Kyudo dojo to open at Ernest Ullmann Park Recreation Centre

A Japanese archery dojo, currently located in Boskruin, will be expanding and offering lessons at the Ernest Ullman Park Recreation Centre in Morningside.

The traditional art of Kyudo (the art of the bow) uses a long bow and like traditional archery, focuses on hitting a target. However, techniques and ceremonies are also important within the sport. For many who practice the sport, it is not only about the physical aspect

Jade Fraundorfer, the head of the dojo, said that the Boskruin dojo had reached its capacity while there are many people within the Sandton area who would like to begin practising Kyudo.

“We have so many people who inquire about Kyudo and when we tell them where we are, that puts them off because of the logistics behind it; that’s what pushed me to find a new space.

“There are many people who don’t really know what it is, but I get thousands of enquiries about it so there’s definitely a market for it, it’s just about finding a location.”

Fraundorfer added that to start, they would focus on form training and could practice the archery within the hall. The practices will be held once a month on a Saturday for three hours, although Fraundorfer is optimistic that if it becomes more popular they could add additional practices.

Members at the dojo are predominantly adults, ranging from 30 years old to 70 years old, however, Fraundorfer added that it would be great to encourage high school learners to get involved in the sport.

“The kinds of youngsters we have are the ones who see it is difficult and they want to master it.” He added that while it may not be a sport suited for everyone, it is ideal for those who see the challenge and want to master the art of it.

“Everybody comes here for their own reasons; some people just want to shoot a target, some people come here because of the culture, the uniform and the etiquette and the respects and that whole Japanese ethos, and some people come for the sporting and social aspect.”

Details: www.kyudo.co.za

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