net

“Bridges to Japan” at the Indiana State Fair: Performance Times
Wednesday, August 11: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm