Sensei receives cheerful birthday wishes

Weekend Intensive with the Swiss

Six Swiss kyudo students, along with two practitioners from New Mexico, swept into Boulder to join locals from Zenko Iba in creating a transformative weekend intensive. The collective mood was serious yet warm, focused yet easy. Though we came from varied backgrounds and different parts of the world, a circle of togetherness was palpable. Sharing the practice and resolve to learn the way of the bow from Shibata Sensei was a tremendous joy.

From Kyudo intensive 4/15/12

Sensei responded to the positive atmosphere by teaching... and teaching... and teaching. We did our best to soak up his offerings, and carry them into our practices with care.

Sensei touches young hearts and minds...

Each year, children from Crestview Elementary (the school across the street) visit Zenko Iba to learn about kyudo. One large group came on Tuesday March 20th (pictured above). An even larger group visited on Thursday.


Sensei fielded many fine questions.


The children shared their natural curiosity.


A good time seemed to be had by all.

Lunar New Year

Sensei celebrated the lunar new year with Zenko Iba practitioners. He offered well-wishes and encouraged us all to relax a bit. He said that to begin the New Year by launching right into practice, drawing the yumi and shooting, was not the best idea. Better to take a bit of time and renew one's aspiration, both individually and as a group. When we take time to look within and reconnect with our inspiration, then we create a good foundation for our practice for the year to come. He also said that the old style samurai would present themselves before the Emperor at the New Year in full regalia, very upright and strong, and the main purpose in doing so was to offer their good help for the year to come. He added that we do not have to be too tight and there is no reason to pretend we are of that era and place. We are in America and the style is different. Nevertheless, the sense of presence and offering can be there. Sensei also said that his own aspiration for this year is to see the kyudo group come together with a strong, powerful bond.

January 1, 2012

Sensei welcomed everyone, wishing us all good health and joyful hearts as we enter the New Year. In his closing remarks, he cautioned us to be careful with our bodies and to recognize that each of our lives is like a delicate flower from the beginning to the end, so to please take good care.


First Zenko iba shot of 2012