**SOLD OUT! Please email gillian@usajapan.org to be put on waiting list**

Traditional Art in Modern Japan series

**In-person event. This event is limited to 20 people, so make sure you sign up quickly to reserve your spot!**

KYUDO, or the “Way of the Bow,” is the Japanese martial art of archery and is practiced by thousands globally. This martial art traces its origins back to prehistoric times, when the use of the bow and arrow proliferated. The system of Kyudo and its techniques have changed over time, but the version that we see now has endured since the Edo period. Today, Kyudo is primarily practiced for its educational and athletic aspects, as a way to discipline your mind and body.

IAIDO, or the “Way of the Sword,” is a martial art form developed as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks and enemy raids in fifteenth and sixteenth century Japan. The purpose of iaido was to slay an opponent with one stroke of the sword immediately after unsheathing.

Join us for a unique experience to practice both of these traditional martial art forms in the private Redwood Kyudojo surrounded by a tranquil forest of breathtaking Redwood trees. Participants will receive a comprehensive introduction of both Kyudo and Iaido and how they have evolved in the modern age, diving into the unique development of these martial arts across the long history of Japan. We will also learn about the traditions, equipment, spiritual aspects, differences, and more! Our amazing speakers Maria and Tim of Redwood Kyudojo and George Nishiura, will show a small demo before letting YOU try out Kyudo and Iaido.  Maria is Renshi 6 Dan and President of American Kyudo Association. Tim is Renshi 5 Dan. George is Iaido 5 Dan.

**This event is limited to 20 people so make sure you sign up quickly to reserve your spot. Parking is limited and carpool is recommended.**

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▼Event Details
Date & Time:
Sunday, January 29, 2023
2:00-4:00PM
Location:
Redwood Kyudojo | 202 Sylvan Way, La Honda, CA 94020
Price:
$25.00
Attire:
– comfortable workout clothing
– layers, as it is chilly in the redwoods
– warm socks, as we will take off shoes in the dojo

OUR AMAZING SPEAKERS__

Maria Peterson | Renshi 6th Dan, Founder of Redwood Kyudojo Maria Peterson works as Director Innovation Strategies, JSR Life Sciences. Maria was inspired by the beauty and power of the Japanese bow and began her kyudo study in 1994 in California. In 2016 she designed and built the first kyudojo on the West Coast, Redwood Kyudojo, in La Honda, California. Maria is President of Redwood Kyudojo, also President of the Northern California Kyudo Federation (NCKF), President of the American Kyudo Renmei (AKR), and a Director of the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF). She has the rank of Renshi 6-dan (ANKF) and Sanbontou (Ogasawara-Ryu). Together with Tim, she leads regular kyudo sessions at Redwood Kyudojo for a growing group of students.

Tim Macmillan | Renshi 5th Dan Tim Macmillan began his kyudo study in the UK and was invited to Japan to learn kyudo from Hideharu Onuma Hanshi. In 2012 Tim and Maria met through one of the joint practices of the NCKF. They were married in 2019 and continue to co-teach at Redwood Kyudojo. Tim has trained in Yabusame (horse archery) and performs at Nikko Toshogu in the Fall events. In 2021 Tim and Maria opened Ogasawara-Ryu America; Tim is Shibucho (Head) and Maria is Jimukyoku (Secretary). Tim is Renshi 5-dan (ANKF) and Nurimuchi (Ogasawara-Ryu).

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George Nishiura |Iaido 5th Dan, Kendo 7th Dan, Kyoshi After a long time training in Kendo since his youth, George started Iaido training in 2006 under late Richard Tanaka sensei (5 dan) in Campbell CA. In 2012, George opened his own non-profit club in Palo Alto, when he received 4-Dan rank (instructor rank) in New York City. Since then, George received 5 Dan in 2018, and have organized and attended numerous iaido trainings both in the U.S. and in Japan. During the COVID era, George started Zoom online classes and is continuing to do so today. George is a Board member of Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) iaido group.