Book Description
Kyudo-the Way of the Bow-is the oldest of Japan's traditional martial arts and the one most closely associated with bushido, the Way of the Warrior. After the Second World War Eugen Herrigel introduced the concept of kyudo to the West in his classic Zen in the Art of Japanese Archery. But
until now, no Japanese kyudo master has published a book on his art in English.

In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery, Hideharu Onuma and his American co-authors, Dan and Jackie DeProspero, explain in detail both the spiritual and practical aspects of kyudo. Written with both novices and advanced students in mind, the book is presented in simple,
straightforward language and features hundreds of detailed illustrations, supplemented by rare photographs of Master Onuma, clearly demonstrating the fundamental techniques and daily practice of this form of "standing Zen."

Including chapters on equipment and kyudojo construction, Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery is the most comprehensive reference work on the subject available. Special sections on problem solving and shitsu (errors) also make it a unique teaching and learning resource, and the
concluding shiteimondo (teacher-student dialogue) provides unparalleled insights into the thoughts and teachings of a true master of the martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great book, fun and an easy read.
Fun book if you want to not only learn the art of Japaneese long bow, but the history as well.

Art, Tradition and Spirit
In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior)yuo'll find the lost way in our every day life. Life as arrows, may flight to the tag or may be broken.
With a lots of pictures and explanations about Zen Archery, this book is a great deal.

very good introduction
i knew nothing about kyudo and found this book to be very helpful.Concise and easy to read without too much mumbo-jumbo.After reading the book, I just might try the sport

A Must-Have-And-Read book for Kyudo beginners
Wonderfull book, covers both spiritual and technical aspects of kyudo practice. Dialogs with Onuma-sensei are very very valuable for real understanding of what kyudo is stands for, problem solving section helps a lot for technics. Very well done as a book - exceptional quality. A must have book...

Should be known as the Kyudo Bible.
This is one of the best books out on the art of Kyudo. I am currently in Japan teaching and have taken up the practice of Kyudo as a way to learn about Japanese culture. The book covers all areas of interest and is verydetailed with step by step illustrations. My instructor refers to the bookoften to point out my mistakes and highlight my improvement. If you arelearning Kyudo or just want to read about its history and culturalsignificance, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hello Grasshopper
Remember the world of the TV series Kung Fu? Buy this book and flashback to the quizzical GrassHopper asking myriad questions to the oriental sage and acquiring "wisdom" and therefore "illumination". A good buy to add to one's collection of "zen-style" books on the pine booksheves (near Herrigel's) and there are a few gems of "wisdom", oriental in style, otherwise nothing new. Somewhat repetative as well.

A gem of wisdom in writing
Beyond the fact that I live and work in Japan, this book is useful not only for those of us seeking wisdom from the traditional arts of Asia but anywhere. Dan Deprospero has done a superb job synthesizing all of theaccumulated teaching of his teacher - almost one decade - within 143 pages.As mentioned in the introduction, some of it will seem obvious andrepetitive but one needs to read this book several times to grasp lessonswhich can be applied to daily living. Indeed, each chapter is like a gem. ... Read more

Book Description
Kyudo: The Way of the Bow is the authoritative guide to the technique and philosophy of the ancient art of Japanese archery. Originally a samurai discipline, kyudo integrates technical skill with the development of a completely focused and disciplined mind. Influenced by Shintoism and Zen, kyudo is a path of self-development and meditation that requires the archer to cultivate precision, a clear mind, and freedom from fear. This detailed, clearly written guide is an indispensable reference for kyudo students and an excellent sourcebook for anyone interested in the history of archery or warfare. The author, Feliks Hoff, a kyudo practitioner for over thirty years, gives a historical and philosophical view of the art and offers practical exercises for cultivating the proper mindset for each shot; detailed instruction on proper form and technique; an overview of the etiquette, dress, and ceremonial aspects of kyudo; and a survey of the various types of equipment used. Hoff presents the basic techniques of the Heki school of kyudo in step-by-step photographs. He also provides exercises for aiming and target shooting and lists common mistakes in form, technique, and concentration along with pointers on how to correct them. For more advanced students, Hoff includes a list of examination requirements and offers advice on teaching beginners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just a technical manual
This is a good book if you want to learn how to accurately shoot a Japanese Yumi, but dare not call it Kyudo. In Kyudo you practice technique so you don't have to use it. If all you are interested in is how to put an arrow on a piece of paper from 90ft away, this book is for you. If you are new to Kyudo, in this case, this book would be of some help, but it is only one piece of the puzzle, 1/3 to be exact. If you consider this book to only be the first third of Kyudo, then this is one of the better books detailing that particular part. It will surly get you started.

Ancient Art of Japanese Archery
This book is very technical in its dealing with the ancient art of Japanese archery.It goes over the equipment, techniques, and etiquite for kyudo.I recommend this for those who are going to start studying archery or those who are already studying it.However, I don't recommend this for casual reading.If you are interested in reading about martial arts for pleasure, I recommend that you pass on this book.If you need a reference to help you with your kyudo technique, this is great. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Kyudo - Grace
I haven't actually finished the little book yet.I was disappointed it was so thin; but after I started reading, I realized that there was a lot of information packed in there.

I also haven't finished it yet, but the book has really peaked my interest.I've started looking for local tournaments, so that I might start as a spectator.

Of interest...just
Kyudo: The Japanese Art of Archery
By William R.B. Acker,Joseph Acker.
A little book so if you fancy it order it with another to keep the postage down. Interested in Archery whilst based in Japan the author decides to take the Japanese route to Archery, and as with most sports in Japan there is adiscipline of archery called Kyudo. There are some good interesting comments on physical stance and concentration that will make the difference to improving your skills.

Not an adequate or satisfying introduction/technical manual.
After reading this book in one short sitting, I am unsure as to why the author wrote it. The book basically describes a step-by-step process of Kyudo with several anecdotes sprinkled here and there. The reader isprovided with many technical details, but is left confused from the lack ofa fluid overview of the subject matter. The few illustrations that do existprovided very little descriptive aid to the text. Noticeable aspectsof the book are its tone and language. The writing style is both cumbersomeand reminiscent of a 1940's technical manual. The author also assumes thatthe reader knows very little of the Japanese culture and beliefs. Whilethis is not a fault, it is an ineffective assumption for such a short book.I assumed that the book was meant to be an introduction to Kyudo. In thisregard, the book failed to accomplish its goal, leaving anyone interestedin Kyudo to search for a more substantial and clear text. ... Read more