Cameron's Staff Pick
Kyudo: The Way of the Bow 2025
2280 Balmoral Rd, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada
Up to 21 in group
September 18 - 21, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Kyudo integrates technical skill with the development of a completely focused and disciplined mind
- Influenced by Shintoism and Zen, it is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear.
- Originally a samurai discipline,
- the purpose of Kyudo now is to purify one’s heart and mind,
- awaken natural human dignity, and to go beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.
- https://www.kyudohalifax.org/
About this Retreat
After the retirement of Shibata Sensei XX in October 2011, his adopted son (i.e. his son-in-law), Shibata Kanjuro XXI, took over as the official head of Zenko International – the multi-national umbrella organization of Shibata-style KYUDO. Shibata Sensei is a 21st generation master bowmaker, archer, and is also a 4th generation official bowmaker to the Emperor of Japan in the Shibata family lineage.
Sensei lives in Kyoto, Japan where he has operated a ‘YUMI’ or bowmaking workshop for more than two decades. A link to
Sensei’s blog (in japanese).
Details of this retreat
Kyudo integrates technical skill with the cultivation of a focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by both Shintoism and Zen, it is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear.
Originally a samurai discipline, Kyudo today is a practice of purifying one’s heart and mind, awakening natural human dignity, and going beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression, or confusion.
Our Kyudo Tradition
Kozan Kyudojo practices in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage of the Shibata family.
We are honoured to welcome Kanjuro Shibata XXI, Sensei, the Imperial Bow Maker and Archer to the Emperor of Japan, for his first teaching visit to Canada. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity.
Sensei teaches in English and is known for his warm, jovial style.
Students begin by learning the Seven Coordinations (Shichido)—a prescribed series of movements that lead to completing a shot. These are repeated with care and mindfulness as one’s practice deepens.
Who May Attend
This weekend retreat welcomes both beginning and continuing students.
Participants will learn and practise this ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).
Kyudo requires concentration and stamina, but not great physical strength—yumi are available in varying strengths to suit different body types. Equipment will be provided for newcomers.
Ages 13 and up are welcome.
Schedule
We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (3-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2025.
Thursday, September 18
Arrival: Late afternoon, preferably before 5:00 pm to settle in. Check-in at the Office between 3:00 and 6:00 pm for housing assignments.
Dinner: 6:30.
Orientation and Talk: 7:30
Friday - Sunday, September 19-21
Breakfast: 8:00 am
Kyudo Practice: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch: 12:30
Kyudo Practice: 1:30 - 6:30 (with a break for tea)
Dinner: 6:30
NOTE: Sunday, September 21, departure after tea (approximately 4:30).
Costs
All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving credit card transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals: $390
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.
Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.
Useful Links
What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here
Schedule
Retreat schedules vary somewhat, depending on whether the program is introductory or advanced. There may be a pre-breakfast practice or activity of some sort, followed by breakfast at 8:30.
At 9:15 the main morning practice session begins. There could be talks, meditation, or various physical practices, depending upon the type of retreat.
Lunch is usually around 12:30 -- followed by an extended break. The afternoon session usually begins around 2:30, with tea break around 4:00 and dinner at 6:30. Again, depending up on the type of program, there may be a short evening practice session or a talk. Programs usually end with some sort of simple celebration.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Accommodation
Gyatso Lodge is the main indoor housing. It is simple but clean and comfortable. There separate washroom and shower facilities on each floor.
There are also cabins -- some of which are winterized, as well as tents and tent platforms available during the warmer months. Campers use one of two shower houses.
Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy (150/night)
Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy (60/night)
Nestled in the trees, Drala Cabins are private and quiet. They are also insulated and have electricity and heat. These cabins have two twin beds.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building. During the cool season showers in the main building are shared with staff.
Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy (150/night)
Gyatso Lodge: Double Occupancy (60/night)
This room may have two single beds, or one single and one bunk bed. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor.
Double-Occupancy cost: $60/night
Large White Tent: Single Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Single-Occupancy cost: $65 per night.
Large White Tent: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Cost per person for single-occupancy Wood Cabin rental: $75 per night.
Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents and wood cabin accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
Double-Occupancy cost: $40 per night.
White Hut: Double Occupancy
Dorje Denma Ling’s summer housing grounds are spacious, with gorgeous views, and in short walking distance to our two shower houses and to the main program complex.
For tents, wood cabins and huts accommodations bring a battery-operated lantern.
No gas, candle or propane lighting of any kind is permitted.
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mattresses and bed frames are provided.
A new shower house is located near the Drala cabins, between Buddha and Vajra fields. A second shower house is located near Tiger field at the main building.
You are welcome to wash clothing by hand and hang them to dry. There is a clothes line near the lodge.
If you are traveling by airplane, we can help you out with bedding and towels.
Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided
Bring your own tent and use one of our wooden tent platforms.
Bring Your Own Tent, RV, Camper: No Platform
Bring your own tent: no platform provided. We will find a mowed, grassy space for you.
Shrine Room Floor: Garuda (25/night)
Please bring your own bedding and towels. Foam mat is provided.
Live or Staying Locally
If you are not staying at Dorje Denma Ling during this retreat, choose this option and you will be charged only the price of the retreat, which includes meals.
Please contact Guest Services at info@dorjedenmaling.com for more information
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