Lajos Kassai: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m The previous picture is old and not the competition course which is currently used in the Kassai System therefore it is misleading here.
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(27 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Hungarian bowyer, archer and equestrian}}
[[File:Lajos kassai.jpg|thumbnail|right|Lajos Kassai in 2009]]
'''Lajos Kassai''' (born 16 September 1960) is a [[Hungarian people|Hungarian]] [[bowyer]], [[archer]] and [[Equestrianism|equestrian]]. He is primarily known for his work reviving the traditional art of [[horse archery]], including adapting it into a modern sport. For his work he received the Officer's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary]].

'''Lajos Kassai''' (born 16 September 1960), is a [[Hungarian people|Hungarian]] [[bowyer]], [[archer]] and [[Equestrianism|equestrian]]. He is primarily known for his work reviving the traditional art of [[horse archery]], including adapting it into a modern sport. For his work he received the Officer's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary]].


== Bow-making ==
== Bow-making ==
Lajos Kassai originally worked as a mechanic, and only made bows as a hobby until the mid 1980s. During this time he reconstructed the Hungarian [[composite bow#Hungarian bow|composite bow]] from the time of the [[Hungarian Conquest]]. Eventually bow-making became his primary profession, and he became the first in the world to mass-produce this style of bow. Besides Hungarian, Kassai makes other types of traditional bows, including [[Scythian]], [[Hungarians|Magyar]], [[Hun]] (asymmetric type), [[Pannonian Avars|Avar]], and [[Mongol bow|Mongol]].
Lajos Kassai started making his bows in the mid-1980s and was competing successfully in field archery. Then based on the work of Karoly Cs. Sebestyen and Dr Gyula Fabian, using modern materials and technologies, he reconstructed and as first one in the world started series production of the traditional Hungarian bow used in the age of the [[Hungarian Conquest]]. Eventually bow-making became his primary profession, and he became the first in the world to mass-produce this style of bow. Besides Hungarian, Kassai makes other types of traditional bows, including; [[Scythian]], [[Hun]] (asymmetric type), [[Pannonian Avars|Avar]], and [[Mongol bow|Mongol]].


== Horse archery ==
== Equestrian archery ==
[[File:Kassai-valley.jpg|thumb|280x280px|The cradle of modern equestrian archery; the Kassai-valley. ]]
[[File:Kassai-valley.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Kassai-völgy.]]
[[File:Kassai Lajos red bow is an Ölyv, the black bow is a Farkas II.jpg|thumb|right|265px|Ölyv (red) and Farkas II. (black) bows]]
[[File:Kassai Lajos red bow is an Ölyv, the black bow is a Farkas II.jpg|thumb|right|265px|Ölyv (red) and Farkas II. (black) bows]]
{{Cquote
{{Cquote
Line 14: Line 13:
| source = <ref>[https://www.lovasijaszat.hu/en/about-kassai-lajos/], mstt.hu</ref>
| source = <ref>[https://www.lovasijaszat.hu/en/about-kassai-lajos/], mstt.hu</ref>
}}
}}
Kassai created the competitive rule system of horse archery in the late 1980s, and started to propagate this new sport, first in Hungary, and from the 1990s in the rest of [[Europe]], the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. He made himself familiar with Zen-archery in [[Kamakura]], [[Japan]], and travelled to Shao-lin in [[China]] to study.
Kassai created the competitive rule system of horse archery in the late 1980s, and started to propagate this new sport, first in Hungary, and from the 1990s in the rest of [[Europe]], the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. He made himself familiar with [[kyūdō]] in [[Kamakura]], [[Japan]], and travelled to [[Shaolin Monastery|Shaolin]] in [[China]] to study.


