Activities
Katsucon 2026
This is an annual event, per its organizer that "... brings information
about Japanese animation, society and traditional popular culture everywhere." The 2026 event was held at National Harbor Convention Center in Maryland. The theme for the event was The Apocalypse. The VKR was invited to participate by the Embassy of Japan. Bill Reid, VKR Head Instructor, made a presentation on How Kyudo Helps You Survive the Apocalypse. He was supported by four of his senior students. His presentation was followed by a Q&A session followed by audience participation.
According to an Embassy representative, "Many participants enjoyed your performances. We at the Embassy are very please to have worked with you."
The photos in the companion gallery were provided by:
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Marley Taylor from the Embassy (photos 1,4,5,6)
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Thaneeya Pientong, a VKR member (photos 2,3)
New Years - 2026
The VKR held its annual New Year's event for 2026 on January 3rd at the temporary Capital Area Budokai (CAB) training facility located at the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD). Bill Reid, head instructor, began the event by performing a Maikiwara Sharei. Members who participated in this event are captured in this photo slide deck.
2025 International Kyudo Federation (IKYF ) Seminar & Shinsa
The seminar and shinsa were held at Carleton College gymnasium in August 2025. The Minnesota Kyudo Renmei co-hosted the event. A total of 173 attendees participated in the shinsa of which 12 were from the Virginia Kyudo Renmei. The promotees are shown below:
Shodan
• Sean and Tomou
Nidan
• Qianzi, Sam, Taylor and Yung-Lun
Sandan
• Ailene, Brian and Ray
Yondan
• Jan, Jing and Misa (taikai champion - sandan and above)
NYNJ Joint Practice
The New York/New Jersey (NYNJ) Kyudo Kai (affiliate of the Virginia Kyudo Renmei) hosted this practice on June 21, 2025. The combined attendance of 30 members exceeded expectations! It was conducted as a mini-seminar with members of each Tachi (shooting group) receiving a detail critique of their shooting effort. It was a good preparatory practice for those who were registered to attend the IKYF seminar/shinsa in Minnesota scheduled for August 4-8, 2025.
New Years - 2025
The VKR held its annual New Year's event for 2025 on January 4th at the temporary Capital Area Budokai (CAB) training facility located at the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD).
Members who participated in this event are captured in these photos.