A Japanese Martial Art - Kyudo
What is kyudo?
Kyudo is the term for the traditional practice that uses the Japanese bow as a way for selfexamination and understanding. In this practice, the relationship between physical action and the practitioner's feelings makes this a very personal experience, not unlike a form of meditation - many popular activates, such as taichi or yoga have this holistic approach to body/mind development.
Kyudo is "The Way of the Bow" When the bow became obsolete as a weapon the spiritual aspect of archery was developed as a discipline for peace and self-cultivation.This was achieved by uniting the vigor of the warrior tradition with the dignity of the ceremonial. As a path for personal growth and development, the concept of Reisetsu - respect for the other, became the moral discipline which united these two aspects and formed the foundation for the practice of Kyudo. In meeting desire, negative thoughts, and physical difficulties the practice of Kyudo offers the individual the opportunity to meet their limitations, and to enjoy the challenge of this confrontation. One soon realizes that the problems faced are not to be found in the bow, or the immovable target, but in oneself. If this is accepted and the practice is carried out sincerely then the energy of the shooting begins to enrich one's life. Technique cannot be considered without an understanding of spiritual energy. Neither aspect can function without the other. The acquisition of technique grows with the increase in body-mind awareness to form a harmonious working together of the bow, body and spirit.
Is it a Martial Art?
Traditional Japanese sports because of their origins are often know as martial arts. But this is often a simplistic and misleading description, and can confuse these practices with combat or fighting arts. The Japanese term for these practices is budo which means a way to remove conflict and seek harmony. Practices like kyudo are about seeking harmony and peace within the individual and contributing to a peaceful society, which is far removed from the popular image of a martial art.
Traditional practice facilities
The practice place for kyudo follows a traditional design and format, and in Japan is supplied by the local municipality, university, or school. It is known as a "kyudojo". It has an interior shooting area with height for raising the bows (over 4 meter) and a wooden floor that allows for the performance of ceremonial shooting where some kneeling movements and a smooth walking surface is required. The target butts are housed in a special sand mount at a distance of 28 meters. The building is usually part of a sports complex.
Safety
In analyzing possible risk, it should be made clear that UK kyudo has a 30 years unblemished record of safety, performing public demonstrations both indoor and outside in public parks, and open situations, as well as the regular indoor practice groups that use sports facilities.
During indoor practice sessions, only supervised public access is allowed, and spectators must remain in the spectator area above the shooting line. To enter below the shooting line for arrow collection and for other reasons, the safety procedure must be followed, and this is supervised by the group instructor(s). The whole area below the shooting line must be closed off for entry during the session. Instruction for safety are posted and all members are made aware of the safety requirements.
Safety control Measures
The main factor in terms of safety control is the strict conditions of training that assure a very controlled release, and the inherent factors within kyudo that allow for a predictable arrow path. The shooting layout and target housing has been found historically to be the most effective in terms of safety.
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