1. Introduction

Physical consideration of KYUDO -Japanese archery

 1. Introduction

Many people believe that the bow hand (pushing hand/left hand) is crucial for hitting the target in Kyudo (Japanese archery). This is not necessarily wrong.

Perhaps this was especially true in the past when archers drew strong bows and released them with a small motion. It was a natural way to control the impact of a strong bow, and that's what I was taught by my teachers and seniors.

However, recently, it's become more common to avoid drawing a very strong bow and instead favor a wide release, so I can't help but feel a little uneasy about the old-fashioned conventions.

Without being bound by preconceived notions, I studied archery techniques from a physical perspective, and the hypothesis I came up with, based on my engineering-oriented thinking, is as follows:

1. The most important factor for hitting the target is the "shape (取り懸けの手の内/Torikake no Tenouchi) and effectiveness of the right hand (馬手/Mete)."
2. The bow hand (押し手/Oshite) is not as important. It is sufficient if you can push straight along the target.
3. In the first place, people are not good at performing separate movements with both hands simultaneously. If you use your right hand effectively, the pushing hand will work as a synchronized reflex.
4. Focusing not only on the target (left hand/pushing hand), but also on using your right hand correctly is the path to accurate and consistent shooting (正射必中/Seisha Hitchu).

What I find most puzzling is that while we're constantly reminded of the correct hand shape for the bow hand and how to properly apply pressure to the bow (角見/Tsunomi), we're rarely taught about the shape of the right hand or how to release it. Even textbooks don't explain it in detail. It almost feels like we're being left to fend for ourselves.

From a physical standpoint, it's true that the right hand is the one actually releasing the bow.

Moreover, you can't see this happening yourself. (Even though you can always see your left hand.)

As a result, progress in the draw and release of the bow stalls, no clues are found, the crucial parts are not taught, and the art of archery is treated as secondary, with the focus instead on manners and mental aspects. I think it's understandable that people come to think that archery is difficult, that they can't hit the target, and that it's not fun.

The most important challenge in Kyudo (Japanese archery) techniques lies in how to untangle the crossed-finger grip. This is similar to solving a complex puzzle.

Understanding the theory behind releasing the string—whether by force or smoothly—will eliminate hesitation and allow you to focus your attention on the follow-through (残身/Zanshin).

Everyone struggles with this, and I have too, but it's something nobody teaches: how to release the grip and how to detach from the Kai - The Full Draw. I want to explain these things concretely and physically, in a way that everyone can understand.

I hope this will help you clarify your goals and make archery more enjoyable.

Incidentally, my university department didn't have an archery range, so we practiced at the municipal archery range alongside the general public. Among the general public there was a rather elderly teacher who enthusiastically instructed us simply because he was a graduate of the same school. He wrote this report, trying to teach us something quite important, but it was something that I, with only a few years of experience, could not possibly understand.

The report, covering everything from basic to advanced topics, was nearly 100 pages long.

Now, rereading it, I understand much better what he was trying to convey. I realize that a significant portion of his writing contained crucial insights. I am truly grateful for that. I am using it as a great reference in my current research on Japanese archery techniques. Thank you. I started this post because I believe that passing on our experience to future generations is the way to repay this debt of gratitude.

Many school archery clubs seem to lack instructors. This is still a reality.

I occasionally see students coming to practice on their own, but sadly, their fundamental skills are severely lacking.

I recommend going to a public or similar dojo at least once a week to observe the shooting techniques of other people and ask questions about anything you don't understand. Just doing that should double your improvement speed. You're building upon the experience of those who came before you….

Next time, we'll explain in detail how to get started with "hitting the target (的中/Tekichu)".

We look forward to your next visit as you become more familiar with "hitting the target (的中/Tekichu)".

*******************************************

Physical consideration of KYUDO -Japanese archery

Contents

0. Start doing Japanese archery again

1. Introduction

*******************************************