A B C D E F G H I J K M N O R S T U W Y Z


    A

    atari/ataru (中る) - To strike or to hit. Ateru is the transitive form of the verb meaning to hit, and ataru is its intransitive form. Since it takes an object (the target) "ateru" is used in kyudo parlance to denote hitting that is a result of a conscious, deliberate act. Since ataru does not take an object, it is used to refer to a shot that hits the target naturally.
    aibiki - shooting at one another simultaneously
    aradame - second stage in the rough straightening of the arrow shaft
    ariake (有明)- "Rising moon"; image of how the target appears in relation to the bow
    ashibumi (足踏み)- the stance, first stage of hassetsu
    atari - a hit on the target
    ateyumi (中て弓)- the person who, in drawing the bow, ignores the basic and is mainly concerned with hitting the mato.
    awasebanare (合わせ離れ)- hanare that is released by adjusting both hands without nobiai
    azuchi (安土)- roofed target area with a raised sandbank to stop the arrows
    (Back to index)


    B

    betaoshi (べた押し)- the wrist is bent, and the yumi is pushed forward with the palm of one's hand
    biku (びく)- in kai, the draw contracts and the ite unconsciously and abruptly draws again
    bondo - glue
    boshi (帽子 / 拇指)- thumb - shaped cap worn in military shooting; thumb tip of the glove
    botsunogi - a practice arrow without feathers
    budo - general term for the Japanese martial arts
    busha - archery on foot
    bushi- Japanese knight
    bushi (fushi)- growth ring on bamboo
    bushido - "Way of the Knight" ; code of honor of the samurai
    busuki - shooting without enthusiasm or interest
    (Back to index)


    C

    chijimi - the right hand moving forward reducing the tension of the draw
    chijimi (縮み)- in kai, the kiryoku, shoulders, and elbows become slack
    chu - penetrating force
    chudo (中胴)- the correct body posture when drawing the yumi
    churiki (肘力 / 中力)- the position in which half of the yajaku has been drawn. Also called daisan
    (Back to index)


    D

    daimyo - title of high nobility
    daisan - second phase of the draw in the Ogasawara school, roughly corresponding to sanbun no ni
    dakimato - positioning the ashibumi at the point behind the center of mato
    dan (段) - literally , "stage" ; one of the ten degrees, starting with the 1st Dan
    deki (出木) bow - bow with the bowstring to the left of its middle when viewed from above
    dekata - the left shoulder extends forward
    do (道)- "Way" in the sense of lifelong practice; for example kyudo , judo, kendo
    doji - Clothing which has tsutsusode (tight sleeves) and not tamoto (long sleeves)
    dohoki (道宝木) - two small pieces of wood used to make nakajikake round
    dojo (道場) - practice hall
    dokuya - arrow with a poisoned tip
    dosa - movement before and after shooting
    dozo (どうぞ)- "Please" , as in offering something
    dozukuri (胴造り) - balancing the torso, second stage of hassetsu
    (Back to index)


    E

    ebira - open quiver worn on the hip
    enso (円相) - the aspect of a circle. Enso refers to the “round" feeling of calm, natural shooting. It is highly prized since it is evidence of spiritual maturity
    enso - preparing by making a circle - like form with both of one's elbows, and not by stretching them
    enbu (演武) no dosha - movements for demonstration shooting
    enteki (遠的) - distance shooting, at 60m
    (Back to index)


    F

    fudeko (筆粉) - powder for the bow hand
    fudoshin - The immovable mind that cannot be disturbed by confusion, doubt, or fear. Supreme and natural confidence and fearlessness. See heijoshin.
    fujibanashi - semicircular raw form of the bow
    fukuzoyumi - the same as tsukuyumi - a bow with a hook to place the arrow on
    furoshiki (風呂敷) – wrapping cloth
    fushido(伏し胴) - the body is bent forward. Also called kagamudo
    fushikage - shafts with shinny black lacquer on the bamboo rings and ring shadows
    (Back to index)


