Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Hardcover)

~ Hideharu H. Onuma (Author), Dan De Prospero (Author), Jackie De Prospero (Author) "Kyudo, the Way of the Bow, shares much in common with the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), calligraphy (shodo), swordsmanship (iaido), and the various other Ways..." (more)
Key Phrases: modern kyudo, kyudo technique, shooting procedure, Heki Danjo, Ogasawara Ryu, Wasa Daihachiro (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Kyudo-the Way of the Bow-is the oldest of Japan's traditional martial arts and the one most closely associated with bushido, the Way of the Warrior. After the Second World War Eugen Herrigel introduced the concept of kyudo to the West in his classic Zen in the Art of Japanese Archery. But until now, no Japanese kyudo master has published a book on his art in English.
In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery, Hideharu Onuma and his American co-authors, Dan and Jackie DeProspero, explain in detail both the spiritual and practical aspects of kyudo. Written with both novices and advanced students in mind, the book is presented in simple, straightforward language and features hundreds of detailed illustrations, supplemented by rare photographs of Master Onuma, clearly demonstrating the fundamental techniques and daily practice of this form of "standing Zen."
Including chapters on equipment and kyudojo construction, Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery is the most comprehensive reference work on the subject available. Special sections on problem solving and shitsu (errors) also make it a unique teaching and learning resource, and the concluding shiteimondo (teacher-student dialogue) provides unparalleled insights into the thoughts and teachings of a true master of the martial arts.

About the Author

HIDEHARU ONUMA was the 15th-generation headmaster of the Heki Ryu Sekka-ha school of archery and kyudo banshi, 9th dan. He was born in Tokyo in 1910 into a highly respected archery family. Onuma sensei, who was instrumental in introducing kyudo to the West, believed that kyudo belonged not just to the Japanese but to the whole world. Until his death in 1990 he made regular trips abroad to demonstrate and teach his art.
DAN and JACKIE DEPROSPERO left the United States for Japan in 1981, intending to stay for one year. Shortly after their arrival they met Hideharu Onuma and began their study of kyudo. Later their relationship with Onuma sensei deepened when they moved into an apartment above the family archery equipment shop. In 1988 Dan DeProspero passed his examination for kyudo renshi (instructor's license). The following year he was promoted to 6th dan. Jackie DeProspero was the first non-Japanese woman to be promoted to kyudo 5th dan.
Cover photograph: TSUKAMOTO NAOKIYO, 12th-generation headmaster of the Heki Ryu Sekka-ha school of Japanese archery.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International; 1st edition (July 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770017340
• ISBN-13: 978-4770017345
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #457,883 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be known as the Kyudo Bible., November 12, 1999

By	Arthur L. Kurtz ([e-mail]) (Hiroshima, Japan) - See all my reviews

This is one of the best books out on the art of Kyudo. I am currently in Japan teaching and have taken up the practice of Kyudo as a way to learn about Japanese culture. The book covers all areas of interest and is very detailed with step by step illustrations. My instructor refers to the book often to point out my mistakes and highlight my improvement. If you are learning Kyudo or just want to read about its history and cultural significance, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive modern handbook to Kyudo, August 5, 1998

By A Customer

As a practising martial artist and western style archer I find this book to be exceptional. Not only can one learn about the history and significance of this art, one can also learn advanced knowledge of the equipment, styles and techniques of kyudo in a very readable form. It has inspired me to take up this martial art and while I learn I find myself continually drawn back to reading it. This book is already a classic and I would strongly urge all martial artists, archers and anyone interested in zen philosophy to read it and read it. Dan & Jackie DeProspero have made some of the secrets of the East available to those of us in the West and I congratulate them for their excellent work which will certainly stand the test of time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the invisible arrow, June 28, 2009

By	Marcos C. Heinzkill "insight reviews" (Madrid, Spain) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This a great book not only to further understand the spirit of kyudo but to improve one's technique. The foreword is very interesting and will immediately take you to the essence of what kyudo really is. In the afterword, the levels of practice are explained in detailed which will help you understand how the path of kyudo can help you become a more peaceful person.