'The Way of Bow'

Kyudo (the Way of the Bow) is Japanese archery, which has been practised since ancient times. Archery from horseback is still part of several festivals held each year. Archers wear a traditional costume which includes a yugake(deerskin glove) on the drawing hand and tabi (Japanese-style socks). They stand with a stance equal to half their height. The 2.21 meter bow is held with two thirds of the bow above the grip. As a martial art influenced by Zen Buddhism, the emphasis is on form rather than accuracy. In competition, there are long-range and short-range matches. In the former, the target is 100cm in diameter and 60m from the archer while in the latter, there is a 36cm target at a distance of 28m.