Vietnam Kyudo Association (VNKA) is based on Hanoi Kyudo, 13 years after the Hanoi Kyudo began its activities under the establishment of Ms. Nguyen Hoang Hoa, Mr. Suda Takuya, and a group of young people passionate about Japanese culture, in the summer of 2012.
Danang Kyudo Kai, established by Mr. Truong Minh Hieu in 2016, is our partner. Together we forged ahead, sharing a clear vision to build a strong kyudo community in Vietnam. Through our collective efforts, we continue to grow and expand the practice, now with a solid foundation and the unwavering support of dedicated instructors and members.
With the desire to introduce and spread the beautiful values of "Truth - Goodness - Beauty" that Kyudo brings, VNKA continuously holds annual basic training courses for those who wish to start practicing Kyudo.
With the desire to introduce and spread the beautiful values of "Truth - Goodness - Beauty" that Kyudo embodies, VNKA regularly organizes annual basic training courses for those who wish to begin their Kyudo journey.
About Kyudo
The History of Kyudo
In Japan, through ancient artifacts of old bows, it is believed that they likely belong to the same period. It is estimated that these bows were made between the years 1 and 3 AD, during the Yayoi period. These early bows were of the maruki type, long in shape, crafted from a single piece of wood, painted black, and wrapped with birch bark. Additionally, in hunting scenes depicted on bronze bells, longbows are shown featuring a grip section.
The Gishi Wajin Den (Records of the Wajin) also mentions that the bows used by ancient Japanese people were longbows. This description, along with records in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters, Japan’s oldest historical chronicle), demonstrates that bows held significant ideological and cultural meaning in ancient Japanese society. They were considered symbols of dignity and therefore played an important role in Shinto rituals and later in Samurai traditions.
The Spirit of Kyudo
Kyudo is unlike any other sport. The archer’s opponent is the target, not another person, allowing them to enjoy the practice in their own way. It is simple, and anyone can easily access it. Both men and women of all ages can practice Kyudo, as long as they use a bow with an appropriate size and draw strength.
Furthermore, Kyudo can be practiced in any weather, and there are no rules dictating the duration of a single session.
At its core, you simply aim and shoot at a fixed target. However, the evaluation is not based solely on whether you hit or miss but also on Shagyo, the shooting process itself.
Shin • Zen • Bi
"The truth" of the bow is measured by its sae (serenity), tsurune (sound of the string during release) and tekichu (hitting the target). The way of the bow is a process of seeking Shin by improving these skills, one shot at a time.
"Goodness" is the manifestation of the ethical aspect of Kyudo. The ethics of Kyudo such as Rei (courtesy) and Fuso (non-confrontation) require one always to stay calm and not lose their composure. In these modern times, it is natural for one to seek sophistication, introspection, peace and equality.
"Bi" is usually appreciated as something visually pleasant. However; in Kyudo, beauty lies in Shin and Zen. The Sharei (ceremonial shooting) is one way of expressing this concept. The Japanese yumi is exquisitely beautiful in its shape, but what stimulates the sense of beauty is the dignity, the Shintai Shusen (harmony in all movements) and the rhythmical movement created by a calm state of mind.
Train with
Hanoi Kyudo
TRAINING STAGES AT HANOI KYUDO
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Basic Training Stage
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Makiwara Training Stage (short-distance target shooting, 2m)
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Matomae Training Stage (standard target shooting, 28m)
For more details, please visit here.
Practice with
Danang Kyudo Kai
TRAINING STAGES AT DANANG KYUDO KAI
1. Basic training stage
2. Makiwara training stage (close shooting target, distance 2m)
3. Matomae training stage (standard shooting target, distance 28m)
Explore
Kyudo
WHAT IS KYUDO (THE WAY OF THE BOW)
Kyudo, also known as "The Way of the Bow," is one of Japan's oldest cultural traditions. Originally a skill practiced by samurai warriors during the feudal era, Kyudo is now studied by thousands of practitioners in Japan and around the world.
Unlike many other martial arts that focus on defeating an opponent, Kyudo emphasizes self-improvement and mastery, guiding practitioners to refine both their technique and character. More than just hitting the target, Kyudo cultivates harmony between technique and spirit, encouraging deep introspection and personal growth. The ultimate pursuit in Kyudo is the realization of "Truth, Goodness, and Beauty" (Shin-Zen-Bi), values that every practitioner strives to embody.
VNKA DOJO
Hanoi Kyudojo
With a length of over 30 meters, our dojo is equipped for training and competition with 10 shooting lanes at a 28-meter distance, as well as a dedicated makiwara practice area.
Danang Kyudo Kai Dojo
With a length of over 35 meters, our dojo is fully equipped for both training and competition, featuring three shooting lanes at the standard 28-meter distance and a dedicated makiwara practice area.
HCM Kyudojo
Coming soon
