The Japanese art of Archery is called Kyudo, which means the way of the bow in English. It is a hugely popular sport in Japan and can boast of more than half a millions exponents in Japan alone. This sport is popular among the men and women as well as kids. It is a sport which can be learnt by even the elderly people.

Japan is well-known for its martial arts disciplines. Kyudo is one of the most ancient martial arts of Japan. This martial arts form is influenced by the concept of Zen. Kyudo can also be regarded as a spiritual art. It is more than just improving one’s target practice. The purpose of Kyudo is also to improve the practitioner. In the olden days Kyudo was considered as the art of killing by a bow and arrow. There is evidence that bows and arrows were used even during the prehistoric times in Japan.

The traditional Japanese bows were made of woods, bamboos, and pieces of leather. The techniques of Bow making have remained unchanged since centuries. However, some modern Japanese archers have started to use bows and arrows made from synthetic material such as carbon fiber or glass fiber. Kyudo can be learnt at one of the many schools available in Japan. The practitioners undergo rigorous training under the able guidance of a master. It takes many years of dedicated practice to master the art of using the bow and arrow. Meditation is a major part of Kyudo training as archery is not the body alone. Mind too is important as one can hit a target only if he or she has a calm mind. The Japanese martial artists believe that mind training is more important than physical training. That is why a considerable amount of time is spent in calming the mind. Kyudo is not only about archery alone. It is a discipline to develop a person both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Kyudo is designed for the overall spiritual development of an individual. There are a number of Kyudo techniques which are used while shooting an arrow. These techniques are taught in various stages in the Kyudo schools all around Japan. All the recognized schools in Japan adhere to the guidelines set by the Kyudo governing body in Japan. Initially, Kyudo practitioners are required to shoot at a target within a short distance. This allows the practitioner to fine tune his or her archery technique. It requires an archer many years of dedicated practice to become a master in Kyudo.