UMEMI

For many centuries in Japan there has been a tradition called hanami, which consists of admiring blooming trees. Umemi is an earlier form of hanami, in which the object of admiration is the flower of the ume (Japanese: 梅) – the Japanese plum.

Kyudo

Japanese archery originating from samurai traditions. Kyudo is at once a form of recreation and an arena of sports competition, a space for teamwork and individual work on one’s personal development.

The Foundation

The Umemi Foundation – adopting the symbolic meaning of the delicate ume blossom – sets as its primary goal the creation of conditions for the growth and flourishing of Kyudo.

About us

The initiator of the Umemi Foundation is Witold Rychłowski, who has already inspired a large group of enthusiasts with his idea.

The Foundation’s main goals are to support cultural exchange between Poland and Japan, to promote Kyudo – traditional Japanese archery – in Poland and Europe, as well as other traditional Japanese sports, and to promote patterns of behavior that improve quality of life by drawing on the cultural heritage of Poland and Japan.

However, we do not want to limit ourselves only to presenting the existing achievements of both nations.
We want to combine tradition with modernity.
We want the exchange we organize to result in new works, solutions, and concepts that can be used by various communities.

zdjęcie pani siedząca z łukiem i strzałami

Why Umemi?

The term hanami means admiring blooming cherry trees (hana – flower, mi – to look). To this day, the Japanese joyfully celebrate the opening of spring blossoms. This custom, which began around 710 AD, was previously called umemi, because at that time the ume flower (Japanese plum) was considered more attractive.

In the later Heian period, the blooming of sakura (cherry blossoms) gained greater importance, directly preceding the rice planting season and announcing the coming harvest.

Because the ume flower blooms in the coldest time of the year (January, February), heralding the long‑awaited spring, it is regarded as a symbol of vitality and the ability to withstand unfavorable circumstances.

By adopting the delicate ume blossom as its symbol, the Umemi Foundation sets as its primary goal the creation of conditions for the growth and flourishing of Kyudo.

At the same time, we will plant ume trees in our garden and already now invite everyone to celebrate umemi together.

Why Kyudo?

Regular practice helps maintain excellent psychophysical fitness at any age.
As one of the few disciplines, it does not discriminate. Practitioners can train together and participate in competitions regardless of gender or age.
Practicing Kyudo helps develop personal skills such as patience, mindfulness, consistency in pursuing goals, perseverance, systematic work, sensitivity, determination, goal orientation, balance, and calmness.

zdjęcie osoba nakładająca strzały na łuk

Trainings

Kyūdō 弓道

We meet in a friendly atmosphere to explore Kyudo – Honda‑ryu style, practice Reiho – Japanese etiquette, and learn what supports the development of these arts.

We believe that by creating an open space for exchanging experiences, we learn mutual cooperation and respect, and we develop sensitivity, patience, and mindfulness by focusing on what unites us.

We invite you on saturday or sunday

Training sessions take place at the OSiR sports hall, 7A Polna Street, in Warsaw

zdjęcie pani stojąca z łukiem i strzałami

Instructor

Witold Rychłowski

He combines professional activity with passion – he is a Kyudo instructor (4th dan) and runs the Umemi Foundation supporting the development and popularization of Kyudo in Poland. He has worked in managerial positions in international corporations and is currently a professional trainer and consultant in negotiation and communication for many Polish and international companies, as well as a lecturer in MBA programs and at the University of Warsaw.

How to Start?

Just come

You may enter the training hall after speaking with the instructor.
Equipment requirements: comfortable sportswear and socks (we practice without sports shoes).
Instructors provide advice and assistance in selecting and purchasing personal equipment (outfit, bow, arrows, glove) for each student.
During the first months, students use the available equipment.

zdjęcie osoba kucająca z łukiem i strzałami

Those wishing to begin Kyudo practice are asked to contact us in advance at:

umemi@umemi.pl

zdjęcie dziewczyna siedząca z łukiem i strzałami

Restrictions

Previous experience in archery is not required.

Kyūdō classes are offered to anyone who has reached the age of 15. This is the only formal requirement. Other matters and concerns such as age, health condition, or degree of disability are discussed with the instructor responsible for the classes.

Age, gender, and physical condition are not obstacles to practicing Kyūdō. Additional information: minors are asked to present written consent from a legal guardian to practice traditional archery.

Kyudo in Poland

Regular classes are held in the following cities:

Additional Information

Polskie Stowarzyszenie Kyudo

Fundacja Umemi, Warszawa

Klub Kyudo Tametomo, Mysiadło

Tengukai, Poznań

Kyūdō Ayame, Łódź

Klub Kyūdō Aoi, Kraków

Klub Kyūdō Kokoro, Kraków

Kyūdō Opole, Opole

Kyūdō Mizutori, Gdańsk

Kyūdō Gengetsu, Katowice

zdjęcie dziewczyna stojąca z łukiem i strzałami

Projects

One of the most important projects planned for the coming years is the creation of a Japanese center in Warsaw, providing space for culture, art, and traditional Japanese sports.

We intend to organize exhibitions, conferences, sports tournaments, and on a daily basis trainings, meetings, workshops, and discussions. We want to create a space for enthusiasts to deepen their passions, as well as for people with only a vague idea about Japan to experience, taste, and touch a part of its heritage.

Cooperation and Contact

We invite you to cooperate with us. We are open to various ideas, initiatives, and suggestions.

E-mail

Please contact us at: umemi@umemi.pl

Support us

Bank Account: 34 1090 1043 0000 0001 3060 1912
KRS 0000557009
NIP 5213696324
REGON 36150071100000

zdjęcie siedząca osoba w stroju do kyudo

Welcome to the Umemi Foundation We create space for development

Umemi