He summarized his experiences in his book "Horse archery", which since its issue has been translated into German, English and Russian.<ref>Lajos Kassai : ''Lovasíjászat'', Dee-Sign Kiadó, Budapest, 2001, 2002, 2003 {{ISBN|9638613416}}, [[Püski Kiadó]], 2006 {{ISBN|9789633021682}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=35&lang=1 |title=Summary of the book |access-date=2017-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530170803/http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=35&lang=1 |archive-date=2017-05-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
He summarized his experiences in his book ''Lovasíjászat'' ('Horse Archery'), which since its issue has been translated into German, English and Russian.<ref>Lajos Kassai : ''Lovasíjászat'', Dee-Sign Kiadó, Budapest, 2001, 2002, 2003 {{ISBN|9638613416}}, [[Püski Kiadó]], 2006 {{ISBN|9789633021682}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=35&lang=1 |title=Summary of the book |access-date=2017-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530170803/http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=35&lang=1 |archive-date=2017-05-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He founded the center of Hungarian horse archery, Kassai-valley, near [[Kaposmérő]].<ref><span class="citation">[http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/ ''A Kassai-völgy''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128150434/http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/ |date=2016-01-28 }}.&#x20;</span></ref> Horse archery centers based on the Kassai-school are currently operating in fourteen countries, and organize world cups regularly.
He founded the center of Hungarian horse archery, Kassai-völgy, near [[Kaposmérő]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/ |title=A Kassai-völgy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128150434/http://www.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/ |archive-date=2016-01-28 }}</ref> Horse archery centers based on the Kassai school are currently operating in fourteen countries, and organize world cups regularly.


In 2011, the University of Physical Education accepted the education practice developed by Kassai and began horse archery training. Hungary is the first country in the world where one can get a teaching diploma in horse archery.
In 2011, the University of Physical Education accepted the education practice developed by Kassai and began horse archery training. Hungary is the first country in the world where one can get a teaching diploma in horse archery.


His life and work was dramatized by Géza Kaszás in the film ''A lovasíjász'' (The horse archer), which premiered in January 2016.<ref><span class="citation">[http://kaposvarmost.hu/videok/kaposvar-most/2016/01/22/kassai-lajos-a-lovasijasz-egy-motivacios-film.html ''Kassai Lajos: A Lovasíjász egy motivációs film''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128160643/http://kaposvarmost.hu/videok/kaposvar-most/2016/01/22/kassai-lajos-a-lovasijasz-egy-motivacios-film.html |date=2016-01-28 }}.&#x20;</span></ref>
His life and work was dramatized by Géza Kaszás in the film ''A lovasíjász'' ('The horse archer'), which premiered in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kaposvarmost.hu/videok/kaposvar-most/2016/01/22/kassai-lajos-a-lovasijasz-egy-motivacios-film.html |title=Kassai Lajos: A Lovasíjász egy motivációs film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128160643/http://kaposvarmost.hu/videok/kaposvar-most/2016/01/22/kassai-lajos-a-lovasijasz-egy-motivacios-film.html |archive-date=2016-01-28 }}</ref>


== Achievements ==
== Achievements ==
Lajos Kassai won all competitions he entered from 1994 to 2019, among them countless World Cup rounds and international equestrian archery competitions, and the Equestrian Archery Open World Championship in 2014.
To this day, he has won every single horse archery competition he entered. He set four [[Guinness World Records|Guinness world records]]: in 1998, by constantly riding on relay horses during a 12 hours competition, he rode through the 90 meter long horse archery range 286 times, and shot more than 1000 aimed arrows. In 2002, on a record run that lasted from 6 AM to 6 PM, he shot over 3000 shots collecting 7126.05 points in 323 rides, greatly surpassing his previous record. On 10 June 2006, he again surpassed his two previous 12-hour world records by competing in horse archery for 24 hours continuously. From Saturday 7 AM until Sunday 7 AM he rode 661 times shooting 5412 arrows and collecting 15,596.43 points overall, for an average of 212.35 points per ride.


== [[Guinness World Records]] of Lajos Kassai ==
He set his last record with his disciples in the [[László Papp Budapest Sports Arena|Budapest Sports Arena]] on 5 December 2009. He shot 12 thrown up discs with 30&nbsp;cm diameter under 17.80 seconds from the back of a racing horse.
'''He set five Guinness World Records:''' <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kassai Lajos - CV|url=https://www.lovasijaszat.hu/en/about-kassai-lajos/}}</ref>

'''2011''': In December, he shot 14 discs under 19.85 seconds in front of an 8,000 member audience and set his fifth Guinness World Record at the [[László Papp Budapest Sports Arena|Budapest Sport Arena]].

