Japanese Archery

Larrie

Does anyone know of any Japanese archery (Kyu-do) clubs in the Dublin area. I used to practice while living in Japan and would like to continue training if possible.
Many thanks,
L.

Aryzel

I don't think so, but if you've the equipment for it, i'm sure any club will let you practice it at their training session.

halenger

You'd think so Dermot? Not sure I would be so sure. Very different. 1 meter arrows and all that sorta thing.

Looks very interesting though. Mind giving us some more info on it Larrie? Just general run down of things. Especially differences between it and recurve archery (if you've experience of the latter). I've read up on it and all but you can't beat first hand knowledge.

Larrie

In Japanese archery, they use an asymmetrical 2 metre long bow, with customised arrows measuring from the centre of your chest to your findertips. (By asymmetric I mean the arrow is drawn about one third of the way up the bow). The arrow is drawn from above the head to mouth level and aimed horizontally at a 36cm target, 28 metres away. There are no sights or counter balances used, just a bow and a string. I've never tried western style archery, so I can't really make a detailed comparison, but I am aware of other differences such as the grip on the string, and aiming with both eyes. I suppose the main difference is that in kyu-do, the ritual or the draw and release is as important as hitting the target.
Unfortunately, the only equipment I managed to bring home with me was my glove, as the club owned everything else. So unless I can find somewhere with the appropriate gear, I'm afraid I'll have to call it a day.
L.

Aryzel

goto. http://www.ucd.ie/archery/archery/bows.html#kyudo

for a quick look at it. I can't see why any club wouldn't let you him shoot it. all it requires is the same as any archer. A bow(unusal shape but still a bow), arrows(a little long, but have you ever seen Gavins arrows ) . A target and space to stand on the shooting line.

Not so different after all.

Aryzel

had a quick look around for Kyudo equipment for ya,

www.bowsports.com, do a kyudo bow, and you can get any other equipment from there too. the bow is under the Traditional Bows section in their online ship.
Direct link to it is. Kyudo Bow costs ~200 sterling, which is about 290 euro.

Look around their site, get an idea of what you might need and how much it would cost you. Also ask around different archer clubs near you to see, if they are ok with you using it there. You can get club contacts at www.archery.ie


Edit: fixed Bowsports link

halenger

Guess you have a point there Dermot. I don't know what I meant really. Just not too sure what distances they usually shoot at. Nevermind me. Lacking sleep yadda yadda...

oscarBravo

By the description, it has a fair bit in common with traditional "instinctive" field archery.