Kyudo as Art
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Kyudo: The Art of Japanese Archery By Payton Cannon

Kyudo is a form of archery that originated in Japan . It is perhaps the only kind of archery, which could be termed, a "Spiritual Archery." Heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and Shintoism, its objective may be said to be much different than what you probably consider shooting arrows to be all about. This is a case where hitting the target is considered a means to an end, an end consisting of discipline and peace of mind. For this reason there are certain rituals involved with Kyudo, which go beyond the realms of a typical sport activity. Precise mental preparation and state while practicing are important concerns.

To practice Kyudo, one need not be a member of any particular faith or church, but a strong desire to learn about the art and about oneself and plenty of patience is required.

Mizue Hasegawa comes from a long line of Kyudo archers. She is a fourth generation practitioner where her family traditionally made arrows for the Tokugawa Shogunate, an era in Japanese history ranging from 1603 to 1868.

"When I was growing up, bows and arrows were toys for me," Hasegawa said. "I officially started taking Kyudo when I was 13 years old. Kyudo is one of the ways that I can represent myself as Japanese and also as a descendent of the Hasegawa family. I can apply all the discipline to actual life."

In first learning Kyudo one might easily practice for a number of months without even actually shooting an arrow. Learning how to approach and face your target, how to assume the proper stance and mental attitude are important aspects of this form of archery that can typically occupy much of your initial exposure. Other aspects of the Kyudo practitioner's training vary greatly from what is more commonly known as archery in the western world. Traditionally, a beginning archery practitioner might easily develop technique on a practice target a mere 12 feet away for as long as a year before graduating to an actual target 30 feet or more away.

Kyudo can be considered the first and oldest of Japanese martial arts. Samurai warrior classes developed the practice for ceremonial and spiritual purposes as well as for warfare, as early as the 16th century. Kyudo is believed to have arrived in Hawai'i in the late 1800s with the Japanese laborers. While through time the practice has changed physically, the mental and spiritual aspects have remained constant to it.

Our Motto
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."
Thomas Jefferson

Nascar Directory Nascar is the most popular and exciting car racing sport in the world. Nacar is the essence of stock Car Racing. Nascar tracks and races are all approved and conducted to the highest standards. It offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the exciting sport of stock car racing that is safe and regulated so there is minimal danger and maximum emphasis on skill. Click on the picture to learn more.

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