Kyudo is the traditional archery of Japan.

In the earliest history of Japan, the bow was used for hunting and as a weapon. Study of the bow at that time was termed kyu-"Jutsu", meaning the study of archery technique.

The Story of Nasu no Yoichi

Sometime around the fourteenth century, an influx of new ideas from Confucionism began changing the practice of many martial practices, and archery's name changed to kyu-"DO".

Thus kyudo, in its highest form, became a "way" or path of personal enlightenment.

Today Kyudo is practiced widely in Japan, as well as in Europe and the United States. The discipline still maintains traditional etiquette and form and is said to be one of the purest of Japan's martial arts.

Although the bow was once used for war and hunting, it no longer serves that purpose. However, for use in court ceremonies, competitions, games and daily practice, kyudo is very much alive. It is also currently practiced as a means of physical challenge, and charachter development .

The general practice of kyudo involves learning the eight basic steps of the shooting form along with learning coordinated movements with other archers. As a beginner, one will learn specific steps and movements as a foundation, and then build upon them with breathing, relaxation, concentration, and etiquette.

While striking the target is an obvious goal, it is the manner in which one shoots that is truly valued. By shooting with physical, mental and spiritual balance one meets the goal and thus the target.