Events

Italian Wine Tasting

A Fundraiser for the New York-New Jersey Kyudo Renmei

Date: Friday, November 6th, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Location: 23 E 4th St  (2nd Floor) New York, NY

Join us for a special evening of Italian wine while celebrating Kyudo, the Japanese art of archery, and its global community.

Taste a curated selection of Italian wines from regions in Italy where kyudo is practiced.

Intro to kyudo: history and philosophy
Kyudo demonstration
Tasting of five different fine wines paired with artisan cheeses and meats

Every registration to this event will bring us closer to funding our club’s activities, equipment and insurance. We also hope to raise funds to create educational programs and workshops promoting Japanese culture and martial arts.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

2026 Americas Seminar and Shinsa (Vancouver, Canada)

3-day Seminar: Monday, August 17 ~ Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Special Overseas Chuo Shinsa: Thursday, August 20, 2026 (up to 6-dan and Renshi)

---

2026 Brazil Kyudo Seminar and Shinsa (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

3-day Seminar: Tuesday, August 4 ~ Thursday, August 6, 2026
Special Overseas Chuo Shinsa: Friday, August 7, 2026 (up to 5-dan)

---

Japan Parade and Street Fair 2026

Saturday, May 9th, 2026
We will be a part of Japan Parade again!
Official website

2025 American Kyudo Seminar (Minnesota)

Enteki: August 4
Seminar : August 5 – 7
Shinsa: August 8
Venue:Carleton College, Recreation Center, Second Floor, Northfield, MN 55057

---

Japan Parade and Street Fair 2025

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Time: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: 72nd Street  (Between Central Park W & Columbus Ave)

Official website

---

The 10th Asia-Oceania Kyudo Seminar (Nagoya)

April 6th, 2025 marked day one of the 10th Asia-Oceana Kyudo seminar in Nagoya, Japan. The three day seminar was followed by the Special International Chuo Shinsa, where many participants traveled from all over the world to attend.

11 of us from New York/New Jersey participated in the seminar, 7 of which tested for the Shinsa.

This year the events took place at the traditional Kyudojo located in Nippon Gaishi Hall. We used three shajos and divided into groups according to our rankings. Each group was guided by 3 highly skilled instructors. They worked meticulously to prepare us for the Shinsa. The authentic setting of the kyudojo was truly captivating. This combined with the sincere dedication of our instructors easily made us forget what jetlag was.

Each day started with various demonstrations from our instructors, one of which our Sensei, Fumiko Takada, performed flawlessly as Kaizoe #2 in the Yawatashi ceremony. The remainder of each day were filled with lectures, taihai practice, and yakazu.

On the day of the Shinsa, over 200 participants tested. The day was heavy with tension, yet the overwhelming support was unmistakable and felt by all. There was an observation room to the right of the Shajo. People were packed in, eagerly watching each tester’s performance. The collective cheers, gasps and applause spoke volumes, uniting everyone, regardless of their Renmei group.

We are happy to announce that many of us successfully passed! We hope that more of our members will challenge this wonderful experience in the future.

2024 IKYF Friendship Tournament

From November 16-17, 2024, members of the New York/New Jersey Kyudo Kai participated in the Japan-Americas Friendship Taikai and Shinsa, held at the San Mateo County Event Center. The event was organized by the International Kyudo Federation in collaboration with the All Nippon Kyudo Federation and the American Kyudo Renmei.

Throughout the two days, members had the valuable opportunity to learn alongside more than 130 fellow archers from across the Americas and Japan. This experience not only strengthened their personal practice but also reinforced a shared sense of purpose and community, highlighting the enduring connections that Kyudo fosters across cultures. The New York/New Jersey Kyudo Kai looks forward to continuing its growth and contributing to the international Kyudo community.

---

The Fourth World Kyudo Taikai (Nagoya)

In late February and early March of this year, members of the NY/NJ Kyudo-Kai traveled to Nagoya, Japan to participate in the 2024 Chuo Seminars and Shinsa, learning and taking exams for a variety of dan and shogo. As an international event, it drew hundreds of participants from renmei all over the globe, giving everyone a chance to make connections in the wider world of kyudo, and to study under several master teachers from Japan at one event.

