| The world "Kyudo" derives from the Japanese | | | | "The Truth" in archery in Japan consists of |
| meaning of "The way of the Bow". Archery is a | | | | taking aim of what is considered to be |
| sport that is considered one of the most | | | | justified and natural. There are three things |
| natural of sports. Many many years ago in | | | | that made up the harmony one experiences when |
| Japan archery was more of a way to wage war | | | | participating in Kyudo. They are movement, |
| and hunt as well as competitive reasons. It | | | | attitude, and technique. Getting into a |
| was both a daily necessity and a hobby. Back | | | | somewhat philosophical point of view, in |
| in ancient times, the warrior who practiced | | | | Japan, when you shoot for the right thing, |
| archery practiced what was referred to as | | | | you are shooting not at the center of the |
| "Kyujutsu". Some of the same ancient | | | | target, but what is already there. |
| traditions and ways of archery that existed | | | | |
| in Japan all those years ago don't really | | | | The beauty is considered to exist within the |
| have a place in society today, yet some of | | | | bow itself and also within the archer him |
| the traditions taught by some still live on, | | | | herself, all part of the tradition of Kyudo. |
| although not nearly on as large of a scale as | | | | The Japanese archers believe that beauty is |
| back then. Those who practice Kyudo today do | | | | the life-force that gives birth to the spirit |
| so for mental and physical reasons, to | | | | and therefore ultimately the meaning of life |
| achieve a higher level of being and personal | | | | itself. |
| enjoyment. | | | | |
| | | | "The Good" is basically all the aspects of |
| Although no one can say for sure when the | | | | what is right in the human body and spirit, |
| phrase "kyudo" began being used, by the time | | | | including kindness, politeness, and harmony. |
| of the 19th century it had become widely | | | | All of these things (the goodness) comes into |
| accepted because of the popularity and | | | | being by the archer always doing the right |
| recognition it had gained. The three things | | | | thing under all circumstances. Advanced kyudo |
| that modern archers in Japan strive for are | | | | archers are considered to be those who have |
| truth, beauty, and what is called "The Good". | | | | grace and keep their calm through anxiety and |
| | | | problems. |