'''2009''': In December, he set his fourth record in the Budapest Sports Arena. He shot 12 pieces of 30&nbsp;cm diameter flying discs (thrown by his students) from the back of a galloping horse in 17.80 seconds.

'''2006''': Riding 12 horses, Kassai Lajos did equestrian archery continuously for 24 hours during 661 competition runs, he achieved a total score of 15,596.43 points with 5,412 shots. His average point per standard competition (9 runs) was 212.35 points.

'''2002''': Riding 12 horses, during 12 hours of continuous equestrian archery, he managed to achieve a total score of 7,126.05 with nearly 3,000 shots in 323 competition runs, breaking his previous record. His average point per standard competition was 198.55 points.

'''1998''': Riding 12 horses, shot more than 1,000 targeted shots in 286 competition runs during 12 hours of continuous equestrian archery. His average point per standard competition was 133 points.


== Awards, merits ==
== Awards, merits ==
* Teleki Pál merit (2021) <ref>{{Cite web|last=Judit|first=Cservenka|title=Kitüntetések – ünnepség nélkül {{!}} Felvidék.ma|url=https://felvidek.ma/2021/03/kituntetesek-unnepseg-nelkul/|access-date=2021-06-24|language=hu}}</ref>
* Officer's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary]] (2003)
*World Ethnosport Confederation – Special award (2020) <ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-23|title=Lovasíjászat: Kassai Lajos rangos elismerésben részesült - NSO|url=https://www.nemzetisport.hu/egyeb_egyeni/lovasijaszat-kassai-lajos-rangos-elismeresben-reszesult-2749337|access-date=2021-06-24|website=NSO.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
* Hungarian Heritage Award (2012)
*University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest – Riding instructor honorary award (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sikertörténet a lovastanár-képzés az Állatorvostudományi Egyetemen|url=https://agronaplo.hu/hirek/sikertortenet-a-lovastanar-kepzes-az-allatorvostudomanyi-egyetemen|access-date=2021-06-24|website=agronaplo.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
* Middle Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary|Order of Merit of Hungary]] (2016)
*Granite Lion Award – Finalist in the public role model category (2017) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kassai Lajos Közéleti példakép kategória Döntőse|url=http://ferfiakklubja.hu/ferfiak_klubja_tv/kassai_lajos_peldakep?mode=full|access-date=2021-06-24|website=Férfiak Klubja}}</ref>
*„For the Hungarian nation” – Silver medal (2017)
*From the Hungarian Equestrian Association – Count István Széchenyi Equestrian Commemorative Medal (2017) <ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-02-20|title=Kitüntetettjeink 2016|url=http://www.lovasszovetseg.hu/2017/02/20/kituntetettjeink-2016/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=A Magyar Lovassport Szövetség Hivatalos Weboldala|language=hu}}</ref>
*Pongrátz Gergely cross of merit (2017)
*Middle Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary|Order of Merit of Hungary]] (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-03-15|title=Ők vehettek át állami kitüntetéseket a nemzeti ünnep alkalmából {{!}} Híradó|url=http://www.hirado.hu/2016/03/15/ok-vehettek-at-allami-kitunteteseket-a-nemzeti-unnep-alkalmabol/|access-date=2021-06-24|archive-date=2016-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315164557/http://www.hirado.hu/2016/03/15/ok-vehettek-at-allami-kitunteteseket-a-nemzeti-unnep-alkalmabol/|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
*Pro Comitatu Somogy award (2016) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kassai Lajos kapta az idei "Pro Comitatu Somogy" Kitüntető Díjat|url=http://kaposvarmost.hu/videok/kaposvar-most/2016/01/06/kassai-lajos-kapta-az-idei-pro-comitatu-somogy-kitunteto-dijat.html|access-date=2021-06-24|website=kaposvarmost.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
*“For the Hungarians of the World” public award (2014)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Budapest portál {{!}} A főpolgármester köszöntötte a IV. Magyar Világtalálkozó résztvevőit|url=https://budapest.hu:443/Lapok/Budapest-f%C5%91polg%C3%A1rmestere-k%C3%B6sz%C3%B6nt%C3%B6tte-a-IV.-Magyar-Vil%C3%A1gtal%C3%A1lkoz%C3%B3-megnyit%C3%B3j%C3%A1nak-r%C3%A9sztvev%C5%91it-az-.aspx|access-date=2021-06-24|website=budapest.hu|language=hu-hu}}</ref>