NY/NJ club members in Nagoya (and in the US via streaming) also watched the 4th International Kyudo Taikai, with teams from around the world entering the tournament. While the two teams representing Japan took first and second place, teams from other countries also made impressive showings, especially Romania and Germany, who tied for third place.

Overall, it was a great experience and a valuable opportunity to improve our kyudo skills, to experience practicing kyudo in Japan, and to deepen our connections with club-mates from home and with kyudo practitioners from around the world!

(Text by B.J.)

---

Japan Day Parade 2024

On May 11th, 2024 members of the New York/New Jersey Kyudo Kai enthusiastically joined Fumiko sensei to attend the 3rd annual Japan Parade. They marched with their bow (yumi) down Central Park West from 82nd Street to 70th Street together with the other groups from all over the tri-state area. As they paused the march along the parade route,using the yumi they solemnly demonstrated the shooting stages (Hassetsu) which parade spectators watched with full interest. It was an event at which the members participated in high spirits.

---

The First IKYF Overseas Kyudo Seminar in Canada

Seminar: Mon. July 17th – Wed. July 19th
Shinsa: Thursday July 20th, 2023
Venue: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Vancouver, Canada

---

The 8th Asia-Oceania Kyudo Seminar (Nagoya)

Seminar 1: Mon. 24 – Wed. 26 April
Asia-Oceania Region (Mudan-Yondan)
Seminar 2: Fri. 28 – Sun. 30 April
American / European Regions (All Grades)
Asia-Oceania Region (Godan and Above)
Shinsa: Thursday 27 April 2023
Venue: Nippongaishi Sports Plaza Kyudojo, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

May 14th, 2022 Japan Day Parade

Date: Saturday, May 14th, 2022
Time: Started at 1:00PM
Location: Central Park West between 70th and 71st Street

Japan Parade 2022

October 12th-13th, 2019 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei

The 7th annual practice with NY/NJ members and Virginia members was on October 12th-13th 2019.

---

2019 International Kyudo Federation European Seminar

A seminar：Yondan, Godan, Shogo Holders
B seminar：Mudan, Shodan, Nidan, Sandan

Locations

Shinsa in France: Kyudojo National de Noisiel
Square du Verger, Complexe Bernard Légier, 77186 Noisiel, France
http://www.kyudojo-noisiel.fr/access/access-english/

Seminar:

13 July (Sat.) – 15 July (Mon.) B Seminar (Poland)
18 July (Thu.) – 20 July (Sat.) A Seminar (Germany)

Testing (shinsa):

16 July (Tue.) Poland (Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan) – Participants of the 2019 European Seminar
21 July (Sun.) Germany (Godan, Rokudan, Renshi) – Participants of the 2019 European Seminar
24 July (Wed.) France (Nidan, Sandan) – Members of International Kyudo Federation affiliate organisations
25 July (Thu.) France (Shodan, Yondan) – Members of International Kyudo Federationaffiliate organisations

---

2019 IKYF American Seminar (South Carolina)

Location: University of South Carolina Upstate (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Seminar: June 24 – 26
Testing (shinsa): June 27
Hosted by: South Carolina Kyudo Renmei

Detailed information and forms can be found on AKR website

---

White Plains Cherry Blossom Festival

---

7th Asia-Oceania Kyudo Seminar (Taiwan)

Dates: Wednesday 3 to Thursday 11 April 2019
Venue: Taipei City, Taiwan

Schedule

3 April (Wed) Seminar 1
4 April (Thu) Seminar 1
5 April (Fri) Seminar 1
6 April (Sat) Special International Provisional Chuo Shinsa
7 April (Sun) Exchange Shakai / Reception
8 April (Mon) Seminar 2
9 April (Tue) Seminar 2
10 April (Wed) Seminar 2
11 April (Thu) Special International Provisional Chuo Shinsa

October 6th-7th, 2018 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei

This was the 6th annual practice with NY/NJ members and Virginia members.  This two day practice included training with Bill Reid sensei from Virginia, cross-training with guest instructor, and Taikai competition.

