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Kyudo translates to "the way of the bow" and is one
of the oldest Japanese martial arts. Originally a weapon of war, the
Yumi or Japanese bow is no longer a practical weapon but is used today
as part of a discipline for self-improvement.
Kyudo originated from a combination of battlefield and ceremonial
archery several hundred years ago. There are several schools of kyudo,
the most prominent being the Ogasawara, Heki, and Honda schools.
The yumi is obviously different from a western bow, being much longer
and asymmetric. The emphasis of Kyudo on personal development is reflected
in a simple and clean design in a bow that emphasizes the conduct
and performance of the archer.
The practice of Kyudo can help cultivate focus and inner calm in today's
hectic world. The "way" involves awareness of both yourself
and your relation of one with others and in a similar way to many
other Japanese martial ways provides a structure within which to cultivate
character and spirit. It has been said that during the process of
shooting one can see both the flaws and greatness in the character
of the archer.
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In
Japan, Kyudo is popular with both men and women, young and old. Although
its slow deliberate pacing does not require an especially high level
of strength or agility, it shares a heritage with other martial arts
in valuing internal stability and mental focus in the face of disturbances.
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During
the 2008 Aki Matsuri, Seiwakai will give
a Kyudo demonstration.
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