    G

    geza (下座)/Shimoza- the lower position
    gi - kyudo shirt
    ginteki - silver target
    giriko (ぎり粉) - glove powder
    gobunotsume (五部の詰)- the fitting together of the five points of the left and right fist, left and right shoulder, chest, according to the correct skeletal alignment
    godo (五胴)- the five physical states of kaeru (turning), kagamu (bending), kakaru (leaning towards), hiku (leaning away), and chusei (balanced)
    gogushi (侯串)- a sharp piece of bamboo designed to hold the mato in place at the azuchi
    gojujumonji (五重十文字) - The fivefold cross. The fivefold cross consists of five crosses which are formed when the bow is fully drawn. The vertical and horizontal lines of these crosses must intersect each other at right angles. The five crosses are:
    1. the arrow and the bow,
    2. the tenouchi (grip) and the bow,
    3. the thumb of the string hand and the string,
    4. the center line of the chest and the line connecting both shoulders, and
    5. the arrow and the tendons of the neck.
    gomuyumi (ゴム弓)- rubber practice "bow" for beginners
    gyosha (行射) - one complete sequence of movements that comprise drawing the yumi
    (Back to index)


    H

    ha (弝) - the part of the yumi that is gripped; the name derives from wrapping the nigiri
    ha - branch school; feather placed on the shaft; distance between the bow and the string
    ha - a branch, or sub -category, of a ryu. For instance, the phrase "Heki ryu Insai-ha" refers to the Insai branch of the Heki school of archery.
    habiki (羽引き) - in yugamae, drawing the yumi the length of the feather between yumi and tsuru with both elbows
    hachibunotsume (八部の詰) - adding ashi (feet) , koshi (lower back), and hara (Solar plexus) to the correct alignment
    hachiman - shinto war God
    hadaire (肌入れ) - returning the left sleeve when wearing wafuku
    hadanugi (肌脱ぎ) - removing the left sleeve when wearing wafuku
    hagi - wrapping on the arrow
    haiwo - arrow tip in the shape of fly's tail
    hakama (袴) – wide trousers
    hakama no kushita - trapezoidal back piece of hakama
    hakiya (掃き矢)- a ya that, having been released, slides along the ground in front of mato before reaching the azuchi
    hanakatabushi (羽中節) - the node of the bamboo near the middle of the yabane (arrow feathers)
    hanare (離れ) – stage seven of the hassetsu - the release
    hane (羽) – feather
    hangetsu no nerai (半月の狙い) - aiming at the half of the target to the left side of yasurito
    hankyu - half bow
    hanmato - "Half target" used for enteki shooting , 79 cm diameter
    hanshi (範士)- highest honorary title for a teacher
    hansoku (半足) - half of the length of one' foot
    haragawa (腹皮) – the piece of (white) leather that covers the inside of the thumb on the kake (called tsutsumigawa in the Kyōhon)
    harauhanare (払う離れ) - a release that appears as if one is driving something away
    harigao (張顔) - the shape of the yumi as seen from the side -view when strung with tsuru
    haru ki - a "taut" spirit. This is the spirit shown by the immature archer whose attitude is always strained and unstable.
    hashiriba (走り羽) - when tha ya has been nocked, the hane attached to the top
    hassetsu (八節) – the eight basic stages of the shooting sequence
