Our Kyudo Master

Sensei making an offering after demonstrating kyudo at a children's Dharma camp

Lafayette, Colorado June 7, 2013

     As can be seen from these recent photos, Sensei's will to teach is alive and well even though his 91 year old body needs increasing assistance. Efforts have been underway to provide more support. A deep layer of help has arrived in the form of Ian Sheppard, a Certified Nursing Assistant and dedicated meditation practitioner. He has been working from 8am-1pm six days per week providing a steady presence and strong physical support during the most demanding hours of the day. The first six weeks of his help have been magnanimously donated by Bill and Inge Cox of Halifax. Now we are raising funds in order to hire him for the year ahead. 

Learn more and contribute any amount you like towards this care here. 

Sensei examines a tiny yumi and homemade ya at children's Dharma camp

Lafayette, Colorado June 7, 2013

Sensei teaches SMC staff

Emerging from his recent bout with pneumonia with renewed vigor, Sensei was in Zenko Iba teaching last week. Snow fell throughout the day and set the tone for the introduction to kyudo practice offered to receptive Shambhala Mountain Center staff members.

Sensei today

First shot 2013

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.