Kyūdō : Combat Stories – 13

-by Ishita Mondal

–Reading Time – 5 min Approx

Japanese martial art is popular for different variations of weapons and sometimes no weapons. It is more about sophisticated moves that need every piece of mind together than anything else. However, along with the sword arts and no-weapon games, archery is also famous in Japanese martial art forms. While the samurai practitioners are popular to be seen with swords and pointed sticks, many of them are good at archery as well. The Japanese martial art form that includes archery is called Kyūdō.

It began long back ago. Since then, it has undergone many modifications and changes. Japan has seen civil war. The Edo period introduced a hierarchical caste society. That society kept samurai at the top. Throughout all of these hassles, Kyūdō became a popular game both among the Japanese and non-Japanese.

Nowadays, you might have seen different schools practicing it in different ways. But how many of you have a complete idea about it? How was it originated or how was it developed? What are the basics of this archery-based martial art? Let’s know about the game in detail. It will help you to enjoy the game whether you are a practitioner or a spectator.

Kyūdō- How it was Originated:

As per history, archery began in the pre-historic era in Japan. It is said that the game emerged during 500 BC when the Yayoi period was at its peak. Gradually, as the necessity to include archery in education grew, Kyūdō came more into the forefront. By the beginning of the Sengoku period, Japan saw the impacts of civil war. At that time, many new schools were established promoting the game of Kyūdō. Some of them are popular even today.

By the beginning of the Meiji era in the late 19^th century, all martial art forms in Japan including Kyūdō saw a massive decrease as the Samurai lost its status. Later, with the All-Japan Kyudo Federation, it was brought back to life. New regulations and guidelines were published and it started with new popularity.

How It is Practiced?

The forms of practicing Kyūdō may vary from school to school. But the essence of showcasing the smooth archery skill remains constant. However, in 1953, All Nippon Kyūdō Federation or ANKF formed a committee to harmonize the practicing forms. Also, it helped to improve the ceremonial shooting or sharei.

If you go deep into the practice of Kyūdō, we can see that there are three major styles under this martial art form. They are-

• Mitori geiko

It is a type of practice that includes observing the style and techniques of an advanced archer. It helps the beginners to learn the steps by eyes only.

• Kufū geiko

Another form of Kyūdō practice is learning the game while keeping the technical details in mind. It also includes the spiritual efforts that a man puts to realize the game.

• Kazu geiko

This type of practice includes repetition with personified techniques in one’s own shooting.

For every kind of practice, the beginners practice with a rubber bow. It helps them to realize the initial moves of hassetsu, the basic 8 stages of Kyudo. Whoever wants to practice kyudo, has to practice it through these 8 steps. Here they are-

• Ashibhumi or setting the foot

If you want to be a good archer, you must learn how to set yourself well on the ground. You cannot target and shoot your opponent if your foot is not set firmly.

• Dozikuri or managing the posture

Next comes the stage of correcting the posture. Once you set the foot right, make sure to put the upper body parts in line. The shoulders, hips, and feet must be in one line. The spine and the back should be stretched slowly upwards while the bow is rested on the left knee.

• Yugamae or setting the bow

Only setting the body is not enough. You have to make your weapon ready as well. Set the gloves, grip the bow firmly, view the target, and set the arrow’s direction towards it.

• Uchiokoshi or raising the bow

Keep the arrow parallelly with the floor Keep your bow raised above your head when your hands should be at a 45-degree angle. The practitioners prefer to keep the shoulders flat as much as possible and the arms relaxed. The chest should also be kept in a relaxed mode.

• Hikiwake or drawing the arrow

Spread the arrow apart evenly to the right and left. Do not just pull the string with your right hand keeping another arm inactive.

• Kai or the final draw

It is said that all previous stages lead towards performing a perfect draw, which is kai. The whole essence of the game lies in kai. If the hikiwake means drawing the sword physically, kai is all about spiritual affirmation for it.

• Hanare or releasing the arrow

After the preparation, it is time for final execution. At this stage, the arrow is released. According to the experience kyudo practitioners, kai should be of six to eight seconds. Only then, you can perform a perfect hanare.

• Zanshin or continuing the process

The task is not over after releasing the arrow. You need to be spiritually connected to the game even if the arrow is released. You have to hold your position for some time, even after the arrow hits the target.

• Yudaoshi or lowering the bow

Once your time for zanshin is over, lower your bow gently. Thus, the game of kyudo is practiced with perfection.

Interesting Facts about Kyūdō:

When we are here to learn about the martial art form, can we go without knowing the interesting facts about it? Let’s discuss it here.

• The game is based on ancient archery called kyū-jutsu.
• The bows are usually made of wood with a bamboo front.
• Henmi Kiyomitsi first established the school of Kyūdō.
• Kyūdō aims to hit the target while achieving concentration through spiritual and physical training.
• Kyūdō means “the way of the bow” in English.
• Different styles include- heki style, honda style, Yamato style, etc.

Kyūdō – Hit the Target

It is all about hitting the target with the right amount of spiritual and physical concentration. With different styles and techniques, practiced in different forms Kyūdō is now a popular martial art form. If you are fond of achieving a high spiritual connection in life, this is the best way to kick-start your enlistment.

-by Ishita Mondal

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