    haya (甲矢) - first arrow in formal shooting
    hayake (早気) - a premature release without the necessary physical and mental condition
    hazu (筈)- lower end of the arrow, the nock
    hazukobore (筈零れ) - the ya, having been nocked but not yet released, loosens from the tsuru and falls
    hazumaki - the winding and hardening of thread to fix the hazu to the ya
    hazure (外れ) - not hitting the mato
    heijoshin (平常心) - everyday, ordinary, or normal mind. This refers to the ability to be calm in all situations.
    Heki Danjo Masatsugi- founder of the Heki school, 1440
    Heki Ryu - Heki school of Kyudo
    Heki Ryu - the school of archery considered to have been founded by Heki Danjo Masatsugu.
    higo - laminated piece, bow part
    hijutsu - secret art
    hikae (控) - reinforced part of the glove that lies against the forearm
    hikagami (ひかがみ) - the back or hollow of the knee
    hikanuyazuka (引かぬ矢束) - in kai, when the yazuka has been fully drawn, and the ya is drawn still further
    hikime - a ceremony in which a flute head arrow is shot
    hikimenoya - signal arrow, flute arrow
    hikiwake (引分け)- the method for drawing open the yumiya. Drawing the bow with equal force left and right
    hikiwake, Sanbun No Ni - this refers to a stage in the shooting style of the Heki Ryu Insai-ha, where the draw is momentarily halted about two thirds of the way through, at a point where the arrow is roughly at the level of the eyebrows and the drawing hand has cleared the archer's ear.
    hikkakebushi (引掛節) – the first joint from the bottom on the todake side of a takeyumi
    hikuyazuka (引く矢束) - in kai , when the yazuka has been fully drawn, and the ya is drawn still further; overdraw
    himezori (姫反り) - the princess curve (upper) of the bow
    himezori bushi (姫反り節) - the node of the bamboo on the yumi in the top most section of the uchidake
    hineri (捻り) - a slight inward rotation of the right hand and forearm during kai
    hinerigawa (捻り皮) - leather part of the glove, glued to the base of the forefinger
    hinerikoto - refers to the fast inward rotation of the right hand at the release
    hirane - literally: "flat arrow head" a broad turnip-shape arrow head
    hirakiashi (開き足) - turning 90degree in the kneeling position
    hirazuke (平付け) - in kai the back of the right hand faces forward
    hitokoshi no saya - set of 25, 20, 16 arrows
    hitote (一手) - a pair of ya. The haya and the otoya
    hitotsumato sharei (一つ的礼) - ceremonial shooting of three archers to one target
    hizawoikasu - a movement in kiza in which the knee on the side carrying the principal object is lifted slightly of the floor
    Honda Ryu- Honda school of Kyudo
    honza (本坐) - baseline for shooting in dojo
    honza - the position in rissha two steps in front of the shai; in zasha, three steps in front of the shai
    hosha - archery on foot
    hosha hitchu - Literally, "Lawful shooting, certain hitting". This phrase expresses the belief that a correct shot will always hit the target. See seisha hitchu
    . hoshimato (星的) - star target, 36cm diameter
    hozuke (頬付け) - contact of the arrow with the cheek in tsumeai
    hozuriba (頬摺り羽)- the hane facing the inside when the ya has been nocked
    (Back to index)