*The Original Kassai System equestrian archery method was included in the (Hungarikum) Collection of Hungarian Values (2013) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kassai-féle lovasíjász módszer {{!}} Hungarikumok Gyűjteménye - Magyar Értéktár|url=http://www.hungarikum.hu/hu/kassai-f%C3%A9le-lovas%C3%ADj%C3%A1sz-m%C3%B3dszer|access-date=2021-06-24|website=www.hungarikum.hu|archive-date=2021-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204017/http://www.hungarikum.hu/hu/kassai-f%C3%A9le-lovas%C3%ADj%C3%A1sz-m%C3%B3dszer|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Golden Arrowhead Award (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-06-29|title=Ismét legyőztük a keleti frankokat! {{!}} Délmagyar Kistelek és környéke, Ópusztaszer|url=https://www.delmagyar.hu/szeged-es-kornyeke/ismet-legyoztuk-a-keleti-frankokat-2892055/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=Délmagyar|language=hu}}</ref>
*Szent István University, Gödöllő – Riding instructor honorary award and Silver Laurel Wreath Award (2013)
*Bárdudvarnok – Honorary citizen (2013)
*Hungarian Heritage Award (2012) <ref>{{Cite web|title=List of Awarded people|url=https://magyarorokseg.hu/dijazottak_tablazata}}</ref>
*The Original Kassai System equestrian archery method was included in Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hungary (2012) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Szellemi Kulturális Örökség Magyarországon|url=http://szellemikulturalisorokseg.hu/index0.php?name=0_kassai_fele_lovasijasz_modszer|access-date=2021-06-24|website=szellemikulturalisorokseg.hu}}</ref>
*Knight of the Hungarian Culture (2012) <ref>{{Cite web|title=A Magyar Kultúra Lovagja lett Kassai Lajos|url=https://kapos.hu/hirek/kultura/2012-01-23/a_magyar_kultura_lovagja_lett_kassai_lajos_.html|access-date=2021-06-24|website=kapos.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
*Equestrian Archery was included into the university education first time in the world in Hungary, Budapest (2011) <ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-25|title=Kassai Lajos: Ha van egy cél, akkor köré tudom rendezni a világot|url=https://vasarnap.hu/2020/01/25/kassai-lajos-ha-van-egy-cel-akkor-kore-tudom-rendezni-a-vilagot/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=vasarnap.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
*Person of the year – Somogy County (2010)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-01-08|title=2009-ről jelentjük: Kassai Lajos Az Év Somogyi Embere|url=https://www.sonline.hu/somogy/kozelet-somogy/2009-rol-jelentjuk-kassai-lajos-az-ev-somogyi-embere-280074/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=Sonline|language=hu|archive-date=2020-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020160814/https://www.sonline.hu/somogy/kozelet-somogy/2009-rol-jelentjuk-kassai-lajos-az-ev-somogyi-embere-280074/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*The Kassai Equestrian Archery School won the (Kaposvár Városért díj) – Award for the city of Kaposvár (2009)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Város|first=Kaposvár Megyei Jogú|title=Otthon vagyok - Kaposvár|url=https://otthon.kaposvar.hu/hu/a-kaposvar-varosert-kituntetes-tulajdonosai/|access-date=2021-06-24}}</ref>
*Árpád Shield Award (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Árpád-pajzs: révkomáromi gála holnap|url=https://magyarnemzet.hu/archivum/archivum-magyarnemzet/arpad-pajzs-revkomaromi-gala-holnap-4445423/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=Magyar Nemzet|language=hu}}</ref>
*Our Heritage – Somogy County’s treasure award (2008) <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kassai Lajos lovasíjász birodalma|url=https://somogyiertekek.hu/oroksegunk-somogyorszag-kincse/dijazottak/kassai-lajos-lovasijasz-birodalma.html|access-date=2021-06-24|website=somogyiertekek.hu|language=hu}}</ref>
*Kaposmérő – Honorary citizen <ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaposmérő|url=http://www.kaposmero.hu/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=www.kaposmero.hu}}</ref>
*Officer's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary]] (2003)<ref>{{Citation|title=A Magyar Érdemrend tisztikeresztje|date=2020-10-10|url=https://hu.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A_Magyar_%C3%89rdemrend_tisztikeresztje&oldid=23122117|work=Wikipédia|language=hu|access-date=2021-06-24}}</ref>

