Kyudo The Way of the Bow

by HOFF, FELIKS F.

• ISBN13: 9781570628528
• ISBN10: 1570628521
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-05-14
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

Kyudo: The Way of the Bowis the authoritative guide to the technique and philosophy of the ancient art of Japanese archery. Originally a samurai discipline, kyudo integrates technical skill with the development of a completely focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by Shintoism and Zen, kyudo is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear. This detailed, clearly written guide is an indispensable reference for kyudo students and an excellent sourcebook for anyone interested in the history of archery or warfare. The author, Feliks Hoff, a kyudo practitioner for over thirty years, gives a historical and philosophical view of the art and offers practical exercises for cultivating the proper mindset for each shot; detailed instruction on proper form and technique; an overview of the etiquette, dress, and ceremonial aspects of kyudo; and a survey of the various types of equipment used. Hoff presents the basic techniques of the Heki school of kyudo in step-by-step photographs. He also provides exercises for aiming and target shooting and lists common mistakes in form, technique, and concentration along with pointers on how to correct them. For more advanced students, Hoff includes a list of examination requirements and offers advice on teaching beginners.

Author Biography

Feliks F. Hoff has been a leading figure in kyudo for several decades in Germany, where he teaches the art at the University of Hamburg and the Freie Hochschule Hamburg.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
A Brief History of Kyudo	1	(14)
Kyudo Schools and Branch Schools	9	(6)
Kyudojo: The Practice Hall	15	(13)
The Shooting Area	15	(2)
The Target Zone	17	(2)
Recording and Announcement of Hits	19	(2)
Retrieving the Arrows	21	(1)
Shooting at the Makiwara	21	(1)
Other Dojo Equipment	22	(1)
Dojo Etiquette	23	(5)
The Bow	28	(15)
The History of the Bow	28	(3)
The Shape of the Bow	31	(2)
The Length of the Bow	33	(3)
Fiberglass Bows	36	(1)
Stringing, Evaluation, and Maintenance of Bows	36	(7)
The Bowstring: Tsuru	43	(4)
The History of the Bowstring	43	(2)
Handling and Care	45	(2)
The Glove: Yugake	47	(5)
Arrows: YA	52	(16)
The Shaft (No)	53	(4)
Nocks (Hazu)	57	(1)
Wrappings	58	(1)
Feathers	59	(1)
Haya and Otoya	60	(1)
Signature	61	(1)
Arrowheads	62	(3)
Types of Arrows	65	(3)
War Arrows
Arrows for Target and Competitive Shooting
Hunting and Sports Arrows
Special Types
Quivers	68	(3)
Dress	71	(5)
Accessories	76	(3)
Basic Technique of the Heki School	79	(31)
Preparatory Movements	79	(3)
Ashibumi (Stance)	82	(3)
Dozukuri (Balance)	85	(1)
Yugamae (Readying the Bow)	86	(7)
Torikake
Tenouchi
Monomi
Uchiokoshi (Raising the Bow)	93	(1)
Sanbun No Ni (Second Step toward Drawing the Bow)	94	(2)
Tsumeai (Reaching Maximum Draw)	96	(1)
Nobiai (Stretching, Extending)	96	(1)
Yagoro (Continuation of Nobiai)	97	(1)
Hanare (Release)	98	(1)
Zanshin (Reflection)	98	(1)
Yudaoshi (Lowering the Bow)	99	(1)
About Hanare (Release)	100	(6)
Breathing Patterns and Rhythm of Movements	106	(1)
Standing and Sitting	106	(4)
Aiming and Target Shooting	110	(5)
Practical Exercises	112	(3)
Teaching Beginners	115	(10)
How to Use the Rubber Practice Bow	117	(5)
Phases of Practice	122	(3)
Correcting Common Mistakes	125	(64)
Common Mistakes	125	(5)
Problems in Correction	130	(3)
Mistakes in Ashibumi (1-4)	133	(3)
Mistakes in Dozukuri (5-13)	136	(7)
Mistakes in Yugamae (14-23)	143	(6)
Mistakes in Uchiokoshi (24-27)	149	(2)
Mistakes in Hikiwake (Sanbun No Ni) (28-45)	151	(9)
Mistakes in Tsumeai (46-51)	160	(3)
Mistakes in Nobiai (52-56)	163	(4)
Mistakes in Hanare (57-83)	167	(17)
Mistakes in Zanshin (84-86)	184	(1)
Mistakes in Concentration (87)	185	(4)
Competition Forms	189	(14)
Forms of Competition in Kyudo	199	(4)
Examination Forms	203	(17)
Rules for Examinations	203	(17)
General Regulations
Examination Qualifications for Kyudo Kyu Degrees
Examination Qualifications for Kyudo Dan Degrees
Rules for Conferring Titles
Target Games: Matoasobi	220	(7)
Kohaku
Shichigosan
Sandanmato
Iwarimato
Omato
Tateichi-Yokoichi
Oginomato
Kinteki and Ginteki
Star Sign
Special Forms of Shooting	227	(8)
Sharei
Enteki
Kazuya and Koshiya
Hikime
Yabusame
Toshiya
Yumi No Kokoro: The Mind Born of Archery	235	(8)
Glossary	243	(10)
Recommended Reading	253	(2)
Illustration Credits	255	(2)
Resources	257