Kyudo: The Way of the Bow (Paperback)

~ Feliks F. Hoff (Author) "THE ART AND CULT of archery are nearly as old as humanity itself..." (more)
Key Phrases: mato shooting, ceremonial shooting, rattan wrappings, Heki Ryu, Ogasawara Ryu, Inagaki Sensei (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product 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.

About the Author

Feliks F. Hoff has been a leading figure in kyudo for several decades in Germany, where he teaches the art at the University of Hamburg and the Freie Hochschule Hamburg.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (May 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570628521
• ISBN-13: 978-1570628528
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #469,503 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Art of Japanese Archery, January 9, 2005

By	T. Hooper "thdizzy" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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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.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Just a technical manual, July 27, 2007

By	Alexander J. Kaznica "Engineer and student of... (Newark, DE USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.