== Travels to foreign countries ==
2020. [[Turkey]]: Antalya – 2. International Traditional Sport Award

2020. [[Qatar]]: Doha – training camp 

2020. [[South Africa]]: Pretoria – training camp and track initiation

2019. [[Romania]]: Miercurea Ciuc – track initiation

2019. [[France]]: Charron La Rochelle – track initiation

2019. [[Russia]]: Volgograd – training camp and track initiation

2019. China: Wuhan – training camp and track initiation

2018. [[Canada]]: Nova Scotia – training camp and track initiation

2018. USA: Hamilton, MT – training camp and track initiation

2018. [[Luxembourg|Luxemburg]]: Limpach – training camp and track initiation

2017. [[United States|USA]]: Arlington, WA – training camp and track initiation

2017. Canada: Ottawa – training camp

2017. USA: Solvang, California – training camp at Monty Roberts’ farm (Flag is up)

2015. [[Malaysia]]: Penang, Turf Club, International Festival with Horses – training camp and presentation

2015. (November) Qatar: Doha – training camp

2015. (August) Qatar: Doha – training camp

2015. [[China]]: Peking – CCTV, Impossible Challenge China – presentation

2015. China: Peking, Tsingtao – training camp

2015. [[Germany]]: Köln, Baasem – track initiation

2015. France: Maulde – track initiation

2014. China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Peking – training camp

2014: Qatar: Doha – training camp and presentation

2014. China''':''' Chinghai, Tsingtao, Tongwancheng, Inner Mongolia – training camp

2013. China: Hsian, Hohhot, Xilinhot, Wuhan – presentation

2013. China: Peking – presentation

2013. France: Avignon, (Cheval Passion 2013) – presentation

2012. Turkey: Denizli – presentation

2012. China: Peking, Ordosz – presentation

2012. China: Peking, Csengtu, Sanghaj, Hangcsou, Sencsen – presentation

2012. [[Switzerland]]: Zürich (Mercedes SCI Cup) – presentation

2011. France: Paris (International Agricultural Exhibition) – presentation

2010. France: Saint Sébastien sur Loire – presentation

2009. [[Spain]]: Seville (Sicab) – presentation

2007. [[Austria]]: Mariensee – presentation

2006. [[Greece]]: Athens (European Archery Championship, 2006) – presentation

2006. Germany: Berlin – training camp and presentation

2002. USA: Fort Dodge, Iowa – presentation

2000. USA: Fort Dodge, Iowa – presentation

1999: China: [[Shaolin Monastery|Shaolin]] – study trip

1999. Ausztria: Bécs (Wiener Stadthalle) – presentation

1996. USA: Pennsylvania – training camp and presentation

1996. [[Japan]]: [[Kamakura]] – study trip

1992. [[Netherlands]]: Amsterdam – presentation

1992. [[Italy]]: Forli – presentation

'''Presentations - Attended by royal families of the countries:'''

* 2019. [[England]]: London (Royal Windsor Horse Show)
* 2015. Malaysia: Pinang
* 2014. Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
* 2012. [[Jordan]] : Al Faris
* 2009. [[Morocco]]: El Jadida


== Family ==
== Family ==
Kassai is married and has three daughters.
Kassai is married and has three daughters. His wife is Vanda Kassainé Olter.