---

5th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City 2018

Event Date: August 18th
Event Time: 4pm
Event Venue: Hamilton Park, Jersey City (9th Street and W Hamilton, Jersey City 07302)
Facebook: Link

Performance Schedule for the event:

4:00 PM John Garcia
4:10 PM Au Capoeira
4:20 PM Biwanko Group     
4:30 PM Kerri Smith Academy of Irish Dance   
4:40 PM Jersey City Ballroom
4:50 PM Performing Arts Workshop   
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM Bilingual Birdies   
5:45 PM Calai Chandra School of Bharatanatyam
6:00 PM Cana Y Cadencia    
6:10 PM Salsa Fever On2 Dance Academy    
6:20 PM African Fusion Dance
6:30 PM Next Step Broadway         
6:40 PM Kyudo (Archery)   
6:50 PM Iaido (Japanese Sword)    
7:00 PM Naginata (Japanese Polearm)
7:10 PM Yee’s Hung Ga International Ku ng Fu Association
7:20 PM The Jersey City Firefighters Emerald Society
7:30 PM Tonal Arts Music Center   

---

2018 3rd World Kyudo Taikai/ 4th International Kyudo Seminar (Tokyo, Japan)

International B Seminar: Friday, April 20th – Sunday, April 22nd, 2018
Shinsa: Monday, April 23rd, 2018
World Kyudo Taikai: Monday, April 23rd – Wednesday, April 25th , 2018
International A Seminar: Thursday, April 26th – Saturday, April 28th, 2018
Shinsa: Sunday, April 29th, 2018
Venue: All Nippon Kyudo Federation Chuo Dojo
Website: International Kyudo Federation

October 7th-8th, 2017 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei

The 2017 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei was the very special seminar. It was held on Saturday, October 7th and Sunday October 9th at the Jersey City Education & Recreation Center (CERC). As in the previous years members Virginia dojo joined the group from New York/New Jersey dojo to practice together.

On Saturday, after opening ceremony was a demonstration of Mochi-Mato Sharei performed by Chikako Takahashi, Mutsumi Oishi and Maki Takano.  The practice was lead by Fumiko Takada, Krzysztof Sienkiewicz and Mutsumi Oishi. After lunch we had special cross-training with ballet basics with Mayumi Sensei.

Second day started with opening ceremony after which we had Yawatashi Sharei, performed by Krzysztof Sienkiewicz (Ite), Fumiko Takada (Daiichi-Kaizoe) and Chikako Takahashi (Daini-Kaizoe). After a short brake to prepare the dojo for taikai with Ray Teetsel as Chairperson, the competition started. This was the first time when Taikai was run in accordance with American Kyudo Renmei Annual Taikai Competition Guidebook. The Taikai Competition was concluded with the awards. Shortly after we broke for lunch, after which the afternoon session began.

This was also the first time we invited outside guest to the morning Yawatashi Sharei and Taikai Competition. Reporters from the paper Weekly NY Japion came to observe and wrote article about our group. The article can be found on: eJapion.com

NY/NJ would like to express sincere gratitude to everyone, it was an effort of all participants to make this year Joint Seminar so great. We hope to see you all next year.

(Text by H.O.)

