Yu

  In 1978 I returned from Japan with the rank of Godan. At this time Kyudo was virtually unknown in America. Until my first American seminar in 1994 I practiced by myself in my yard. I trained alone for 16 years. During this period you could say that I was following Dokkodo and not Budo.

   I was very surprised but delighted when the All Japan Kyudo Federation started supporting American seminars. After 16 years I rejoined a wider Kyudo community. Needless to say, my taihai had all but disappeared.

   The seminars were very good for me. My knowledge of Kyudo grew. The importance of taihai was also stressed. My taihai improved but I struggled with it. I still struggle with it. About the time I made Renshi in 1998 I came to ask myself, “Is this what I really want to do?”

   As I pondered this I came to realize that for a long period I had devoted myself to only one aspect of Kyudo. Taihai is the social interaction aspect of Kyudo. (The martial arts are all about social interaction.) When I finally devoted myself to studying taihai my appreciation grew.

   Many practitioners think that yu is a bow to the target. This is not true. The Kyohon says, “Performance of the half-bow (Yu), must express a sense of devotion, courtesy, and gratitude to others.” I revere those that took the time and trouble to teach me. But I must also be grateful to those who allowed me to practice with them. Yu expresses courtesy and gratitude.

   Other forms of Budo also express courtesy and gratitude. However the expression is more casual than that of Kyudo. This is one reason that Kyudo is held in such high regard.

   The Kyohon says that, “Shooting technique and etiquette should become as one.” Yu is an expression of this.