The Victorian Kyudo Association (VKA) is a not-for-profit state administrative body based in Melbourne, Australia. Established in 2014, VKA is affiliated with the Australian Kyudo Association and is committed to supporting the practise and development of Kyudo for clubs within Victoria. The association is governed by an elected council, and interested individuals can find information about the current committee on the VKA website.
Within Victoria, there are currently three active Kyudo clubs affiliated with VKA. Melbourne Kyudo Kai (MKK) is the first Kyudo club in Melbourne and is open to all individuals interested in the martial art. Training sessions take place at the sports centre of Victoria University Footscray Park campus every Sunday morning. Beginners train from 9:30am to 12pm, while experienced members continue until 1pm.
Odoguma Kyudo Melbourne (OKM) is a friendly and inclusive Kyudo club that offers training for all levels. The club takes its name from one of the historical names for the city of Melbourne, Bearbrass. OKM conducts beginner courses three times a year and holds training sessions at the North Melbourne Community Centre. Members can attend Sunday morning sessions from 10:30am to 1pm, with additional training available for experienced members on Wednesday nights from 7pm.
United Uni Kyudo Club (UUNIKC) aims to unite universities and their students in the pursuit of Kyudo. The club was originally known as the LaTrobe University Kyudo Club but is now open to students and faculty from any university, as well as members of the public interested in learning Kyudo. Training sessions are held on Sunday mornings at the Darebin Community Sports Centre starting from 9am.
VKA is also known for its commitment to the principles of Kyudo, as encapsulated by Master Junsei Yoshimi Shaho-kun's quote, “The way is not with the bow, but with the bone, which is of the greatest importance in shooting. ” The association regularly organises seminars, annual general meetings, and cultural events to promote Kyudo and Japanese culture in the community.
For those interested in becoming a member of VKA, it is recommended to join one of the Kyudo clubs recognised by the association. Membership fees are payable to both VKA and the Australian Kyudo Association, providing access to insurance coverage, national seminars, examinations, and international events. Furthermore, VKA is open to partnering with organisations for events, although availability and safety considerations must be taken into account.
Kyudo clubs may have varying age restrictions, so it is advisable to contact the specific club of interest for more information on their policies. To stay updated with the latest news and events from VKA, individuals can subscribe to the association's newsletter through their website.
In summary, VKA is a dedicated and supportive organisation that connects people to the art of Kyudo in Victoria, Australia. With a focus on training, development, and promotion of Kyudo, VKA and its affiliated clubs provide opportunities for individuals of all levels to engage in this traditional Japanese martial art.
