Cameron's Staff Pick
Kyudo: The Way of the Bow
Up to 26 in group
Sep 3 - 7, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Kozan Kyudojo practices and teaches kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
- 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.
- 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.
- Initially, students learn the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), which are a prescribed series of movements which lead to completing a shot.
About this Retreat
Max began his kyudo journey in 1990 in Marburg with Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sendai, and has been practicing ever since. In 1993 he helped form the Kyudo group in Münster, later named Shuko Kyudojo (good manners / spiritual tiger).
In 1995 Sendai asked Max to help with instructing students, which he continues to this day.
He was Somu of Oko (Europe) from 1998 to 2019, during which he organized programs with Sendai-Sensei and also invited Kanjuro Shibata XXI to Europe.
As one of Europe's most senior students in our school under the leadership of Shibata Sensei XXI, Max has been supporting Kyudo students at Dechen Chöling in France since 2013. This summer, in Sensei’s absence, Max will be leading the large annual program there.
Sam began kyudo in Boulder in 1980 with Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XX, Sendai. In 1984, Sam became responsible (Somo) for Toko Kyudojo in Manhattan. He traveled to kyudo programs with Sendai during the 80’s and, in 1987, became responsible for Kozan Kyudojo in Nova Scotia. From there, Sam helped Sendai foster kyudo and develop dojos in Europe and the US.
Later, Sam lived with Sendai in Boulder, Colorado, where he cared for him and supported him in teaching. He studied and practiced kyudo at Ryuko Dojo, organized programs internationally and traveled with Sendai.
In 2007, Sam moved back to Nova Scotia from where he continued to assist Sendai in teaching kyudo at major programs until Sendai’s passing. Today, Sam teaches kyudo under the current lineage holder of the Heki Ryu Bishu Chickorin Ha school of kyudo, Shibata Kanjuro Sensei XXI.
Details of this retreat
We warmly invite you to join the 2026 Kyudo Intensive at Dorje Denma Ling. This year, it will be taught by visiting instructor Max Baltin, with Sam West.
Max Baltin is one of the most senior students of our school in Europe and has been supporting the Kyudo community at Dechen Chöling, France, since 2013. He is traveling from Germany to be part of the teaching team for this intensive.
Watch Max's reflections on the heart of Kyudo, beginning at the 9:14 mark. (Video by Tessa Racine, Dechen Chöling)
Our Kyudo Tradition
Kozan Kyudojo practices and teaches kyudo in the Heki Ryu Bishu Chiko-Rin Ha tradition of Japan, following the lineage holders of the Shibata family.
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.
Initially, students learn the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), which are a prescribed series of movements which lead to completing a shot. These are repeated over and over, as the students practice deepens.
"One is not polishing one's shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery.... The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth."
-- Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sendai.
Who May Attend
The weekend presents the opportunity for both beginning and continuing students to learn and practice an ancient form of kyudo using traditional Japanese bows (yumi) and arrows (ya).
There will be equipment available for newcomers to use. Students 13 years and above are welcome.
Schedule
We are delighted to offer a long-weekend (4-day) Kyudo practice weekend for 2026!
Thursday, September 3
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 - Monday, September 4-7
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: Monday, September 7, departure after tea (approximately 4:30 pm).
Cost
$560 - $960, depending on lodging choice.
Pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot
Generosity Policy
We want everyone to be able to attend retreats at Dorje Denma Ling.
Read About Our Generosity Policy
NEW! 30 & under discount and Monastic discount are available during registration.
Other Useful Links
Registration and Cancellation Policy
What to Bring & Transportation
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.
Gyatso Lodge: Double Occupancy
These rooms have two single beds, shared indoor bathroom facilities, and a shared living room on the first floor.
Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy
Nestled in the trees, Drala Cabins are private, quiet, insulated and have electricity. The cabins have shared access to a shower house,composting toilets and include bedding and a towel. $60/night
Wood Cabin: Retreat Single Occupancy
These cabins are insulated and have electricity. They also have shared access to a shower house and composting toilets. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.$120 single occupancy.
Wood Cabin: Retreat. Double Occupancy
These cabins are insulated and have electricity. They also have shared access to a shower house and composting toilets. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in. $60 per person/night.
Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy
These cabins feature twin beds, shared access to shower house and composting toilets. No electricity or running water in the cabin. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy
These cabins feature twin beds, shared access to shower house and composting toilets. No electricity or running water in the cabin. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in. $45/night per person
Large White Tent: Single Occupancy
These tents feature two twin beds, generous standing room, shared access to shower house and composting toilets.
Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
$90/night
Large White Tent: Double Occupancy
These tents feature two twin beds, generous standing room, shared access to shower house and composting toilets. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
White Hut: Single Occupancy
These huts feature twin beds, generous standing room, shared access to shower house and composting toilets. No electricity or running water in the hut.
Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
$70/night
White Hut: Double Occupancy
These huts feature twin beds, generous standing room, shared access to shower house and composting toilets. No electricity or running water in the hut. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided
Bring your own tent and use one of our wooden tent platforms. It is 10'x 14' feet/ 3 x 4.3 meters big. You will have shared access to shower houses and composting toilets. Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
Bring your own tent, No platform
Bring your tent and bedding for camping on the ground. Shared composting toilets and shower house.
RV, Camper, Car/Van Camping without a platform
You may stay in the comfort of your own camper, smaller RV (no hookup), or car with this option. We will assign you a spot we have designated for this type of use on the property. Shared access to shower houses and composting toilets. Bring a pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. There is no hookup for electricity or water.
DDL Tent with Platform
Choose this option if you want to use a DDL tent on a platform. Up to two people per tent. You will have shared access to shower houses and composting toilets.
Bring your own pillow, bedding, sheets and towels. We have extra sets for participants flying in.
$35/night per person
Shrine Room Floor: Garuda & Pavilion
Shrine room floor stays are indoor, feature foam mats & electricity, and have shared access to running water, composting toilets, and indoor plumbing a short walk outside to the facilities. They are semi-public spaces and you are asked to store your belongings in a convenient closet during the day. Please bring bedding, pillows, sheets, and towels. We do have extras for those flying in. Please choose this option only if you are willing to share space with others.
Offsite Lodging
Our programs include the option to stay offsite.
Cameron's Staff Pick
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
