Our friends at the TOKOKYUDOJO will be hosting a one-day seminar with lead instructor Don Symanski. Symanski Sensei began the study of Kyudo with Kanjuro Shibata XX Sensei in 1980. He instructs in the Hekiryu Bishu Chikurinha form of Kyudo. Don apprenticed in bow making with Shibata Sensei’s son, Nobuhiro Shibata (now Kanjuro Shibata XXI), in Kyoto. Since 1991, he has made yumi for Kyudo students and taught students the proper use of the yumi and Kyudo as a meditation path.

• FINDING YOUR WAY ON THE KYUDO PATH

  Below are Don Symanski’s reflections on the topic.           

  Western students tend to want to show individualism in martial arts, in sports, and the arts in general. Sensei’s challenge was how to work with this cultural individualism. He worked to open the training toward the formalities and precision of the form with respect and appreciation. He stressed putting aside individual likes and dislikes to be willing to learn the fundamentals and go beyond imitation – to absorb and appreciate kyudo’s essence as part of the practice. 

  During the program we will review the principles of the form and dojo atmosphere that Shibata Sensei XX put forth over the years to establish his core message of openness, respect, and a sense of heart as integral to kyudo practice. 

  We will explore how manners and decorum influence the dojo atmosphere. We’ll look at alternative movements of the form according to a person’s body type and explore where practitioners cling to beginner habits and personal “likes and dislikes.”

  I look forward to practicing together, furthering the essence of kyudo, and recognizing what it brings out in our character.

• EVENT SCHEDULE

  An informal practice will be held Wednesday afternoon; the program will begin after dinner Wednesday, May 6.

  We will offer a review of the Seven Coordinations on Thursday morning for anyone who has not practiced for a while.  

  The program will conclude at 2:30 pm on Sunday, May 10. 

  We hope to offer one day First Shot to a limited number of people on Saturday, May 9. Please tell anyone you think might be interested about this opportunity. 

• FACILITIES

  The Garrison Institute, 50 miles north of New York City, is a former Capuchin monastery overlooking the Hudson River. It is a rich place to practice; the food is typically excellent. There is a warm, dry indoor practice area as well as an outdoor eight-person platform and a private shooting area.  

• REGISTRATION & SEMINAR FEES

  Opens March 15 and closes April 25th 

  The program is open to everyone who has taken First Shot.

  Registration will be a two-part process:

  Step 1: $160 Toko program fee.

  Step 2: Garrison Institute fee (facilities, food, & housing)  

  • Single $760limited availability 

  • Double $660

  • Dorm $600   limited availability 

  Single rooms go quickly, so register early if you want one. Registration opens March 15 on our website - Spring 2026.

  REGISTER ONLINE WITH TOKO KYUDODOJO

  Step 1 -> Submit the Registration Form

• PAYMENTS

  MAKE THE TWO PAYMENTS BELOW:

  Step 2 -> Payment part 1: Program Fee: Go to the Toko website’s Donate page, and follow the PayPal options for the $160 program fee.

  • Cancellations before April 24th will be refunded except for a $65 processing fee.

  • There will be no refund for cancellations after April 24th. 

  • No registration after April 24th. 

  Step 3 -> Payment part 2: Facilities Fee:
  Click on this link to access the Garrison Institute program registration website.

  Follow the instructions to pay the facilities fee and request accommodations as described below. Please also read the Garrison Institute Cancellation Policy page for information regarding cancellations.

  You must complete both part 1 and 2 (Toko and GI) to register for the program.

GARRISON INSTITUTE

SATURDAY, MAY 6 – 10, 2026
REGISTER ONLINE WITH TOKO KYUDODOJO

• BI-ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION

  This year’s program will also include our biannual scholarship auction. Whether or not you plan to attend the program, please consider donating something good to our auction. Proceeds go to our scholarship fund. The scholarship fund helps people attend when cost is an issue. This year, we have used some of the scholarship funds to reduce the Toko program fee. If you need additional monetary assistance to attend our spring program, please do not hesitate to request a scholarship.

• SCHOLARSHIPS

  Toko Kyudojo offers scholarships to help practitioners attend programs. This year we will offer a limited number of grants in the amounts of $160, $250, and $350 in the order that requests are received. There is no form to fill out. If cost is a significant issue that might prevent your attendance, please request a grant at the level that fits your need. Please submit your request in email to admin@tokokyudojo.org.

Any questions or comments? Please contact us at: programs@tokokyudojo.org. We look forward to seeing you along the Hudson River this spring.

We are always pleased to accept contributions to the scholarship fund – large or small. Contributions are fully tax-deductible. Please visit the DONATE page of our website.