    I

    Insai-ha - The Insai branch of the Heki Ryu, founded by Yoshida Genpachiro Shigeuji, also known as Issuiken Insai.
    issha zetsumei - literally, "One shot, life ends." This refers to the idea that you must totally devote all of your physical, spiritual, and mental energies to each shot, as though each shot were your last.
    ichiban (一番) - number one, first, first place
    ichimonji (一文字)　- (1) literally the character 1, a groove in the glove placed at right angle to the longitudinal axis of the thumb; (2) an arrow shaft that has the same diameter along its whole length
    ikasu (生かす) – lifting one knee in kiza
    ikiai (息合い) - harmony of breath
    iriki (入木) bow - bow with bowstring to the right of its middle when seen from above
    ishiuchi - literally, "stone striker", tale feather of the eagle
    ite (射手) - ancient term for archer
    itatsuki - the tip of the arrow, yajiri
    itsukebushi - the node of the bamboo closest to the yajiri
    (Back to index)


    J

    jiman (自満) - a condition of fullness at the moment of hanare
    jiman (持満) - in kai, the moment of waiting for seiki to become full
    jutsu - technique; art
    jundachi (順立) - when performing gyosha with several people, starting from ichiban and each shoot one ya in order
    (Back to index)


    K

    kaeya (替矢) - preparation of a replacement ya in advance of unexpected situations
    kaeyumi (替弓) - preparation of a replacement yumi in advance of unexpected situation
    kaezuru (替弦) - preparation of a replacement tsuru in advance of unexpected situations
    kagamudo (屈む胴) - bending forward during dozukuri. Also called fushido
    kai (会) - full draw of the bow
    kaichū (皆中) – to hit with all arrows
    kaizoe (介添え) - assistant of the ite performing ceremonial shooting sharei
    kakarudo (懸る胴) - dozukuri that is inclined toward the mato. Also called totsudo
    kake/yugake (弽) - a deer skin glove worn on the right hand
    kakeguchi (掛口) - the place on the tsurumakura of the yugake where the tsuru is positioned
    kakeguchi jyumonji (掛口十文字) - the right angle of the boshi of the yugake and the tsuru
    kamidana (神棚) – shinto shrine often placed at the kamiza
    kamiza (上座) - divine seat; place of honor in the dojo, generally opposite to entrance
    kan - speed
    kanteki (看的) - to pierce the target. This refers to a shot that is powerful and accurate, the result of skillful technique.
    karabiki - empty drawing of the bow before a training session
    karahazu (空筈) - the arrow falls to the ground at the release
    karahazu - during hikiwake the hazu becomes loosened from the tsuru, there is no yakobore at hanare and the ya does not fly
    kashinjootai (下進上退) - a principle of moving - when moving forward, start with the foot closest to the shimoza; when moving backwards, start with the foot closest to the kamiza (cf. sashinutai)
    kasumimato (霞的) - "mist target" 36 cm white center and three concentric circles
    katabanare (片離れ) - releasing with one of either left or the right hand
    kataire (肩入れ) - measuring the strength of the yumi without nocking a ya, or drawing the yumi while warming up
    kataya (片矢) - a single ya, either haya or otoya
    katte (勝手) - "victory hand" term for right hand in the Ogasawara and Honda school for right hand. Also called mette
    kattebanare (勝手離れ) - using the strength in one's right hand more than the left hand at hanare. Also called metebanare or migitebanare
    kazuya - historical method for rapid shooting
    keikogi (稽古着) – practice dress
    kendo - the way of the sword
    kenjutsu - art of the sword
    ki (気) - spiritual energy
    kiai (気合い) - battle cry
    kinteki - gold target
    kinteki - placing the target at 28 m
    kihaku kihontaikei - Fighting spirit, guts, and determination. Esprit. Basic body form. Kihontaikei (基本体型) is considered the essential basis for correct shooing and consists of three groups of crosses formed when the archer's posture is correct: the tateyokojumonji (horizontal and vertical cross), the sanjujumonji (the three-fold cross) and the gojujumonji (five-fold cross).
    kihontai (基本体) - fundamental form
    kihontai - the four basic postures and eight basic movements
    kihontaikei (基本体型) - the body shape formed by the tateyokojumoji and gojujumonji
    kirisage - either right or left hand or both hands drop at hanare
    kiryoku (気力) - the willpower that allows action to continue
    kiroku - recording clerk in competitions and examinations
    kisha - archery on the horseback
    kiza (跪坐) - position of sitting on the heels with the left or right knee slightly raised
    kobanare (小離れ) - a smaller release by the mete
    kohimo (小紐) - thin leather strap on the glove
    kokoo (虎口) - the skin between the base of the thumb and the forefinger in oshide
    kokoro (心) - spirit
    konari - small curve of the bow
    koshi (腹) - "hip", the thumb-side part of the glove
    kozori - small curve of the bow
    kuchiwari (口割) - in kai, placing the ya in the area of the line of the mouth
    kufūgeiko (工夫稽古) - mental practice
    kurikomi (繰り込み) - the movement of taking the hazu and moving it toward the tsuru during yatsugae
    kusune (薬煉) – resin for the tsuru
    kyōgi (競技) – competition
    kyōgi no maai (競技の間合い) – competition timing
    kyōshi (教士) – intermediate master rank (see shōgō)
    kyūha (弓把) – the distance between the tsuru and the nigiri of a strung yumi
    (Back to index)


