Welcome to Kyujutsu England: Experience the Samurai Art of Japanese Archery
As a beginner, intermediate, or advanced archer, Kyujutsu will give you something that's almost impossible to find elsewhere.
What is Kyujutsu
Kyujutsu
Kyujutsu, the ancient art of Japanese archery, embodies the essence of skillful combat with a bow. Combining "Kyu" (bow) and "Jutsu" (method), this technique has been a cornerstone of martial prowess for centuries. Wielded by the samurai class during Japan's tumultuous feudal era, Kyujutsu played a pivotal role in countless battles among warring clans.
Unlike its descendant, Kyudo, which emphasizes the meditative practice of archery where hitting the target isn't the main goal, Kyujutsu is all about precision and impact. Every shot counts, making it a dynamic and thrilling aspect of samurai warfare.
Dive into the rich history and tradition of Kyujutsu and experience the legacy of the samurai's archery mastery firsthand!
Yumi
In Kyujutsu, the Japanese art of archery, the Yumi bow has a rich history of diverse applications, including warfare, hunting, ceremonial events, and court games. The Yumi, standing over two meters in length, features an asymmetrical design with the grip (nigiri) positioned about one-third up from the bottom.
The Yumi's construction remains true to centuries-old techniques, primarily utilizing bamboo and wood. However, modern materials like carbon fiber are also employed today. The bowstring (tsuru) was traditionally crafted from natural fibers such as hemp or horsehair and arranged differently for various uses. Nowadays, synthetic fibers like Dacron are also used.
Ya
The arrows, known as 'Ya', are much longer than those used in Western archery and were traditionally crafted from bamboo. Nowadays, we use metal shafts. Historically, the arrowheads were either simply sharpened to a point or combined with metal, bone, or horn heads, with various styles suited for different purposes. Today, we use modern metal bullet-point heads, which effectively reduce damage to the targets without compromising the arrows' effectiveness.
About Us
Training
During Kyujutsu practice, archers aim at various points on a target (O-Mato) from ranges of 10-28 meters indoors and 30-60 meters or more outdoors. Archers also shoot in formation, enabling students to understand and practice military archery drills from feudal Japan. Training covers different firing positions, including standing, kneeling, and shooting from behind cover, as well as shooting while on the move for fast-paced scenarios. Japanese commands are used throughout the class, enhancing students' knowledge of Kyujutsu terminology, ensuring safety, and maintaining the art's authentic feel, just as it was done by the samurai of that era.
Classes include practice in proper etiquette, Japanese introductions, warm-ups, learning about bow crafting and historical knowledge, and shooting in the Yamabushi-Ryu style. Students also help set up and prepare the dojo, then check, clean, and clear away equipment afterward, noting any issues for repair. This shows dedication and respect.
Imagine drawing your Yumi bow, feeling the tension in the string, and releasing an arrow with pinpoint precision, all while surrounded by the echoes of samurai history. This is a rare opportunity to learn an addictive martial art with the only official Yamabushi-Ryu registered class in the UK, led by fully qualified instructors. Annual seminars in the UK, Ireland, and Europe encourage students to deepen their knowledge and experience the full depth of this remarkable style. Gradings and seminars provide continuous skill development under the tutelage of Yamabushi-Ryu in Herne, Germany.
To top it all off, the camaraderie you’ll build with fellow students, the sense of accomplishment after a well-placed shot, and the appreciation for the samurai way of life will make every class an unforgettable experience.
Venues
Classes run every Sunday 14:00 - 16:00
The Archery Centre
Buckland, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5HZ
For a full list of venues in Europe https://kyujutsuinternational.com/