the REN DAO Wellness Center Blog

November 28^th the RDWC hosted demonstrations of Kyudo (Japanese Archery) and Tameshigiri (Test Cutting with a Japanese Sword). Guest instructor Phil Ortiz Sensei from the New York Budokai and Louis Rodriguez Sensei demonstrated Tameshigiri. Guest instructor Mito Morales Sensei of the Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Morales Dojo demonstrated Kyudo techniques. Many of those attending the demonstration got an opportunity to practice their cutting skills too.

Kyudo is the art of Japanese Archery. It has its origins in primitive times as a hunting tool and weapon of tribal warfare. During the period when Japan became heavily influenced by Chinese culture, ceremonial archery was also introduced to Japan. Soon after Japan would close its island borders and become an isolated nation. Japan would nurture and redefine its newly acquired knowledge into its own.

At the start of the Feudal (or Warring) period, an era marked by hundreds of years of civil wars, archery (Kyujutsu) became a major battle field weapon and many schools of Kyujutsu flourished. This period lasted from the early 11^th century until the end of the 16^th century. The use of archery on the battlefield would rapidly decline after the introduction of the gun from Europe around 1543. By the end of the Warring period, archery was no longer primarily used or taught as a battle field weapon. Some schools continued to teach and practice military style archery and others maintained the practice of ceremonial archery. Still others adapted Kyujutsu training (as well as other bujutsu or warrior skills), not only to perfect physical skills, but as a way to higher learning and mental and spiritual development. As many involved in the era of warfare would adopt Zen and Buddhist practices, they integrated these and other ideas (from Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism) into their martial practices and way of life. As more peaceful times came, this adaptation transformed many warrior schools from a study of martial techniques, leading to success on the battlefield (bujutsu, kyujutsu, kenjutsu, aikijutsu), into paths or ways leading to personal enlightenment (budo, kyudo, kendo, aikido). It is these budo forms, adapted from former battlefield skills, which are primarily taught and practiced today.

In the mid 20^th century the All Japanese Kyudo Federation was formed to help bring Kyudo from obscurity and to help preserve and unify existing schools and the practice of Kyudo. Today Kyudo is practiced primarily in three forms; as a competitive sport, as a contemplative Zen practice, and in original military formats, as a way of preserving the old “Koryu” techniques and teachings.

Tameshigiri, or test cutting, is a method of testing the cutting ability of a sword or the cutting technique of the swordsman. Tameshigiri was originally practiced on targets made to simulate human bodies. Typically targets would be made from bamboo wrapped

with wet straw to duplicate bone covered with flesh. The bodies of executed people or animals would also be used. Today, rolled bamboo mats soaked in water or bamboo poles are used. In modern times, Tameshigiri is mainly practices as a sport, to refine ones swordsmanship technique and as an introspective tool for ones personal development.