From May 29 to May 31, this year’s DoKomi—the manga and anime convention—took place at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center, and we, the Neandertal Kyudo Club, had the opportunity once again to showcase our sport and our club.
Eight archers worked together to explain Kyudo—in its form as a Budo sport—to fair visitors, demonstrating it in practice and thereby making it more accessible. They explained the basics of Tenouchi (the left-hand grip on the bow) and how to draw the bow.

This year, in collaboration with Hakushinkai Düsseldorf e.V. and other clubs, the event featured Iaido, Kendo, Jodo, Kyudo, Judo, and Aikido. Patrick organized the demonstrations of the Budo disciplines and prepared a stamp challenge, in which participants had to master challenges from the various sports to earn a small prize. In Kyudo, visitors were able to try their hand at small exercises using a rubber band as well as exercises with lightweight bows.
On Sunday, we offered a workshop featuring demonstrations in front of the makiwara and hands-on exercises for visitors in a ballroom at the Congress Center. Both ceremonial and style-specific forms were demonstrated, accompanied by explanations of the sequence of movements (hassetsu). This allowed spectators to become familiar with both the Heki and Shomen styles. During the workshop, participants practiced in small groups using bows and gomuyumi. Club members answered questions about the club, Kyudo as a sport, and the necessary equipment.

Of course, having fun is a must at an event like this, which is why we explored the grounds and the exhibitors’ offerings in smaller groups and were able to participate in various activities.

We’d like to thank the DoKomi team—but especially Patrik Date from Hakushinkai Düsseldorf—for the invitation and all the behind-the-scenes planning, because an event is only as good as its foundation!
(Michelle)

See more highlights from the three days of the fair in the photo gallery.

Automatically translated by DeepL