== References ==
{{reflist}}
== See also ==
== See also ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120314205300/http://www.volgy.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=34&lang=1 ''Kassai Lajos életrajz''] (magyar nyelven). ''lovasíjászat.hu''. (Accessed: 2016-01-23)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120314205300/http://www.volgy.lovasijaszat.hu/volgy/index.php?module=staticpage&id=34&lang=1 ''Kassai Lajos életrajz''] (magyar nyelven). ''lovasíjászat.hu''. (Accessed: 2016-01-23)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160326152026/http://www.filmtekercs.hu/kritikak/a-magyar-harcmuveszet-reklamfilmje-a-lovasijasz ''A magyar harcművészet reklámfilmje – A lovasíjász''] filtekercs.hu, 2016-01-20.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160326152026/http://www.filmtekercs.hu/kritikak/a-magyar-harcmuveszet-reklamfilmje-a-lovasijasz ''A magyar harcművészet reklámfilmje – A lovasíjász''] filtekercs.hu, 2016-01-20.
*[http://www.origo.hu/kultura/20170306-a-sportagrol-a-volgyrol-es-matt-damonrol-is-beszelgettunk-a-hires-lovasijasszal.html''Kassai Lajos: Nincs lovasíjászgénünk''], Origo.hu, 2017-03-10.
*[http://www.origo.hu/kultura/20170306-a-sportagrol-a-volgyrol-es-matt-damonrol-is-beszelgettunk-a-hires-lovasijasszal.html''Kassai Lajos: Nincs lovasíjászgénünk''], Origo.hu, 2017-03-10.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kassai, Lajos}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kassai, Lajos}}
Line 50: Line 181:
[[Category:Hungarian male archers]]
[[Category:Hungarian male archers]]
[[Category:Bowyers]]
[[Category:Bowyers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Somogy County]]
[[Category:World record holders in shooting]]

Latest revision as of 17:43, 5 May 2024

Lajos Kassai (born 16 September 1960) is a Hungarian bowyer, archer and equestrian. He is primarily known for his work reviving the traditional art of horse archery, including adapting it into a modern sport. For his work he received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary.

Bow-making[edit]

Lajos Kassai started making his bows in the mid-1980s and was competing successfully in field archery. Then based on the work of Karoly Cs. Sebestyen and Dr Gyula Fabian, using modern materials and technologies, he reconstructed and as first one in the world started series production of the traditional Hungarian bow used in the age of the Hungarian Conquest. Eventually bow-making became his primary profession, and he became the first in the world to mass-produce this style of bow. Besides Hungarian, Kassai makes other types of traditional bows, including; Scythian, Hun (asymmetric type), Avar, and Mongol.

Equestrian archery[edit]

Kassai-völgy.
Ölyv (red) and Farkas II. (black) bows

We are not to follow our ancestors, we are to follow what they were following.

— Lajos Kassai, [1]

Kassai created the competitive rule system of horse archery in the late 1980s, and started to propagate this new sport, first in Hungary, and from the 1990s in the rest of Europe, the United States and Canada. He made himself familiar with kyūdō in Kamakura, Japan, and travelled to Shaolin in China to study.

He summarized his experiences in his book Lovasíjászat ('Horse Archery'), which since its issue has been translated into German, English and Russian.[2][3]

He founded the center of Hungarian horse archery, Kassai-völgy, near Kaposmérő.[4] Horse archery centers based on the Kassai school are currently operating in fourteen countries, and organize world cups regularly.

In 2011, the University of Physical Education accepted the education practice developed by Kassai and began horse archery training. Hungary is the first country in the world where one can get a teaching diploma in horse archery.

His life and work was dramatized by Géza Kaszás in the film A lovasíjász ('The horse archer'), which premiered in January 2016.[5]

Achievements[edit]

Lajos Kassai won all competitions he entered from 1994 to 2019, among them countless World Cup rounds and international equestrian archery competitions, and the Equestrian Archery Open World Championship in 2014.

Guinness World Records of Lajos Kassai[edit]

He set five Guinness World Records: [6]

2011: In December, he shot 14 discs under 19.85 seconds in front of an 8,000 member audience and set his fifth Guinness World Record at the Budapest Sport Arena.

2009: In December, he set his fourth record in the Budapest Sports Arena. He shot 12 pieces of 30 cm diameter flying discs (thrown by his students) from the back of a galloping horse in 17.80 seconds.

2006: Riding 12 horses, Kassai Lajos did equestrian archery continuously for 24 hours during 661 competition runs, he achieved a total score of 15,596.43 points with 5,412 shots. His average point per standard competition (9 runs) was 212.35 points.

