The Presenters of this Homepage

Dan and Jackie DeProspero traveled to Japan in 1981 and shortly thereafter began their study of kyudo under the direct instruction of Hideharu Onuma, the 15th-generation headmaster of Heki Ryu Sekka-ha, a school of kyujutsu that dates back to the middle of the 16th century. Master Onuma is also recognized as a kyudo Hanshi (Master), 9th dan by the Zen Nihon Kyudo Renmei (ZNKR), the modern governing body for Japanese kyudo. In 1985 the DeProsperos relationship with Master Onuma deepened when they moved into an apartment above the Onuma family archery equipment shop. From that time until Master Onuma's death in 1990 they studied kyudo full time under his guidance. Dan also worked in the archery shop as an assistant where he learned how to make and repair kyudo equipment. After the death of Master Onuma the DeProsperos continued to live with the Onuma family until 1995 when they returned to the United States. In 1986 Jackie became the first non-Japanese woman to be promoted to 5th dan by the ZNKR. In 1988 Dan passed his examination for kyudo Renshi (instructor's license) and a year later he was promoted to 6th dan. Dan has a permanent honorary membership in the ZNKR and is a founding board member of the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF). Dan is also a founding board member of the American Kyudo Renmei (AKR), the national governing body for IKYF/ZNKR kyudo, and served for more than ten years as president of the AKR.
The DeProsperos now live in North Carolina where they regularly practice and teach kyudo in a 5 person kyudojo, built with the help of the Onuma family and their many Japanese kyudo friends.

Their teacher, Master Hideharu Onuma was born in Tokyo in 1910 into a respected archery family. His father, Shikanosuke Onuma, the 13th headmaster of Heki Ryu Sekka-ha, known professionally as Hogetsu, was one of Japan's most highly acclaimed makers of kyudo gloves. Master Onuma was instrumental in introducing kyudo to the West. Traveling first to the United States in 1956, and later to Europe, Indonesia, and the Middle East. He strongly believed that kyudo belonged not just to the Japanese but to the whole world, and until his death in 1990 he made regular trips abroad to demonstrate and teach the art of kyudo.

Master Onuma, together with Dan and Jackie DeProspero, co-authored the book Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery, that was published by Kodansha International in 1993. A book authored by the DeProsperos' that details the everyday wisdom and teachings of Master Onuma, Illuminated Spirit: Conversations with a Kyudo Master, was published by Kodansha International in 1996. (See the Resources section of this homepage for more information on these books)