Kyudo – KYUDO
Kyudo is the traditional Japanese archery art, as it is taught today in Japan
Today the practice is not for combat purposes, despite the technical skills taught in using the bow.
Kyudo is a traditional art that is available to every man and woman of any age, and does not require special physical abilities or endurance.
Practice of Kyudo improves concentration and it usually takes new students of the Japanese archery art several months to reach a level Basic.
Comparison between Western and Japanese bows
Western bows and arrows are symmetrical and Japanese bows are asymmetrical and large (over 2 meters high). One possible explanation for this is that the short, lower half of the Japanese YUMI bow allowed archers to shoot from side to side while mounted on horseback, blocked by the horse’s neck. Another explanation has to do with the difference in the strength of bamboo as it grows taller.
A second, less obvious difference is the intention of the practice.
While Western archery practice is almost exclusively concerned with hitting the target, the Japanese art of Kyudo also places a great deal of focus on the person’s attention and spirit while shooting.
Third, today Western archery generally uses synthetic materials such as fiberglass and plastic in the creation of equipment. Traditional Japanese Kyudo archery preserves the “old ways” by using only natural glues, feathers, and wood or bamboo.
In addition, when practicing Japanese Kyudo archery, one must wear unique traditional Japanese clothing and archery is performed in a strict manner, a manner that is usually not found in Western archery.
A short video introducing the art of Japanese Kyudo archery:
A video featuring a Kyudo practitioner, showing the process of shooting and using a bow, and an interview containing interesting information:
Japanese Mounted Archery – Yabusame
“Yabusame” – is a Japanese art in which one learns about the use of a bow and arrow while riding a horse.
The following video shows a women’s competition – archery while riding a horse in Japan:
Video with a demonstration of the use of a bow and arrow while riding a horse in Japan at the Kyoto Festival:
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– Click here to go to The extended information page on Types of Bows/Archery–
-Go to page Archery Lessons for Beginners –