Itten Dojo

06/12/2026

In my other book, A Journey of Sword and Spirit, I write that getting kicked to the curb by a former organization was the second-best thing that ever happened to our dojo. What happened in consequence of that — becoming formally affiliated with Nicklaus Suino Sensei and his Japanese Martial Arts Center — was the best thing. This concise biography of Suino Sensei addresses some his life experiences and accomplishments that we’ve learned from and leveraged, much to the benefit of Itten Dojo. You might find useful insights as well.

For more than three decades, thousands of people have become more centered, happier, and more successful with Nicklaus Suino’s guidance. Suino has been called “one of the leading martial arts instructors in North America,” but his influence radiates far beyond the dojo. He has made it his life...

06/10/2026

As Suino Sensei says, “The long arc of martial arts training trends toward service to others.”

My Kyudo Journey: How My "Why" Changed Over Time 🏹✨

I have been practicing Kyudo for a long time, but my reasons for picking up the bow have shifted beautifully over the years.

In the beginning, it was simple. The teachers at my first dojo were incredibly kind, and I just loved being in that warm, welcoming space. When life called for me to move away, my teachers made me promise one thing: "Please, never stop practicing Kyudo." It was a promise I was determined to keep.

However, my new dojo was a difficult place for me. I felt like an outsider, and there was a distant wall between me and the others. During that lonely period, I focused purely on hitting the target. I spent countless hours drawing the bow all by myself.

But another turning point was waiting for me. One day, I met a female teacher whose movements and posture (Shosa) were breathtakingly beautiful. The moment I saw her, I thought, "That is what I want to do." >
I began focusing deeply on refined movements. Later, when she taught me the delicate art of "Tasuki-sabaki" (tying the ceremonial cord), she smiled and told me, "Please share this beautiful tradition with many other people." >
To become someone worthy of teaching others, I practiced relentlessly. Even to this day, I still stand in front of the mirror every single day, refining my form.

It is the exact same martial art, yet my purpose has evolved so much. I've realized that whenever you have a wonderful encounter or a moment that touches your heart, your values change. To me, this evolution is one of the most beautiful parts of Kyudo.

Today, my purpose is to share these beautiful, refined movements with international Kyudo practitioners. If someone meets me and says, "I want to practice Kyudo with beautiful Shosa like yours," I feel I can finally repay the kindness of the teachers who guided me.

With that hope in my heart, I will keep polishing my movements today.

Miyako

#弓道 #禅 #武道

06/09/2026

Mitori Geiko: The Art of Observational Practice in Japanese Budo

In the rich tradition of Japanese budo, training extends far beyond physical repetition of techniques. One of the most profound and often underappreciated methods of training is mitori geiko (見取り稽古), commonly translated as “observational practice,” “watching practice,” or “learning by observing.” This concept embodies the idea that true mastery involves not only doing but deeply seeing—absorbing knowledge through focused observation of others’ training. Rooted in the disciplined culture of samurai and classical martial ryu, mitori geiko cultivates mindfulness, analytical insight, and a holistic understanding of budo that transcends the limitations of one’s own body at any given moment. Read more at https://www.ittendojo.org/articles/mitori-geiko.

06/08/2026

Always nice to spot a properly equipped vehicle!

06/07/2026

Proof of Concept: I completed today my design for what will serve as a kyudo makiwara in our auxiliary training area. The intent is that an archer can come in and practice any time the dojo is open — other than during shodo classes! — without having to do any kind of setup. My first test shot arrow penetrated about three-inches; the second shot about four. The stack of targets is one-foot in depth, so this works just fine. When the foam targets wear out they can be easily replaced.

06/07/2026

At the first official practice Saturday afternoon of our kyudo study group, the newest member of our dojo receives an introduction to donning a yugake, the glove used to draw the bow in Japanese archery. The practice of kyudo is an astonishing combination of precise body skills, breath control, mindfulness, emotional regulation, elegance, and tradition, the supreme goal of which is the state of Shin-Zen-Bi (Truth-Goodness-Beauty). Learn more at https://www.ittendojo.org/arts/kyudo.

06/06/2026

Wisdom from Miyako Sensei.

Why I Create Videos for Beginners.

When I first started Kyudo, I spent my days practicing with a Gomuyumi (rubber bow) in the corner of the dojo while everyone else was shooting arrows. It can be a lonely and discouraging time for a beginner, as the practice is repetitive and not yet "fun."

Seeing this, my first teacher came over and practiced right beside me. Even though he had his own training to do, he chose to stay with me until I could do it on my own. He understood that once a practitioner finds the joy in Kyudo and learns how to think for themselves, they will naturally continue to practice on their own. Until that day comes, a teacher’s role is to walk alongside them.

I received so much kindness from my first teacher. What I learned from him was simple yet profound: stay with them until they can do it.

This is why I have dedicated so many years to creating instructional videos for beginners. It is my way of passing on that same kindness and ensuring no one feels alone on their journey.

In my upcoming series, I will continue to share the practical insights I have developed over the years—not as a rigid manual, but as a guiding hand to help you find the true joy of Kyudo.

With respect for your dedication,

Miyako

06/05/2026

Miyako Sensei is technical advisor to the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai, the organization under whose umbrella — with the guidance of Velilla Sensei — training within our kyudo study group will be conducted. Our first practice is tomorrow, June 6th, starting at 1:00 pm.

06/04/2026

Itten Dojo is now on this path!