Traditional Bowmaking Workshop – Craft Your Own Yumi
A few times a year, I open the doors of my workshop to those who want to experience the art of traditional bowmaking. It’s more than just a course—it’s a step into a centuries-old craft, where you’ll learn to shape wood and bamboo into something living: a Japanese Yumi bow.
These workshops take place during the spring and summer months. In the quiet of the early morning, we begin our work at 8:30, and continue into the evening, usually finishing around 17:00–17:30. Over a few full days, you’ll not only build your own Yumi, but also gain the foundational skills to care for it and understand its design.
Everything happens in the workshop and outdoors, in the open air—just as it would have centuries ago. If the weather turns, a large tarp will keep us dry while the work continues.
What You’ll Learn:
Throughout the workshop, you’ll be guided step by step through the traditional bowmaking process. We’ll cover:
Selecting and reading the right wood and bamboo
How to cut and cure materials for optimal performance
Designing your bow with balance and efficiency in mind
Creating the layered core and shaping the bamboo
Gluing and setting the form using wedges—no molds involved
Roughing out the bow and beginning tillering
Finishing touches and how to maintain your Yumi
I’ll provide all necessary materials, tools, and instruction. You’ll leave not just with a finished bow, but with real knowledge of the craft and the confidence to continue on your own.
What to Expect:
Please keep in mind you that most of the work is done outside underneath a tarp next to the shop. Inside is used for machine work and outside for handtools. Most of the time will be outside. Because it is physical demanding be prepared to work hard. Participants must be 16 years of age, basic woodworking skills are convenient. The day begins at 8:30 and ends at 17:00 with lunch in between.
Practical Info:
Cost of the workshop: 1150 euro’s, including materials and lunch.
All workshops need a minimum of 2 participants and have a maximum capacity of 4. Full payment is required to put your name on the list. If you want to reschedule your reservation please do so 3 weeks before the start of the workshop. Cancellation of your reservation must be done a minimum of 20 days before the workshop in order to fill the spot. After this term, the payment is only 50% refundable.
Location: Arnhem, The Netherlands
If you’d like to sign in, use the registration form below or send me an email at bamboo.bows@gmail.com
Dates available 2026:
4/5/6 June
(Wen fully booked, send me an email and your name will be on the reserve list)
Send me a message to stay tuned for upcoming workshops in 26/27!
