I Studied Kyudo for 4 Months and Here is What I Learned:
It’s hard.
This past spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan for four months and while studying in Japan, I took the opportunity to pick up Kyudo as a club sport at the university. Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyudo dates back over 10 thousand years and has slowly progressed from a form of war to an expression of art. Kyudo is difficult and takes several months before you can even pick up a yumi (Japanese bow).
Here are five reasons why Kyudo is so hard to master:
1. Precision and Form: Kyudo places a strong emphasis on correct form and precise movements. Achieving the proper alignment of the body, maintaining a consistent posture, and executing the movements with precision are essential. There are eight basic steps when positioning yourself to fire your bow.
Ashibumi, the footing.
Dozukuri, correcting the posture.
Yugamae, readying the bow.
Uchiokoshi, raising the bow.
Hikiwake, drawing the bow.
Kai, completing the draw.
Hanare, the release.
Zanshin, continuation.
Yudaoshi, lowering the bow.
2. Mental Focus: Kyudo is not just a physical discipline; it also requires intense mental concentration. Practitioners need to develop a deep level of focus and mindfulness to quiet their minds and maintain concentration throughout the entire process.
3. Breath Control: Proper breathing is crucial in Kyudo, and controlling one’s breath is considered an integral part of the art.
4. Patience and Discipline: Kyudo places a significant emphasis on patience and discipline. The learning process is gradual, and mastering kyudo requires a long-term commitment.
5. Spiritual and Philosophical Depth: Kyudo is not just about hitting a target; it is deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and spirituality. Understanding and embodying concepts such as harmony, respect, and the connection between the archer and the bow are integral to the practice.
Kyudo is a holistic practice that demands a high level of dedication and continuous self-improvement from its practitioners. I hope that one day I can be just as good as my sensei’s that trained me while I lived in Japan.
