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The Japanese are quite well known for doing
more than what is required, not just in their work, but in practically all
walks of life. This “more” doesn’t necessarily mean more work, but could
also mean more meaning, giving that distinct Japanese outlook, which the
world has come to known.
In the realm of archery, Kyudo, Japanese
Archery taken into an art form, is one solid example of just how far that
distinct Japanese outlook could bring something “trivial” to. As a form of
martial art, the Japanese Archery is classified to be modern. The name Kyudo
literally translates to way of the bow, and is seen as an avenue for
meditation to take place.
Like all Japanese Martial Arts, Japanese
Archery is embodied by a philosophy, one which is calming. Approximate
estimations to the number of Kyudo practitioners are known to reach half a
million in population, with many getting actively involved into the
activity. Japanese Archery holds no specific views towards the ideal age or
gender which could define a Kyudo practitioner. Regardless of gender or age,
the art of Japanese Archery could be learned and/or mastered by anyone.
As noted, Japanese Archery boasts to have a
philosophical sense, attracting many practitioners into it for the moral and
spiritual development which could be gained from the activity. But of
course, many are into Kyudo not just for these factors, but also for the
discipline involved in making more accurate marksmen out of a Kyudo
practitioner.
In Kyudo, the nobiai or the action of
expansion unique to Japanese Archery, is what many Kyudo practitioners
strive for. The nobiai is known to result in the “natural release”, allowing
accuracy to prevail in one’s bow and arrow skills. This natural release,
comes from a conjunction between the spirit and balance of the actual
shooting. If correctly done, the arrow will arrive to its aimed target, with
no problems at all.
The spiritual goal would be that to give
oneself to the shooting when talking about this for of Japanese Archery.
In terms of competitions and related
events, the views towards such adherences for Kyudo practitioners are
varied. Some work on the belief that through competition, the spiritual
gains which Japanese Archery boasts could be achieved in full. Others, don’t
see the value of competition, as spirituality is one which is subjective and
is nowhere near competitive.
Bottom line, when talking about Japanese
Archery, one is sure to notice tones of “being one”, definitive of all that
is Japanese. Indeed, when talking about doing more that what is required,
the Japanese have it made, with Japanese Archery being a good example.
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