Women have only been allowed to practice kyudo since the end of World War 2.
Women have only been allowed to practice kyudo since the end of World War 2. when the Allied occupation force decreed that the Way of the Bow be open to all.
Bamboo from a hillside just outside Kyoto, where master bow maker Waca Sensei gets his supply.
Bamboo from a hillside just outside Kyoto, where master bow maker Waca Sensei gets his supply.
Kyudo is important in Japanese Shinto and Buddhism,
Kyudo is important in Japanese Shinto and Buddhism, as can be seen at this monastery in Nikko.
European archers gather outside in the grounds of a nunnery near Breda, Holland
European archers gather outside in the grounds of a nunnery near Breda, Holland, in Summer 2007 as guests of the Baraka dojo for a rare audience with Kanjuro Shibata.
Bow maker Waca hammering wedges into the glued and bound composite bow (yumi)
Bow maker Waca hammering wedges into the glued and bound composite bow (yumi) to create its characteristic curve.
Born in Kyoto, Japan in 1921, On-yumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX explains
Kyuodo in holland
Advanced students shoot 28-metres away with a target of 36 cm
The deerskin glove (yugake) with a horn or wood-hardened thumb came into use in the 15th century.
The deerskin glove (yugake) with a horn or wood-hardened thumb came into use in the 15th century. It allows the archer to hold the draw long enough for him examine the relationship between himself and his shooting, the ‘standing Zen’ aspect of kyudo
Bow master Waca inscribes the inside of half a bow before gluing and binding it.
Using six pieces of wood from three different varieties, there are recognizably distinct styles of bow making, passed down family lines. Bow master Waca inscribes the inside of half a bow before gluing and binding it.
Bamboo, along with two different types of wood, is used to make a composite yumi.
Bamboo, along with two different types of wood, is used to make a composite yumi (bow)
Kanjuro (Waca) Sensei, 23rd generation bow maker, in his Kyoto workshop.
Kanjuro (Waca) Sensei, 23rd generation bow maker, and son-in-law of Sensei Kanjuro Shibata, in his Kyoto workshop.
Kyudo is the most ancient of Japanese martial arts and was practised by all samurai warriors
Kyudo is the most ancient of Japanese martial arts and was practised by all samurai warriors. The bow was used in warfare until the late 16th century, when it began to take on more of a spiritual practice as part of the path of chivalry known as Bushido.
European archers as guests of the Baraka dojo for a rare audience with Kanjuro Shibata.
The first ya (arrow) is ‘notched’ (put on the bowstring) and the second held. One is female and the other male
. The first ya (arrow) is ‘notched’ (put on the bowstring) and the second held. One is female and the other male, and even the feathers used in the flights curve in opposite directions.
A completed yumi is strung for the first time by master bow maker Waca Sensei.
A completed yumi is finally strung for the first time by master bow maker Waca Sensei.
Sanjusangendo. Built in 1164, it is the site of a 120-metre archery hall that is still used for special occasions.
Four of the 1001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy inside the temple at Sanjusangendo. Built in 1164, re-built in 1266, it is the site of a 120-metre archery hall that is still used for special occasions.
Sanjusangendo, built in 1164, re-built in 1266. The narrow, 120-metre archery hall has been the site of the most spectacular feats of archery. In the mid-17th century Wasa Daihachiro shot 13,053 arrows (making 8,133 hits) in a single 24-hour period – an average of nine arrows a minute.
Outside the temple at Sanjusangendo, built in 1164, re-built in 1266. The narrow, 120-metre archery hall has been the site of the most spectacular feats of archery. In the mid-17th century Wasa Daihachiro shot 13,053 arrows (making 8,133 hits) in a single 24-hour period – an average of nine arrows a minute.
Maintaining all equipment is very important, along with particular rituals involve
. Cleaning and maintaining all equipment is very important, along with particular rituals involved with preparing every aspect of the shot.
The grace and artistry of the bow, the quiet elegance of the traditional attire, the dignity and tranquility of the archer.
Beauty too is important in kyudo and one of the things most readily appreciated by outsiders. The grace and artistry of the bow, the quiet elegance of the traditional attire, the dignity and tranquility of the archer.
