Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0116 - Martial Arts: Kyudo

KYUDO PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY ADJUSTED TO PROPERLY OBSERVE COVID HEALTH REGULATIONS FORBIDDING DIRECT CONTACT AND CLOSE PROXIMITY BETWEEN ITS PARTICIPANTS. Kyudo is an activity course of the Budo Arts Program - OPRA's martial arts division at Hampshire College. Budo, meaning the lifestyle of incorporating "warrior" philosophies and values to one's path of internal development. Practicing budo requires the study of related fields such as, but not limited to, history, etiquette, language, art, and spirituality. Students will complete brief research assignments, study literary resources, and attend lectures and media screenings to complement the primary physical content of the course. Budo Arts classes and clubs utilize a social communication app called Discord. FREE access to the full app on computer desktop and smartphone versions will be required. Lab fees support various dojo (training school) affiliations to national governing organizations or cover purchases of specific required personal equipment where indicated. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS OR ARCHERY EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE. Although kyudo is a form of archery, we do not train for the motivation of target practice. Secondarily, kyudo practice is a form of meditation and ritual ceremony with spiritual meaning; it IS NOT intended for entertainment or casual recreation. Students of kyudo will immediately encounter several differences that set this practice apart from popular forms of western archery. In the 4th or 5th century, the bow was indeed a tool for hunting. As Japan and its people developed by expanding their resources, battles and wars over its land and territories began arising. The bow, during early stages of warfare, was reserved for high-ranking generals and military officials who rarely engaged in direct combat. Over time, entire platoons of infantry were issued bows and were commonly used on the battlefield until the appearance of the first guns in Japan by the Portuguese in the early 1540s. The bow may have outlived its tactical usefulness in battle but had yet to make an impact on peaceful meditation cultures. Re-purposed as an instrument for training in focus, concentration, and self-reflection, kyudo took the action of firing an arrow from its original purpose in battle and transformed it into an expression of Zen meditation. After a great period of war had ceased in Japan by the 1600s, certain retired samurai turned to practicing kyudo as a method of keeping their minds sharp and their integrity intact during peacetime. Students will see kyudo as a method of spiritual training having more to do with how to achieve postures of the body with the bow through ritual and for the sake of connection to a heightened presence. Meditation is a pursuit of gaining a wider perception of our minds, not a method for escaping them. Placement of the target plays a critical role in the mindset of the kyudo archer by being only a few feet away thereby removing the temptation and glamour of aiming. The target serves more of a role of catching the arrow anywhere on its path from the bow, rather than providing a measurement of accuracy across a great distance. Training in etiquette and proper handling of the equipment in the tradition of this Japanese martial art will be examined first before any practice of live shots are taken. New members are welcome at any time throughout the semester!!! As an affiliated charter of our national governing organization, membership supports our standing accreditation with Zenko International. Visitors and prospective members, attend nourished, hydrated, and prepared in a functional sense of clothing that allows for full freedom of movement if you do not already own a uniform specific to kyudo training. Practice meets on the 2nd Floor of the Robert Crown Center in the South Lounge Dojo. Contact Samuel Kanner at sikOP@hampshire.edu to schedule a visit or to receive more information about terms and benefits of membership. For complete information about the kyudo group at Hampshire College, please visit, shuuko.org. Join our Discord community! Discord link available upon request.

Lab Fee: $40 Student; $60 Public Community.