---

Nihongo Chat + J-Culture  | 日本語と英語の語学交換会 (Japan Society, New York)

Event Date: September 6th
Event Time: 6pm
Event Venue: Japan Society (333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017)

Website: Japan Society

---

4th Annual Cultural Diversity Festival in Jersey City 2017

Event Date: August 26th
Event Time: 10am to 2pm
Event Venue: Hamilton Park, Jersey City (9th Street and W Hamilton, Jersey City 07302)

Facebook: https://goo.gl/f9KcGX

Performances in the event:

JCBallroom Jersey City Ballroom
Na Ni Chen
Flamenco
Next Step Broadway Next Step Broadway
Naginata Japanese Swordsmanship Society
Kyudo – Japanese Archery Japanese Swordsmanship Society
Iaido – Japanese Sword Japanese Swordsmanship Society
Calai – Indian
Tarik Tarik Sultan
Tonal Arts Matt Panayides Group
Au Capoeira AU Capoeira

---

2017 IKYF American Seminar

Seminar: Wednesday July 19 – Friday July 21, 2017
Shinsa: Saturday July 22, 2017
Venue: Sonoma State University, Rhonert Park, CA USA

AKR webpage

---

Virginia Kyudo Seminar with Dan DeProspero Sensei 2017

At the seminar participants were instructed by Dan DeProspero Sensei with the support of William “Bill” Reid Sensei and Fumiko Takada (of the NJ/Y Kyudo-kai) Sensei. Many members from New York/New Jersey group came to meet with our friends from Virginia group and to receive the teachings from Dan Sensei.

Saturday practice started at 9:30 am with Opening Ceremony. The first day held at Alexandria dojo Senseis gave us general corrections and advices. Traditionaly after the practice we went for a dinner, where enjoing the food more kyudo secrets we revealed.

On the second day in King George every participant got her/his own personal instruction from Dan Sensei to improve technical skills and correct forms. At noon the seminar ended with Closing Ceremony, after which we went to have a lunch together in a near by Mexican Restaurant.

---

The Matsuri – Japanese Cultural Festival, Sunday, May 21, 2017

Sunday, May 21, 2017   11:00am to 4:00pm
The Matsuri – Japanese Cultural Festival
Ma Riis Park, Harrison Westchester
1 Heineman Pl., Harrison, NY 10528
Rain or Shine –  Free Admission

http://www.thematsuri.org/

---

Cherry Blossom Festival, Sunday, May 7, 2017

Sunday, May 7, 2017   11:30am to 5:00pm
Cherry Blossom Festival
18th City of White Plains, NY
Turnure Park
20 Lake Street, White Plains, NY 10603
Rain Date Location (Ebersole Ice Rink)

https://www.facebook.com/WPcherry

October 8th-9th, 2016 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei

---

Japanese Archery Demonstration at Japanese American Association of New York

On Sunday, September 18th, 2016, New York/New Jersey Kyudo Kai did a kyudo demonstration at Japanese American Association of New York. The demonstration was follwed by instructional activities. The demonstration is part of the program to celebrate “The 10th Annual Senior Month 9/08 -10/09, 2016”. Japanese American Association of New York website http://jaany.org/.

---

2016 Japan Fair in Catskills

Japan Fair was in Catskills on August 13th. New York / New Jersey Kyudo Kai demonstrated what Kyudo is to the general audience.

Detailed information can be found on the Japan Fair website.

---

2016 IKYF American Seminar

It was an incredible and blazing hot week in Northfield, Minnesota. Over a hundred people from all over the United States and other countries participated in this year’s IKYF American seminar. For many of us, it was a heartwarming reunion. There were also a lot new faces but we all quickly introduced each other and got along. Together, we walked down from our dorms to the dojo in our hakama uniforms, a yumi bow in one hand and case of arrows in the other. I’m sure the other people that stayed in the same campus as us were very curious as to what we were practicing.

2016 IKYF American Seminar was hosted by the Minnesota Kyudo Renmei on July 18-20th. They prepared a large, beautiful space for practice, comfortable dorms, and access to a dining hall with delicious foods! We were absolutely honored to have three highly experienced Hanshi instructors to lead us. Chief Instructor Hayashi Fumio, Instructor Kubota Kiyoshi, Instructor Ogura Masaki, traveled all the way from Japan to lecture and judge us for the Shinsa that was held on July 21st.

