kyujutsu

Kyujutsu is the traditional Japanese art of archery, focusing on the technique of drawing the bow, aiming, and releasing arrows, historically for warfare or hunting. It is the predecessor of kyudo, the modern martial art and sport that emphasizes form, discipline, and inner development.

Origins of archery in Japan date to the early centuries, with practice connected to military training and ritual. In the feudal era, many kyujutsu schools (ryū) taught samurai to shoot from foot and horseback, passing down specialized techniques and etiquette. With the Meiji Restoration and subsequent modernization, kyujutsu gradually gave way to kyudo as a standardized sport and spiritual practice. Today, kyujutsu survives as a term for traditional battlefield techniques and as a focus of study within some dojos and among practitioners of historical arts.

Practice emphasizes precision, control, and composure over brute force. Core components include the stages of the draw, the release, and the follow-through, along with concepts such as kai (full draw), hanare (release), and zanshin (continued awareness). Etiquette, breathing, and consistent form are integral to training, drills, and demonstrations across schools.

Equipment commonly used includes the yumi, a tall, asymmetrical bow; ya, arrows; and yugake, a glove worn on the drawing hand to protect the fingers. Arrows are typically made of bamboo or laminated wood, with feather fletching. Training occurs in dojos and outdoor ranges, following established ryū traditions and safety rules.