Kyūdō Facts for Kids

A Japanese archer with targets. Ink on paper, 1878

Kyūdō is a special Japanese way of archery. Its name means "way of the bow." It is a type of martial art. Kyūdō comes from ancient Japanese archery, which was called kyū-jutsu.

Archery in Japan started a very long time ago, during the Jōmon period. It became very important for the samurai, who were Japan's military class.

When the Meiji era began in 1868, big changes happened in Japan. The samurai lost their power because Emperor Meiji became the new ruler. Because of this, many martial arts, including Kyūdō, became less popular for a while.

Before the Meiji Restoration, only the military class could practice Kyūdō. But after these changes, regular people could also learn archery. This helped Kyūdō spread and become a fun hobby for many. Today, the Japan Kyudo Federation helps promote Kyūdō as a sport. The tools used in Kyūdō have also changed over time.

Kyūdō Styles
How to Shoot (Technique)
Kyūdō Equipment
Images for kids
See also

Kyūdō Styles

Kyudo archers

There are different ways to practice Kyūdō. Most people who learn Kyūdō follow the techniques taught by the All Japan Kyudo Federation. When we talk about "style" in Kyūdō, it usually means the way you move.

Here are some main styles:

Ogasawara style: This is a very common style. It focuses a lot on good manners and proper form. Many Kyūdō players learn from this style.
Heki style: This style is more about hitting the target and using power.
Honda style: This style mixes ideas from both the Heki style and the Ogasawara style.
Yamato style: This style also comes from the Heki style.

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center - A young monk waiting for the Kyūdō master to finish his shot

How to Shoot (Technique)

Kyūdō has eight main steps for shooting an arrow. These are called the "Eight Stages of Shooting" (Shaho-Hassetsu). They are the basic movements you learn.

Here are the steps:

Ashibumi: This is about placing your feet correctly.
Dozukuri: This means forming your body into the right posture.
Yugamae: This is getting the bow ready.
Uchiokoshi: This is raising the bow. You might raise it straight up (like in Ogasawara and Honda styles) or at a slant (like in Heki and Yamato styles).
Hikiwake: This is the action of drawing the bowstring back.
Kai: This is when the bowstring is fully drawn back and you are ready to shoot.
Hanare: This is the release of the arrow.
Zanshin: This means "remaining body or mind." It's about staying focused and calm after the shot.

Kyūdō Equipment

Kyudo archers

The tools used in Kyūdō are very important.

Yumi (Bow): Traditionally, the yumi is made from bamboo, wood, and leather. But today, many bows are made from modern materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber. These newer bows are often cheaper than the traditional bamboo ones.

Arrows: The shaft of a traditional arrow is made of bamboo. Now, many arrow shafts are made from aluminum or carbon fibers. The feathers on the arrow, called fletching, traditionally come from eagle or hawk feathers. Modern arrows might use feathers from turkey or swan instead.

Clothing: People wear special clothes called Kyūdōgi when they practice Kyūdō. For formal events, they wear traditional Japanese clothes called Wahuku.