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Kyudo Blog
Explore the historical origins, etiquette and culture, equipment knowledge, and philosophy of Kyudo. Through easy-to-understand articles, we guide you to deeply understand this traditional martial art that embodies "Truth, Goodness, and Beauty".
Kyudo Global Form & Skeleton Analysis — See How You Actually Shoot
You've practiced kyudo for years, yet you've never really seen your own shooting. Set your phone beside you and Kyudo Global overlays skeleton lines on the video, giving shape to deviations you can't normally feel. On-device; your video never leaves it.
Legendary Archery Masters: Fourteen Iconic Figures in Japanese Kyudo History
From Minamoto no Yoshiie and Minamoto no Tametomo in the Heian period, to Ogasawara Nagakiyo and Takeda Nobumitsu in Kamakura, Heki Danjo Masatsugu and Yoshida Shigekata in Muromachi, Yoshimi Junsei, Hoshino Kanzaemon, and Wasa Daihachiro in Edo, Ando Hayataro in Bakumatsu, and Honda Toshizane and the archery saint Awa Kenzo in the modern era. Fourteen iconic figures in Japanese archery history.
Yabusame 2026 Highlights: Kamakura, Nikko and Meiji Jingu This Autumn
Yabusame (流鏑馬) is the art of drawing a bow and loosing arrows from the back of a galloping horse. The archer, dressed in full hunting attire, races down a track and shoots arrows clean through a series of wooden targets (板的) along the way. It's a samurai ritual that dates all the way back to Minamoto no Yoritomo, with more than eight hundred years of history behind it. Every autumn, shrines all across Japan offer it up as a sacred dedication. If you happen to be heading to Japan in the second half of this year, these yabusame events are absolutely worth working into your itinerary.
What is Hassetsu (Eight Stages of Shooting)?
Hassetsu is the standard division of Kyudo shooting, defined in the "Kyudo Manual" published by the All Nippon Kyudo Federation (ANKF). From the moment you start to draw the bow to the moment you lower it, the entire process is divided into eight stages.
Kyudo Dan, Kyu, and Title System
The Kyudo ranking system is awarded by the ANKF, comprising 5 Kyu, 10 Dan, and 3 titles: Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. This article outlines the structure and history.
What is Yugaeri (Bow Rotation) in Kyudo?
Today let's discuss Yugaeri in Kyudo. Simply put, it's the natural rotation of the bow in the left hand at the moment of release, with the string wrapping around to the back of the arm.
Types of Arrows Used in Japanese Kyudo
Kyudo is a martial art of archery, so naturally arrows are essential. Modern Kyudo arrows come in three types: Kinteki-ya (short-range), Enteki-ya (long-range), and Makiwara-ya (straw target practice), made from three materials: aluminum, carbon, and bamboo.
The Little Prince and the Fox: Why Ritual Matters in Kyudo
Kyudo is a traditional Japanese competitive sport and an ancient martial art. It involves shooting arrows at a target with a Japanese bow, requiring physical discipline, spiritual cultivation, and proper etiquette to train both body and mind.
Ando Sotaro: The Archery Master of the Shinsengumi
Ando Sotaro served as Assistant Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi and died from wounds sustained at the Ikedaya Incident. But he also set Japan's top record in Toshi-ya (endurance archery) at Todai-ji Temple.
Kyudo Equipment Care: Grip Leather (Nigiri-kawa) Replacement Guide & Reviews
My Japanese bow is wider than standard, so store-bought grip underlays don't fit properly — they leave grooves when wrapped. I decided to properly rebuild the underlay and document the process.
The Spirit of Bushido in "The Last Samurai"
Exploring the spirit of Bushido through "The Last Samurai", analyzing the deep connections between Kendo's "Tenouchi" and "Zanshin", Kyudo's "Kai and Hanare", and Sado's "Kiribishaku".
Toshiya at Sanjusangendo: A Special Coming-of-Age Ceremony
Modern Toshiya is a coming-of-age ceremony for new adults and a hall of fame for high-ranking practitioners.
Buying My First Bamboo Bow: "Yokoyama Reimei"
This is essentially a memoir, recording the process of purchasing this bamboo bow back in the day.
Nikko Road Trip - Toshogu, Fan Archery Tournament, & Initial D
In terms of travel planning, this can be considered a one-day road trip itinerary for Nikko...
Kyudo beginner guide: what to know before your first dojo visit
This short guide covers contacting a dojo, etiquette, the usual beginner practice order and basic safety before starting Kyudo.
Kyudo vs archery: equipment, distance and shooting method
Kyudo and competitive archery both use a bow and arrow, but their equipment, shooting method, etiquette and competition aims differ.
Kyudo Sharei Explained: Etiquette from Entering to Exiting the Shooting Hall
Kyudo sharei is not just a formal performance. This guide explains rei, taihai, kamiza, honza, shai, and the basic flow from entering the shooting hall to exiting after the shot.
