 | 67 Arrows for Mandela Day a Resounding Success Almost all the clubs raised either money or dry goods for charities. One of the success stories comes from the Marks Park Archery Club in Gauteng, where FITA Judge Emeritus, Professor Konrad van Warmelo joined the 30+ archers and the six Kyudoka from Kyudo Renmei South Africa in shooting their 67 arrows and raising over R1,700 for charity. SANAA congratulates all members and volunteers who joined in to make the day a success in the spirit of the day. KYUDO RESULTS for 80 cm target face. 1st Place: Jade Thorpe 2nd Place: Eugene Botha KYUDO RESULTS for 122cm target Face 1st Place: Neil Harris 2nd Place: Ryan Di Dominico I would like to thank Charmaine Ho from SANAA for the invite and to her husband for putting up the Japanese Flag it was a nice touch ! To Eugene Sensei for his participation and for the use of his beautiful Tanto and to Ryan Sensei who demonstrated his ability to destroy target butts with his Armor piercing shot ! and to the rest of you guys for a great day with great new experiences. Not only did we look good but we also shot well ! Images to be posted up soon |
 | IKYF First World Tournament and SeminarsUKKA members attended the First World Tournament and Seminars organised by the International Kyudo Federation in Tokyo, Japan, this April. The UK, represented by Liam O'Brien Kyoshi 7 dan, Ray Dolphin Kyoshi 6 dan and Michael Cundy Renshi 5 dan, took second place in the Tournament's team event, with France taking first place and Finland third place. Two UKKA members passed 4 dan, two passed 3 dan and one passed 2 dan. To commemorate the event, the IKYF published a booklet in which each kyudo federation presented itself. Liam O'Brien Sensei, Kyoshi 7 dan, submitted the following text on behalf of the UK Kyudo Association: "Kyudo should be presented as a discipline for cultivating body and mind. Much like yoga and taichi, which have become very popular in the West. This should be done in a way that is simple and easy to understand and not too esoteric. The sporting aspect of kyudo should also be highlighted but without neglecting its aesthetic appeal - "Chowa" Beauty from Harmony. Presenting kyudo as a "samurai" activity and the yumi as a weapon creates a negative image, so the historical background must be presented intelligently in the context of modern kyudo practice. Westerners are attracted to contemplative activities that bring physical health and mental well-being and understand that traditional Japanese culture has this at its centre. In presenting kyudo to a general audience this should also be emphasized." |
 | We held our first Kyudo Seminar in Cape Town. It went very well. The rainy and chilly weather could not put a damper on the enthusiasm and spirit. I would like to thank John Sensei and all you guys and gals, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and I will see you all soon ! Gambatte Kudasai ! |
 | One of our articles in the Sandton and Rosebank Gazettes. In the picture myself and Franco Sensei. |
