Want to try kyudo? You can have a taste of what it's like to practice kyudo at MKK. You will be taught the basics of kyudo from our senior instructors (3rd Dan and above), learn what equipment you need, and get a feel for our training style and environment. We run a few courses throughout the year.
We hope to run our next introductory course in the 1st quarter of the year. Please email us to find out the latest news and prices. Register your interest now so you don't miss out - spots are limited!
Melbourne Kyudo Kai (‘MKK’) is a not-for-profit incorporated association for the practicing, supporting and informing of Kyudo within Victoria, Australia. We initially operated and incorporated in 2014 as the Victorian Kyudo Association (trading as Melbourne Kyudo Kai). In late 2017, MKK was separately incorporated and Victorian Kyudo Association is retained as a state administrative body. The club also operates under the Australian Kyudo Association (AKA), the national administrative entity.
Kyudo (弓道), with its distinctive asymmetrical longbow, is the Japanese martial art of archery. It is about the Spirit as much as it is about the Body. Hitting the target is not the goal, rather the target is hit as a result of achieving self-perfection. A strong foundation is key. We seek to striving for excellence in all areas of our lives, not just in the dojo.
If you would like to know more about Kyudo, we recommend taking a look at IKYF’s ‘About Kyudo’ page http://www.ikyf.org/about_kyudo.html. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, or come along to our introductory courses.
MKK operates on a month-by-month fee basis at $60 per month, currently training once a week at Victoria University, Footscray Park campus every Sunday from 9.30am to 12pm, and 28m shooting from 12pm - 1pm for our more experienced members. Get in touch if you'd like to observe a session.
NEW: Good news - we have recently added an extra training session on Friday from 6 to 8pm at the same venue (but different room). This will be weekly in preparation for the 2023 shinsa (grading) and fortnightly thereafter.
MKK have a few in-house Japanese speakers. So whether you would like to practice your Japanese, or if you have difficulty with English, we’ve got you covered!
日本語メンバーもおります。
We also aim to cultivate the traditional etiquette observed in marital arts dojos. We value respect, humility, and the safety of our members above all.
In addition to the regular training sessions, our members have the benefit of yearly seminars from generous international visitors who are 5th Dan and above, and regular interstate competitions online. Through AKA, our members also have a chance to participate in the events held by the International Kyudo Federation (“IKYF”), such as Dan gradings. MKK members currently range from Mudans (ungraded) up to 4th Dan. So no matter your level or your goal in Kyudo - to compete, grade, to learn something new, or explore the spirituality of Kyudo - we will get you there.
Miyuki recently moved to Australia from Japan, having continually practiced kyudo since high school.
Gavin has overseen the successful grading of several students since MKK's beginning.
Having recently relocated to Australia, Kaoru provides in-depth insight into Japanese etiquette.
Bernard was one of the first members of MKK. He practices with his wife, Kaori.
Gavin was a founding member of MKK. He previously practiced kendo and Western archery.
Des began practicing Kyudo in 2018 after many years of practicing judo.
Previously a kendo practicioner, Daniel started in 2019 - just before the pandemic.
Still have questions about MKK or kyudo?
Want to observe our training sessions before you sign up to the introductory course? Or, if you have kyudo experience, want to get to know us more before joining?
We'd love to help you out by answering your questions or at least pointing you in the right direction. Email us at melbournekyudokai@gmail.com or via pressing the button 'Get in Touch' below.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
