Of the many martial traditions that span the globe, one of the most ancient and refined is the practice of kyudo, or traditional Japanese Archery. Since traditional times, the bow has been an integral part of the Japanese spirit, having been used originally as a hunting tool and in later times as a weapon of war. However, beyond these functions the bow has always been a symbol of respect for the Japanese people, playing a spiritual and aesthetic role that captivated the imagination of the Japanese people.
A primary aspect that differentiates kyudo from Western archery is in its emphasis on development as an art form. Both the psychological and spiritual aspects of the self are of paramount importance over the physical act of shooting, and as kyudo has evolved so has the ethical system it has incorporated into itself, drawing influence from such systems as Bushido, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Shin (Truth), Zen (Goodness), and Bi (Beauty) are the three central objectives of kyudo, and proper practice brings about harmony in the mind and body of the person performing the exercise of the art. A primary goal of the kyudo practitioner is to attain a state of mind known as Heijoshin | |
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