Boskruin Kyudo archers compete in Japan

Nine South Africans who practice the art of Japanese archery, from the Boskruin and Cape Town Kyudo dojos, are taking part in an international traditional Japanese archery tournament.

The International Kyudo Federation’s third World Taikai (tournament and training seminar) is currently taking place in Tokyo, Japan.

“The event starts with examinations of each student to determine their skill level, followed by a tournament with archers from around the world,” said dojo head Jade Fraundorfer.

This is the first time that South Africa has been invited to the event. Students will compete both individually and for their country’s dojos.

Kyudo is one of the oldest forms of traditional Japanese martial arts. Kyudo is a word composed of the two ideograms kyu (bow) and do (way), and literally means ‘the way of the bow’.

Japanese archery has many different aspects. Its sporting aspect imparts the traditional values of discipline and preciseness, teaching students strength and hand-eye coordination.

Various competitions take place where students of the art pit their skills against one another.

Its ceremonial aspect encompasses all of the traditional clothing, bows, arrows and décor of the dojo, and also includes the spiritual and traditional practices that are undertaken when training.

The handcrafted equipment the students use is all imported directly from Japan, made by families who have practised the art for centuries.

Fraundorfer added, “If you are interested in joining us, we welcome people of all ages to contact us and join us for a Saturday session… if you enjoy it, you can join us as a member and attend regular classes.

“We have equipment for beginners to use, and if you decide to join the dojo, equipment from Japan is ordered for you.”

The South African team will return on 30 April.

Details: www.kyudo.co.za