Customer Reviews

Kyudo the Japanese Art of Archery

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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 is provided with many technical details, but is left confused from the lack of a fluid overview of the subject matter. The few illustrations that do exist provided very little descriptive aid to the text. Noticeable aspects of the book are its tone and language. The writing style is both cumbersome and reminiscent of a 1940's technical manual. The author also assumes that the reader knows very little of the Japanese culture and beliefs. While this 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 this regard, the book failed to accomplish its goal, leaving anyone interested in Kyudo to search for a more substantial and clear text.

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.

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 a discipline of archery called Kyudo. There are some good interesting comments on physical stance and concentration that will make the difference to improving your skills.