Mi Tori Keiko: One Opinion

  "Every truth has four corners: as a teacher I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three." Confucius (551-479 BC)

   I laughed out loud when I read this quote. How could something said so long ago still be so true today and be applied directly to our kyudo?

   When we attend class Sensei will tell you certain things, especially as a beginner. He is setting up a firm foundation for all else to follow. With that one 90 degree angle, it is up to us to complete the square.

   "Up to me?" Panic! Just breathe........

   Stop and ask yourself, "How am I going to build this square?"

   The answer is logical and simple. You stay on the path Sensei has set for you. To find the other three corners, use the same angle and utilize all of your resources.

   I visualize one of the other three corners as being built on the Kyohon (Kyudo manual). For those things you don't understand, ask questions and read more. Read the Kyohon over and over. Your sensei may also suggest supplemental reading material.

   The next corner is built on practice. A lot can be learned on our own through trial and error, fine tuning what we have learned in class and applying it to our own body and equipment.

   The final corner? Mi tori keiko: learning through observation. Are you utilizing your class time in between your shooting to the fullest extent? On those occasions when Sensei shoots, where is your attention? You can rest assured he is looking at the target, so you probably don't need to. If you are watching the target when the arrow hits, what have you learned? You have missed out on a lesson that is worth tens of thousands of words.

   Try, instead, on shifting your focus to everything leading up to that shot and everything after it. As your observation skills grow, you will find lessons in watching the way Sensei moves and breathes. Note the details of every muscle movement, learning proper technique. Mezukai, watch the eyes! You will feel the focus and the spirit of the moment. You will hear the shot when it hits the target and smile inside, because you were there in that moment.

   Needing help in a certain area? Zero in on that area, keeping your focus there throughout the shot, trying to soak up every detail. Observe other students of both higher and lower rank, seeking out the differences and applying what you can to your own shooting.

   When Sensei is instructing another student, take note. Ask yourself, "Does this apply to me also?" For me the answer is usually, "Yes".

   Through time and without cutting corners this knowledge earned will become yours. By following the Way, your square will be transformed into a very pleasing circle in which the truth, beauty, and goodness (shin, zen, bi) of kyudo reside. And that is the supreme goal.