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Two men practicing Budo martial arts with staffs
Woman practicing Kyudo, a Budo martial art.
Two martial arts practitioners training with a staff

KYUDO EDUCATION

The Path of the Bow

Kyudo, the Japanese way of archery, is a profound budō that emphasizes the unity of technique, spirit, and ethics. At Kohokai, we study Kyudo as prescribed by the IKYF,  Focusing on the mechanical precision of the Shaho-Hassetsu—the Eight Stages of Shooting—which serves as the structural foundation for every shot.

More than just hitting a target, Kyudo is a discipline of the mind and body. It requires the practitioner to maintain total composure, correct posture, and a steady breathing rhythm. Through repetitive practice of the formal movements, one develops a deep sense of awareness and respect for the tools and the traditions of the art.

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The Eight Stages of Shooting (Shahō Hassetsu)

Ashibumi (足踏み) – Footing

Establishing a solid foundation. The archer steps out into a wide, stable stance angled at 60 degrees, aligning the big toes on a straight line to the target center.

  • Breath: Inhale on the first step, exhale on the second.

Dōzukuri (胴造り) – Forming the Torso

Aligning the spine, hips, and shoulders on the same plane parallel to the feet. Weight and spiritual energy settle deep into the lower abdomen (Tanden).

  • Breath: Inhale deeply to straighten, exhale to settle into your core.

Yugamae (弓構え) – Readying the Bow

Setting the right-hand glove grip (Torikake), the left-hand bow grip (Tenouchi), and calmly setting the gaze (Monomi) toward the target.

  • Breath: Inhale to check the grip, exhale to expand the elbows as if embracing a large tree. 

Uchiokoshi (打起し) – Raising the Bow

Raising both fists smoothly overhead with a calm, scooping motion, keeping the chest and shoulders relaxed.

  • Breath: Inhale naturally as the bow rises.

Hikiwake (引分け) – Drawing Apart

The bow is drawn down and pushed apart evenly toward the target, moving through the intermediate Daisan stage while maintaining structural tension.

  • Breath: Exhale smoothly during the drawing motion.

Kai (会) – The Full Draw

The climax of expansion, where mind and body unify, and the archer waits with firm, controlled power (Hachibu no Tsume) just before release. [1]

  • Breath: Maintain focus, building internal pressure with the abdomen before the release.

Hanare (離れ) – The Release

The arrow is released naturally through the culmination of spirit and form, rather than a forced physical action.

  • Breath: Exhale fully as the arrow releases.

Zanshin (残心) – Remaining Form and Spirit

Following the release, the posture is maintained to reflect the internal state, keeping focus on the target through continued expansion.

  • Breath: Final exhalation to bring the bow down smoothly, completing the cycle.

For a complete visual breakdown of how these stages link together seamlessly, view the official instructional illustration hosted by the International Kyudo Federation Shaho-Hassetsu Guide.

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Principles of Budō: The Eight Stages of Shooting

Kyudo training is structured around the Hassetsu, or Eight Stages of Shooting. Each stage—Ashibumi, Dozukuri, Yugamae, Uchiokoshi, Sanbun-no-Nichi, Hikiwake, Kai, and Hanare—requires absolute technical precision and mental composure. This conceptual framework serves as the foundation for long-term personal development, guiding practitioners to achieve a state of 'Shin-Zen-Bi' (Truth, Goodness, Beauty) through the discipline of the bow.

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