My Arrows And My Growth

This artifact is a Japanese arrow. The colors are blue, white and black. It is made of duralumin. So, it is designed to be difficult to break. The length is custom-made to suit you. It is the length from the shoulder to the tip of the fingers when the hand is extended. There are two types of Japanese arrow. The first arrow to strike is called “Haya”. The next arrow to strike is called “Otoya”. Also, my arrow has my name on it. When you draw the bow, the arrow is as fast as a bullet.

 

 

I joined the Kyudo club when I was a freshman in high school. Because I thought it was cool to see the seniors drawing the bow. I bought my first arrow when I joined the club. But it wasn't available for several months. Because before I draw the bow, I have to practice your form, movement, etc. I practiced a lot to be able to draw my bow as fast as I could. Not being able to draw a bow was boring and at times I thought about quitting. However, when I saw the seniors drawing the bow, I wanted to try it myself.  And a few months later, I drew my bow with my own arrow for the first time. When I drew my bow for the first time, I felt both scared and happy. But it didn't hit the target. I never hit the target at all, no matter how many times I tried. I've tried and failed many, many times. My friend who started with me also hit the target, which was frustrating.

“How do I hit the target?,” I said. "I'm having trouble hitting the target at all." I wanted to know why seniors often hit the target.

A senior student said, “Don't try to hit the target. If you draw the bow in the right shape, you'll hit the target.”

I used to think it was important to hit the target. But I realized that what's important is the right posture and movement. From there I worked on getting my figure right rather than practicing hitting the target. Then the arrow hit the target! From there, I realized that practice was very important when I first joined the club. Also, I realized that what I thought was meaningless and boring practice was actually the most important. I was very happy and felt glad that I was doing Kyudo.

Many natural materials were used in Kyudo equipment. However, due to changing times, many of the tools have been replaced by artificial materials. The feathers of the arrows are still natural. There is a conservation issue regarding arrow feathers. Today, arrow feathers are made from turkey feathers. Previously, eagle and eagle feathers were used. It is said that arrows fly more consistently when using these. However, CITES has made it difficult to obtain these feathers. When that happened, some people started poaching. It's important to keep the old traditions alive. But it's not enough to destroy the environment.

Club activities are a very enjoyable part of student life. However, long work hours and activities on weekends and holidays are considered to affect academic performance and health. If you have morning practice, after-school club activities, and then cram school, you don't have time to rest. Such a lifestyle would cause them to fall asleep in class and interfere with their schoolwork. Student years are a time of growth and rest is very important. It is not a good idea to engage in long hours of club activities at this time of the year.