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Kyudo "the way of the bow" is the Japanese martial art of archery. To the purists it is not a competitive sport, marksmanship is regarded as relatively unimportant. Kyudo is a powerful and highly refined contemplative practice, akin to meditation.
Popularity
Kyudo is often reconised by the exceptionally tall bow (the yumi) used, surpassing the height of the archer. It was estimated in 2005 that there were approximately half a million practitioners of kyudo, of which 132760 were federation graded members.
Age
Men and women of all ages are able to practice Kyudo as a sport. Physical strength is not a factor. Children can begin at around 8 yrs of age, but because of the maturity necessary, the contemplative aspects are not taught before the age of 15 or 16.
Ability
To progresses along the Kyudo path one must have the insight and guidance of a master or qualified teacher, Kyudo cannot be learned from books.
Description
Kyudo practice includes the idea of moral and spiritual development. Today many archers practice kyudo as a sport, in which marksmanship is paramount. However, the goal most devotees of kyudo seek is seisha seichu, "correct shooting is correct hitting". In kyudo the unique action of expansion (nobiai) is sought, this results in a natural release. Only when the technique of shooting is correct, is the result that the arrow hits the target.
Dedication
To give oneself completely to the shooting is the spiritual goal, achieved by perfection of both the spirit and shooting technique leading to munen muso, "no thoughts, no illusions".
Closely
Related Activities
Archery related;
Clout Archery 676, Target Archery 15, Field Archery 14, Flight Archery 987, Popinjay 1012, Field Sports 254.
Mind related martial arts;
Kiaikido 374, Kung Fu 376, Tai Chi 378,
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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