2002: Riding 12 horses, during 12 hours of continuous equestrian archery, he managed to achieve a total score of 7,126.05 with nearly 3,000 shots in 323 competition runs, breaking his previous record. His average point per standard competition was 198.55 points.

1998: Riding 12 horses, shot more than 1,000 targeted shots in 286 competition runs during 12 hours of continuous equestrian archery. His average point per standard competition was 133 points.

Awards, merits[edit]

  • Teleki Pál merit (2021) [7]
  • World Ethnosport Confederation – Special award (2020) [8]
  • University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest – Riding instructor honorary award (2018)[9]
  • Granite Lion Award – Finalist in the public role model category (2017) [10]
  • „For the Hungarian nation” – Silver medal (2017)
  • From the Hungarian Equestrian Association – Count István Széchenyi Equestrian Commemorative Medal (2017) [11]
  • Pongrátz Gergely cross of merit (2017)
  • Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (2016)[12]
  • Pro Comitatu Somogy award (2016) [13]
  • “For the Hungarians of the World” public award (2014)[14]
  • The Original Kassai System equestrian archery method was included in the (Hungarikum) Collection of Hungarian Values (2013) [15]
  • Golden Arrowhead Award (2013)[16]
  • Szent István University, Gödöllő – Riding instructor honorary award and Silver Laurel Wreath Award (2013)
  • Bárdudvarnok – Honorary citizen (2013)
  • Hungarian Heritage Award (2012) [17]
  • The Original Kassai System equestrian archery method was included in Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hungary (2012) [18]
  • Knight of the Hungarian Culture (2012) [19]
  • Equestrian Archery was included into the university education first time in the world in Hungary, Budapest (2011) [20]
  • Person of the year – Somogy County (2010)[21]
  • The Kassai Equestrian Archery School won the (Kaposvár Városért díj) – Award for the city of Kaposvár (2009)[22]
  • Árpád Shield Award (2008)[23]
  • Our Heritage – Somogy County’s treasure award (2008) [24]
  • Kaposmérő – Honorary citizen [25]
  • Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (2003)[26]

Travels to foreign countries[edit]

