The Kyudo Association (Singapore) ('KAS') has teamed up with Australian Kyudo Association ('AKA') to trial the initiative of an Online Taikai, with the aim to foster collaboration and friendship between the international Kyudo communities.

The idea first came about during the Nagoya 2024 reception in February, when representatives brainstormed on how Australia and Singapore can collaborate and participate in Kyudo that does not require thousands of dollars in flights and accommodations. Due to the size of the country, Australia has experience in organising national online taikai for its own members as a way to practice and participate in competition against other clubs and members. As such, the format of an online taikai was raised as a cost effective and easy to organise way for collaboration and form new bonds.

As part of the pilot event, Australia has invited its Oceania neighbours and Singapore reached out to its South East Asia network for the Friendship Online Taikai. We hope this initiative may continue in the future to further the Oceania-SEA bonds, and even to expand beyond the region.

We thank all our enthusiastic members who have participated in this Friendship Online Taikai.

The Taikai was participated:

• In 7 different countries, being Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia
• In 13 different clubs
• By 116 people
• Specifically for Australia, roughly 1/3 of our membership showed up to participate!

The taikai was held by the clubs on various days between the 4th and 10th of November, with the results collated by each country and reported in by the end of day on the 10th of November. The final results were calculated and announced on Monday, 11th of November 2024.

A big congratulations to everyone. The rankings are as follows:
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Country Results (consisting of top 5 results of the country, and ties are broken based on the order of hits):

1. Australia - 41
2. Singapore - 29
3. New Zealand - 23
4. Malaysia - 23
5. Vietnam - 18

Individual Results (ties are broken based on the order of hits):

1. Rachel Fisher (AU) - 9
2. SiuLun Cheng (AU) - 9
3. Hiro, Ow Yong (MY) - 9
4. Stuart Owens (AU) - 8
5. Peter Carr (AU) - 8
6. Goh Horng Bor (SG) - 8
7. Phil Kirkman (NZ) - 8

Australia-only State Results (consisting of top 5 results of the state):

1. Victoria - 39
2. New South Wales - 26
3. Western Australia -26
4. Australian Capital Territory - 12

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We can really see the growth and level of Kyudo improving in Asia Oceania and as we participate in more events which is really great to see. Check out the online taikai in progress around the world in our gallery below!

Once again, congratulations all and we'll see you next time!

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