Zen, and the naturalness of pure kyudo practice.
The harmony of this sacred Japanese garden illustrates the dual nature of life, Zen, and the naturalness of pure kyudo practice.
On-yumishi (Master Bow Maker) Kanjuro Shibata XX’s makes his first visit to Holland.
The Baraka dojo gathers at a village hall near Gouda, Holland six times a year. Here, in the summer of 2007, On-yumishi (Master Bow Maker) Kanjuro Shibata XX’s makes his first visit ever, so it is a special moment for its members.
Three layers are tightly bound and glued, then wedges are hammered in to the hemp string, to create the curves
Waca at work on a yumi (bow). Three layers are tightly bound and glued, then wedges are hammered in to the hemp string, to create the curves (via differential pressure on different parts of the bow).
A kyudojo (place to practice kyudo) in a temple complex in kyoto,
A kyudojo (place to practice kyudo) in a temple complex in kyoto, where advanced students shoot at a target 28-metres away with a target of 36 cm, under the watchful gaze of their Sensei (left).
Master bow maker Waca Sensei harvests and cures his own bamboo according to traditional methods
Master bow maker Waca Sensei harvests and cures his own bamboo according to traditional methods. It’s heavy work and a solitary occupation, with only occasional apprentices for help and company.
Pulling a arrow out of a Barrel of tightly-bound straw are used for practice indoors.
On-yumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX is twentieth in a line of master bow makers
Born in Kyoto, Japan in 1921, On-yumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX is twentieth in a line of master bow makers, and was a key figure in bring kyudo to the West.
Wedges hammered under the string binding the different sections of wood and bamboo .
Wedges hammered under the string binding the different sections of wood and bamboo to forge them into one yumi.
Pulling a arrow out of a Barrel of tightly-bound straw are used for practice indoors
Woman pulling a arrow out of a Barrel of tightly-bound straw are used for practice indoors. Kyudo is not about hitting the target, but atuning the mind to the unconscious to transcend technical knowledge and so allow the art to becomes artless, when ultimately, hitter and the hit are no longer two opposing objects.
Stone icon on a pilgrim route on Mt. Koya of a Shinto goddess holding elements of the wheel, bow, arrow.
Stone icon on a pilgrim route on Mt. Koya of a Shinto goddess holding elements of the wheel, bow, arrow. The yumi is believed to have the power to banish evil spirits and is still central to many Shinto and imperial rituals.
Restoring a 150-year-old yumi. As it is taken apart, Waca Sensei can tell which family made it
Waca Sensei restoring a 150-year-old yumi. As it is taken apart, the master bowman can tell which family made it. Once restored it will be in perfect shooting condition and fit to be passed down the (male) line of the owner’s family.
The composite woods of a yumi are glued and bound at great speed the whole 2-metre-plus bow is prepared in less than two minutes.
The composite woods of a yumi are glued and bound at great speed by master bow maker Waca, and with accuracy – the whole 2-metre-plus bow is prepared in less than two minutes.
Zen perfection in all things is aimed for, from the neatness of the kyudojo to the cleanness of the kimono.
Zen perfection in all things is aimed for, from the neatness of the kyudojo to the cleanness of the kimono, to the perfection of the body’s angles in the shooting pose.
Women have only been allowed to practice kyudo since the end of World War 2.
Women have only been allowed to practice kyudo since the end of World War 2. when the Allied occupation force decreed that the Way of the Bow be open to all.
Emperor Jimmu standing with the long bow
Emperor Jimmu standing with the long bow .Illustration from, Kyudo The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery .
Practice under the watchful eye of their Sensei.
At a village hall outside Breda, Holland, members of the Baraka dojo practice under the watchful if enigmatic eye of their Sensei.
Barrels of tightly-bound straw are used for practice indoors. Kyudo is not about hitting the target, but atuning the mind to the unconscious to transcend technical knowledge and so allow the art to becomes artless, when ultimately, hitter and the hit are no longer two opposing objects.
Amida nyorai amitbha Kamakura aera
13 th century
Amida nyorai amitbha Kamakura aera
13 th century