2020. Turkey: Antalya – 2. International Traditional Sport Award

2020. Qatar: Doha – training camp 

2020. South Africa: Pretoria – training camp and track initiation

2019. Romania: Miercurea Ciuc – track initiation

2019. France: Charron La Rochelle – track initiation

2019. Russia: Volgograd – training camp and track initiation

2019. China: Wuhan – training camp and track initiation

2018. Canada: Nova Scotia – training camp and track initiation

2018. USA: Hamilton, MT – training camp and track initiation

2018. Luxemburg: Limpach – training camp and track initiation

2017. USA: Arlington, WA – training camp and track initiation

2017. Canada: Ottawa – training camp

2017. USA: Solvang, California – training camp at Monty Roberts’ farm (Flag is up)

2015. Malaysia: Penang, Turf Club, International Festival with Horses – training camp and presentation

2015. (November) Qatar: Doha – training camp

2015. (August) Qatar: Doha – training camp

2015. China: Peking – CCTV, Impossible Challenge China – presentation

2015. China: Peking, Tsingtao – training camp

2015. Germany: Köln, Baasem – track initiation

2015. France: Maulde – track initiation

2014. China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Peking – training camp

2014: Qatar: Doha – training camp and presentation

2014. China: Chinghai, Tsingtao, Tongwancheng, Inner Mongolia – training camp

2013. China: Hsian, Hohhot, Xilinhot, Wuhan – presentation

2013. China: Peking – presentation

2013. France: Avignon, (Cheval Passion 2013) – presentation

2012. Turkey: Denizli – presentation

2012. China: Peking, Ordosz – presentation

2012. China: Peking, Csengtu, Sanghaj, Hangcsou, Sencsen – presentation

2012. Switzerland: Zürich (Mercedes SCI Cup) – presentation

2011. France: Paris (International Agricultural Exhibition) – presentation

2010. France: Saint Sébastien sur Loire – presentation

2009. Spain: Seville (Sicab) – presentation

2007. Austria: Mariensee – presentation

2006. Greece: Athens (European Archery Championship, 2006) – presentation

2006. Germany: Berlin – training camp and presentation

2002. USA: Fort Dodge, Iowa – presentation

2000. USA: Fort Dodge, Iowa – presentation

1999: China: Shaolin – study trip

1999. Ausztria: Bécs (Wiener Stadthalle) – presentation

1996. USA: Pennsylvania – training camp and presentation

1996. Japan: Kamakura – study trip

1992. Netherlands: Amsterdam – presentation

1992. Italy: Forli – presentation

Presentations - Attended by royal families of the countries:

  • 2019. England: London (Royal Windsor Horse Show)
  • 2015. Malaysia: Pinang
  • 2014. Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
  • 2012. Jordan : Al Faris
  • 2009. Morocco: El Jadida

Family[edit]

Kassai is married and has three daughters. His wife is Vanda Kassainé Olter.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ [1], mstt.hu
  2. ^ Lajos Kassai : Lovasíjászat, Dee-Sign Kiadó, Budapest, 2001, 2002, 2003 ISBN 9638613416, Püski Kiadó, 2006 ISBN 9789633021682.
  3. ^ "Summary of the book". Archived from the original on 2017-05-30. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
  4. ^ "A Kassai-völgy". Archived from the original on 2016-01-28.
  5. ^ "Kassai Lajos: A Lovasíjász egy motivációs film". Archived from the original on 2016-01-28.
  6. ^ "Kassai Lajos - CV".
  7. ^ Judit, Cservenka. "Kitüntetések – ünnepség nélkül | Felvidék.ma" (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  8. ^ "Lovasíjászat: Kassai Lajos rangos elismerésben részesült - NSO". NSO.hu (in Hungarian). 2020-02-23. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  9. ^ "Sikertörténet a lovastanár-képzés az Állatorvostudományi Egyetemen". agronaplo.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  10. ^ "Kassai Lajos Közéleti példakép kategória Döntőse". Férfiak Klubja. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  11. ^ "Kitüntetettjeink 2016". A Magyar Lovassport Szövetség Hivatalos Weboldala (in Hungarian). 2017-02-20. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  12. ^ "Ők vehettek át állami kitüntetéseket a nemzeti ünnep alkalmából | Híradó". 2016-03-15. Archived from the original on 2016-03-15. Retrieved 2021-06-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  13. ^ "Kassai Lajos kapta az idei "Pro Comitatu Somogy" Kitüntető Díjat". kaposvarmost.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  14. ^ "Budapest portál | A főpolgármester köszöntötte a IV. Magyar Világtalálkozó résztvevőit". budapest.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  15. ^ "Kassai-féle lovasíjász módszer | Hungarikumok Gyűjteménye - Magyar Értéktár". www.hungarikum.hu. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  16. ^ "Ismét legyőztük a keleti frankokat! | Délmagyar Kistelek és környéke, Ópusztaszer". Délmagyar (in Hungarian). 2013-06-29. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  17. ^ "List of Awarded people".
  18. ^ "Szellemi Kulturális Örökség Magyarországon". szellemikulturalisorokseg.hu. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  19. ^ "A Magyar Kultúra Lovagja lett Kassai Lajos". kapos.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  20. ^ "Kassai Lajos: Ha van egy cél, akkor köré tudom rendezni a világot". vasarnap.hu (in Hungarian). 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  21. ^ "2009-ről jelentjük: Kassai Lajos Az Év Somogyi Embere". Sonline (in Hungarian). 2010-01-08. Archived from the original on 2020-10-20. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  22. ^ Város, Kaposvár Megyei Jogú. "Otthon vagyok - Kaposvár". Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  23. ^ "Árpád-pajzs: révkomáromi gála holnap". Magyar Nemzet (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  24. ^ "Kassai Lajos lovasíjász birodalma". somogyiertekek.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  25. ^ "Kaposmérő". www.kaposmero.hu. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  26. ^ "A Magyar Érdemrend tisztikeresztje", Wikipédia (in Hungarian), 2020-10-10, retrieved 2021-06-24
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lajos_Kassai&oldid=1222375467"