Japanese Archery: Kyūdō, Archery Equipment, Yumi, Archers Technique And Traditional Archery

Ready ... aim ... fire! If only it were that simple. The ancient martial art of Japanese archery, known to practitioners as Kyudo or the way of the bow, requires much more than just a keen eye and a steady hand. While most people consider traditional archery a leisure sport, Japanese archery is more of an art and a spiritual discipline. Japanese archery is a convergence of the body, mind, and spirit developed over centuries and rooted in Zen Buddhist and Shinto philosophy.

Japanese archery differs from traditional archery in many ways, from the archery equipment used to the training and preparation to the deeply meditative archers technique. The main instrument used in Japanese archery is the "yumi," a huge bow that can measure almost 2 meters in length depending on the archer's height. The yumi is traditionally made out of bamboo and is recognizable by its asymmetry; the top half being much longer than the bottom. Because of bamboo's sensitivity to climate and general use, many beginning archers utilize more durable synthetic bows, but true Kyudo is only practiced with all natural materials. Archers usually fire bamboo arrows at straw targets, focusing more on technique than marksmanship.

Recognized as one of the purest martial art forms, Japanese archery centers around the contemplative and spiritual nature of shooting. The practice involves a ceremonial and reverential treatment of the bow and arrows, the shooting space or dojo, and the teacher-pupil relationship. Because it is a form of standing meditation, archers train to perfect the Hassetsu, or eight stages of shooting. Japanese archery requires archers to pay close attention to breathing, stance, and fluidity.

A common' technique used in Japanese archery is for archers to stand with their left side facing the target, feet set solidly at an arrow's length apart. They then progress through readying, raising, drawing, and releasing the yumi. Ideally, the Hassetsu should appear as one continuous movement, a balanced progression only achieved by a truly centered archer. The aim of Kyudo extends far beyond simply hitting a target; it strives towards clarity of thought and vision as well as spiritual development. Archers regard the target as a mirror that reveals the inner qualities of body and soul. Japanese archery is less a recreation than a journey toward self discovery.

Japanese archery is truly a martial art and while it may be philosophically and spiritually based, it remains accessible to people of all ages and creeds. Anyone with the determination to learn both the mental and physical disciplines of Kyudo can be successful. As with any martial art, it is necessary to train with a teacher/sensai, but with dojos and enthusiasts located all over the US, there should be instruction available wherever an aspiring student might be.

 Whether an aspiring archer is young or old, male or female, Buddhist or not, he or she can definitely enjoy Japanese archery. There is more to gain than simply points and bulls-eyes. There is discipline, self discovery, and spiritual growth. What more could anyone shoot for?


Sources:
Taylor, John. “Kyudo – The Way of the Bow.” Oko Kyudokai. 24 May 2007. http://www.kyudo.org/html/main/kyudo.html.
DeProspero, Dan and Jackie. “What is Kyudo.” Kyudo.com. 1 April 2006. 24 May 2007. http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-k.html.
DeProspero, Dan and Jackie. “Kyudo Technique.” Kyudo.com. 1 April 2006. 24 May 2007. http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-t.html.
DeProspero, Dan and Jackie. “Kyudo Equipment.” Kyudo.com. 1 April 2006. 24 May 2007. http://www.kyudo.com/kyudo-e.html.