Kyūdō

Kyūdō is the traditional Japanese martial art of archery, characterized by its focus on mindfulness, precision, and the philosophy behind the practice. Unlike Western archery, Kyūdō emphasizes the mental state of the archer as much as the physical act of shooting. Practitioners aim to achieve a state of "shin-zen-bi," which translates to "truth, goodness, and beauty," in their shooting technique. The practice involves specific rituals and forms, with practitioners often using long, asymmetrical bows called "yumi." Kyūdō serves not only as a sport but also as a means of self-discovery and personal development.