Kyudo
Ed Symmes Sensei is the current chief instructor of Kyudo for Big Green
Drum Japanese Martial Arts. He is also the President and Chief
instructor of the Bi Toku Kyudo Kai , our sponsor dojo, located in Atlanta;
Chairman and Chief Instructor of the Georgia Kyudo Renmei, Inc.; founding
member and Secretary for the American Kyudo Renmei. He is a ‘Godan
Renshi', a certified 5th dan and instructor, by the Zen Nihon Kyudo Renmei
(Japan national kyudo organization).
Ron Jones is the current instructor of the One-Step Style of Kyudo for
Big Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts. He started studying Kyudo nine
years ago.
Kyudo , the Way of the Bow, is one of Japan's oldest and most honored
martial traditions. Over the course of Japanese history and under the
influence of Shinto beliefs, Confucian morality, and Buddhist philosophy
(including, but not limited to Zen), the technique of archery flowered into the
art of kyudo, where archery is practiced as a Way of seishin tanren, or
"spiritual forging." The diligent practice of kyudo provides both
healthful exercise and a way for cultivating self-awareness and spiritual
maturity, eventually leading to the realization of "Shin Zen Bi," or "Truth,
Goodness and Beauty" in the life of the archer.
The One-Step Style of Kyudo practiced in Pensacola is non-denominational.
It is not a religion but is used primarily as a method of physical, moral, and
spiritual development.
We welcome you and look forward to practicing with you and sharing our
keen interest and love for the art of Kyudo.
Important Links:
Bi Toku Kyudo Kai