6. About uniting the Firming Points of the Body (Tsume-ai)

Physical consideration of KYUDO -Japanese archery

6. About uniting the Firming Points of the Body (詰め合い/Tsume-ai)

From here, I would like to explain the specific method of releasing the arrow by uncrossing the fingers at the grip (取り懸け/Torikake). After reading this, you will probably be able to approach your Japanese Kyudo shooting technique in a different way than before.

To achieve a natural release, it is said that in a full draw, "Uniting the Firming Points of the Body (詰め合い/Tsumeai)", "Tension (張り合い/Hariai)", and "Uniting the Expansions of the Body (伸び会い/Nobiai)" are essential.

But what exactly are "Uniting the Firming Points of the Body", "Tension", and "Uniting the Expansions of the Body"? This is a question everyone has, but few people can express it concretely; instead, it is expressed in terms of sensation, philosophy, or tradition. I would like to explain it as concretely as possible so that everyone can experience it.

This is purely my interpretation, so please skip this if you disagree.

Also, please do not read this if you belong to a different school of thought, have a different approach, or blindly believe in established concepts. It will be unnecessary information for you.

However, I will explain it as clearly and physically as possible, so I think there will be few points that can be refuted. Please use it as a reference.

<Uniting the Firming Points of the Body (詰め合い/Tsumeai)>

"Uniting the Firming Points of the Body (詰め合い/Tsumeai)" can simply be understood as getting the left hand and arm, the right hand and arm, and each part of the body into the correct positions for a full draw.

It is important to be mindful of "Gobu-no-tsume," "Hachibu-no-tsume," "Sanju-jumonji," and "Goju-jumonji." The meanings of these terms are explained in the first volume of the Kyudo textbook, and they are not abstract expressions, so I would like you to check them.

"Gobu-no-tsume" ; When the five points consisting of the left and right fist, the left and right shoulder, and the chest fit together according to correct skeletal alignment.

"Hachibu-no-tsume" ; Adding the feet, lower Back, and stomach to the Gobu-no-tsume and tightening together these eight areas according to correct skeletal alignment.

"Sanju-jumonji" ; The posture where seen from above, the soles of the feet, lower back and shoulders are aligned in one plane.

"Goju-jumonji" ; The five areas of the Jumonji: 1) the Yumi and Ya, 2) the Yumi and Tenouchi of the Oshide 3) the thumb of the Yugake and the Tsuru, 4) the center line of chest and the connection line of the shoulders, 5) The line of the neck and Ya.

I often see students practicing independently at public archery ranges. I've noticed that most of them have a poor "Goju-jumonji", particularly with the string and the glove's cap being misaligned and the glove's cap tilted forward.

It seems that people don't notice it because they can't see it themselves. However, it directly affects shooting habits, such as the arrow opening up or the draw becoming uncontrollable, so I hope you will all be mindful of each other and help correct it.

To achieve a full draw and effectively utilize the "Tension (張り合い/Hariai)" technique, the arrow must remain stable until release. The only way to maintain stability at this point is through a correct nocking and proper alignment of the string and glove's cross shape.

If you align the cross shape and maintain a consistent twist in the string from the nocking point, the position should not collapse.

First, once you enter full draw "会/Kai," you will prepare this "詰め合い/Tsumeai." "張り合い/Hariai" will be performed assuming that this "詰め合い/Tsumeai" is complete, so please check it carefully yourself.

Imagine a sprinter getting into position at the starting line, checking the position of their hands and feet, and adjusting their posture. This is where you begin to create a natural release of the right hand.

>Gobu-no-tsume:

(1) your left hand, (2) your right hand, (3&4) both shoulders, and (5) chest, place them in the correct positions.

>Hachibu-no-tsume:

Add three more areas to the five-part filling: (6) feet, (7) waist, and (8) abdomen.

>Sanju-jumonji:

(1) The soles of both feet, (2) the hips, and (3) both shoulders should overlap perfectly when viewed from above, extending the spine and nape of the neck upwards, stabilizing the lower body and lengthening the upper body. The backs of both knee joints (the posterior part of the knee) should be stretched.

>Goju-jumonji:

(1) Bow and arrow, (2) Bow and grip of the bow hand, (3) Pad of the right thumb and string, (4) Line connecting the midline of the chest and both shoulders, (5) Neck and arrow.

* From the first volume of the Kyudo (Japanese archery) textbook.

The importance of a cross shape (90 degree) can also be explained physically. A force acting at a right angle has no component forces, so no force acts in other directions, and therefore no misalignment occurs.

Next time, we'll be discussing ”Tension (張り合い/Hariai)”. We look forward to your next visit as you become more familiar with "hitting the target (的中/Tekichu)".