Virginia Kyudo Renmei
We are Dedicated to Providing an
Understanding and Instruction of
Kyudo
Traditonal Japanese Archery
Who We Are
The Virginia Kyudo Renmei (VKR) was originally established on September 10, 2001, as the Northern Virginia Kyudo Kai, and affiliated with the North Carolina Kyudo Renmei (NCKR). It attained renmei status on August 1, 2009.
On June 6, 2019, the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporate Commission issued a Certificate of Incorporation to the VKR certifying it as the Virginia Kyudo Renmei, Incorporation (VKR, Inc). The purposes of the Corporation are exclusively non-profit as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.
The head instructor is: William “Bill” Reid, who holds the rank of 5th Dan. He is a student of Dan DeProspero, Renshi, 6th Dan, head instructor of the NCKR.
The VKR is recognized by the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF) through its membership of the American Kyudo Renmei (AKR). It adheres to the ANKF standards for both ceremonial movements and shooting. Our style emphasizes Reishakei or ceremonial shooting, but students of all styles are welcome to practice with us.
The VKR "Mon" (Crest) is that of the Kitajima family and displays the kuwai (arrowhead) plant in its design.
We use it because the style of Kyudo taught at the VKR comes to us (through intermediate teachers) from the Dojo of Sensei Yoshio Kitajima of Kunitachi City, Tokyo, Japan. This "Mon" is also used out of respect for Kitajima-sensei's commitment to the sincere practice of Kyudo.