After the opening ceremony, the seminar began with everyone being split in three groups to practice on one of the Shajos. Chief Instructor Hayashi Fumio led the high ranking group. Instructor Kubota Kiyoshi led Ni-dan and San-dan. Mudan and Shodan group was led by Instructor Ogura Masaki. We all stepped onto our assigned Shajo spaces to perform Taihai as the instructor closely observed each and every one of us. They pointed out and fixed all the details. With the help of our translators that made sure everyone was able to communicate with each other, the Hanshi Instructors proceeded with a critique of their group’s overall performance.

For the people in Mudan/Shodan, Ogura Sensei broke down everything we needed to work on. “Zenbu (Everything).” he said at the end. We needed to fix everything. We all started laughing out of pure humbleness and slight nervousness. We felt that it was a going to be a very intensive seminar for the next few days.

And so, following our Kyudo packed schedule from 9:30 to 5:30, each day the instructors gave their lectures passionately. They continued to observe and critique as we practiced and vigorously took down notes. Three days of in-depth instruction was both physically and mentally exhausting, however, we were healed by the occasional bursts of laughter coming from each Shajo. We were all having a great time! The Taihai competition and open practice further prepared us for the big day, Shinsa Day.

There were a hundred testers for the Shinsa. Chief Instructor Hayashi Fumio was our main judge. It was amazing how quiet a gymnasium full of people could get, we could almost hear our heartbeats. Observers watched intently as they felt like they were being sucked into the heightened atmosphere. Everyone did an amazing job taking in everything they learned from the

seminar and applying to their performance.

It is not easy to perform, there is always so much to learn and overcome. And with the help of our teachers, peers, friends, and family, this process of learning and overcoming in Kyudo is always rewarding. Every seminar, we are reminded that we all gather for the same passion. It is something to always look forward to no matter the outcome.

We are very excited for the next event and hope to see everyone again!

---

Virginia Kyudo Seminar with Dan DeProspero Sensei 2016

As in the previous years, the seminar started on Saturday morning in Alexandria dojo, in downtown Alexandria, VA. Instructor Dan DeProspero Renshi, 6th dan, opened the seminar on June 18th at 10am. After everyone finished shooting, all of us received general comments on the performance. Then we started second round.  After the brake for lunch we resumed shooting with more detailed instructions from Dan DeProspero sensei with help from Bill Reid sensei and Fumiko Takada sensei. Later we practiced, how to deal with mistakes (shitsu). The first day of the seminar was concluded with closing ceremony at 5:30pm. Many of the participants went to the traditional dinner at Sumo restaurant.

On Sunday we moved to King George, VA, to practice in Bill’s sensei backyard. As the weather allowed us we stayed outdoor practicing until 1pm. On the second day of the seminar we received more detailed and personal instructions. After delightful lunch everyone started their trip home.

After two days everyone was well prepared for the upcoming IKYF American Seminar and shinsa in Minnesota. Thank you all, and hope to see you again in the near future.

October 2013 Joint Seminar with the Virginia Kyudo Renmei

On the first Saturday of October, we held a joint seminar with several members of the Virginia Kyudo Renmei.

We had a great time being instructed by Bill (of the Virginia Kyudo Renmei) and by Mihasu (of Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan). During this seminar, a deliberate rhythmic timing to all of our movements during shooting was emphasized, as well as the specific distance that one’s footsteps should cover within a given number of steps. In the afternoon, all the members were treated to Hitotsu Mato Sharei performed by Bill, Fumiko, Hideki, and Mihasu. Thank you very much!

Everybody began the early weekend’s training with terrific enthusiasm, and ended the day in good spirits. In the evening, the group dined at “Max’s of Manila” in Jersey City at the recommendation of the NY/NJ Kyudo Kai’s resident connoisseur [the food was indeed excellent].

Thank you very much to the members of the Virginia Kyudo Renmei for attending! Thank you to everybody who helped out on the previous Friday evening to clean up the shajo. In addition, thanks to the school custodian who allowed us to make use of the school’s cleaning supplies. This seminar could not have ran so smoothly without the good job everyone did on the cleaning. A special thanks especially to Bill and Mihasu for their fantastic instruction.

We hope to see you all again next time!