Kako Furukawa
This time, I would like to introduce something related to Japanese culuture to you. Japanese archery!
Do you know about "Japanese" archery? It is one of the budo and we call it "Kyudo".
Now, I do Japanese archery twice a week. It isn't the archery as Western archery.
Let me explain about Japanese archery.
First, please watch this image.
this is the "Japanese" archery. It's beautiful, isn't it?
The players must wear "hakama" and "kake". They are long pleated skirts and gloves.
And, the dojo where we do Japanese archery is very quiet and solemn.
Moreover, there are some rules in the dojo. We should walk with gliding steps and sit erect with our legs folded under us.
Next, I would like to explain the Kyudo.
In Kyudo, the first thing we make much of is the series of movements, from entering the dojo to leaving the place. In addition, we think that "correct moving is correct hitting", for, when the technique of the shooting is correct, the arrow certainly hits the target. Then, what are the movements of Kyudo? It is said that there are about eight movements in doing Kyudo.
●First movement is "Ashibumi". It's placing the footing.
●Second is "Dozukuri". It's forming the body.
●Third is "Yugamae". It's readying the bow.
●Fourth is "Uchiokoshi". It's raising the bow.
●Fifth is "Hikiwake". it's drawing apart and widely.
●Sixth is "kai". It's the full draw.
●Seventh is "Hanare". It's the release.
●Finally, "Zanshin" is the remaining body or mind.
We do these series of movements with calm breathing. Now, please watch the upper image again with understanding of eight movements.
the targets are placed 28 meters from the dojo floor. it is very difficult for us to hit the targets.
So, we should do the movements intensively. But, the significance of doing Kyudo is it's difficulty at the same time. With calm mind, we can do Kyudo well. And the solem dojo makes our feelings composed and innocent.
More information of the Kyudo is here.
Thank you for reading!!
This time, I would like to introduce something related to Japanese culuture to you. Japanese archery!
Do you know about "Japanese" archery? It is one of the budo and we call it "Kyudo".
Now, I do Japanese archery twice a week. It isn't the archery as Western archery.
Let me explain about Japanese archery.
First, please watch this image.
this is the "Japanese" archery. It's beautiful, isn't it?
The players must wear "hakama" and "kake". They are long pleated skirts and gloves.
And, the dojo where we do Japanese archery is very quiet and solemn.
Moreover, there are some rules in the dojo. We should walk with gliding steps and sit erect with our legs folded under us.
●First movement is "Ashibumi". It's placing the footing.
●Second is "Dozukuri". It's forming the body.
●Third is "Yugamae". It's readying the bow.
●Fourth is "Uchiokoshi". It's raising the bow.
●Fifth is "Hikiwake". it's drawing apart and widely.
●Sixth is "kai". It's the full draw.
●Seventh is "Hanare". It's the release.
●Finally, "Zanshin" is the remaining body or mind.
We do these series of movements with calm breathing. Now, please watch the upper image again with understanding of eight movements.
the targets are placed 28 meters from the dojo floor. it is very difficult for us to hit the targets.
So, we should do the movements intensively. But, the significance of doing Kyudo is it's difficulty at the same time. With calm mind, we can do Kyudo well. And the solem dojo makes our feelings composed and innocent.
More information of the Kyudo is here.
Thank you for reading!!
As you mentioned, kyodo has eight movements, and I have two questions to you. Is it difficult for kyudo player to master these movements? and what time did you spent to remember them? I think it is not easy to aquire the eight things because that movements are fundamental things in kyudo.
ReplyDeleteMasashi Yamada
I was very interested in Kyudo. Your post is so impressing. Most thing that you wrote is what I did not know about. I am very grad that I could learn about Kyudo from your post.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about Kyudo. How long do you practice in a day?
Shuhei Wada
I can see that kyudo requires great mental concentration. It must be as tough for your mind as it is for your body. Do you do any other training for your body besides the kyudo movements practice? I think it takes a lot more strength than it looks. Is that true?
ReplyDeleteAnd are there various grades or levels in kyudo, as there are in other Japanese martial arts?
Thanks for your introducing Japanese archery and for your nice photo!
Ms. MacGregor
To tell the truth, I was belong to Kyudo club when I was a high school student.
ReplyDeleteI love Kyudo, so I am very glad to read your blog and see your picture wearing Hakama.
Kyudo makes its player be strong not only physical but also mental part, I guess. I hope that you enjoy Kyudo!
Narumi Tsunashima
Ms.MacGregor
ReplyDeleteYes, kyudo requires great mental concentration.
But, I don't any other training for my body besides the kyudo movements practice. I only practice in the Dojo. As you said, doing Kyudo takes a lot more strength than it looks and my arms develops muscle...
And, of course, there are some grades in kyudo.
Kako