    M

    maai (間合い) – correct timing and distance
    makiwara (巻藁) – straw bale for shooting practice
    mato (的) – target
    matoba (的場) – target area in the dōjō
    matomae sharei – sharei where several ite shoot at their own mato, in standard tachi procedure
    matoshōmen (的正面) – in the direction of the mato
    matogami (的紙) – target face
    matowaku (的枠) – target frame
    medōri (目通り) – eye level
    meibo (名簿) – list with names stating the shooting order
    mete (馬手 / 妻手) – the right hand (yunde - mete)
    metebanare (馬手離れ) – hanare where the right hand is stronger than the left
    metsuke (目付け) – another word for mezukai
    metsukebushi (目付け節) – the joint just above the yazuridō on the uchidake side of a takeyumi
    mezukai (目づかい) – using the gaze, also called metsuke
    mitorigeiko (見取り稽古) – learning by watching
    mitsugake (三つ弽) – a three - finger kake
    mochimato sharei (持つ的礼) – sharei where several ite shoot at their own mato
    mochizuki no nerai (望月の狙い) – another word for mangetsu no nerai
    monomi (物見) – turning one's gaze to look at the mato
    monomigaeshi (物見返し) – returning one's gaze from looking at the mato
    morogake (諸弽) – a five-finger kake
    motare (もたれ) – staying in kai too long and missing the opportunity for a well-timed hanare
    motohagi (本矧) – the binding of the fletching on a ya on the side closest to the yajiri, also called shitahagi
    motohazu (本弭) – lower of the yumi
    mudan (無段) – a practitioner who has not yet reached the dan levels
    muhatsu no hatsu - the "release of no release". This refers to a spontaneous release that occurs as the natural result of the fulfillment of kai rather than as a result of a conscious decision on the part of the archer.
    mukō (無効) – an invalid arrow during competition
    munen muso - no intention, no thought. The quality of having an undisturbed or seemingly "empty" mind. This mind is not empty in the sense that there is no mental activity at all, which would mean complete unconsciousness. Munen muso means the stat of mind where worries, attachments, fears, and mundane thoughts have been purged from the mind so that the natural intuitive mind can respond unhampered as the situation requires.
    munazuru (胸弦) - contact between string and the chest
    muneate (胸当て) - chest guard for women
    (Back to index)


    N

    nakajikake (中仕掛け) – nocking point on the tsuru, also used of the hemp fibers used to build this point
    nakaoshi (中押し) – correct tenouchi, pushing with a straight wrist through the thumb and middle finger (cf. betaoshi, shitaoshi)
    namisun (並み寸) – a yumi of standard length (2.21m)
    namihoko - bow of standard length with max draw of 82-83cm
    nari - the curved shape of the bow; also general word for shape
    ne - point
    nejiru - screw like rotation, effort of the left hand
    neru - first procedure in the rough forming of the arrow shaft
    nigiri (握り) - bow grip
    nigirikawa (握り皮) - grip leather
    ninja - term for spy during feudal period
    nisun/nisunnobi (二寸 / 二寸伸) – a yumi that is 2 sun (6cm) longer than a standard yumi, also called nobisun
    no (箆) - shaft
    nobi - bow with maximum draw of 95cm
    nobiai (伸合い) - stretching , included in 6th stage of hassetsu
    nobiai - in kai, the kiryoku becomes full and the body continuously flows outward
    nobiai - Nobiai means harmonious stretching and expanding and, with tsumeai, is one of the essential elements of kai. It refers to the final opening, stretching, and expanding that leads up to the release of the arrow. Once tsumeai has been physically completed, the archer concentrates on fulfilling and extending tsumeai by applying the full force of the mind and spirit so that tsumeai can evolve into nobiai, where the final fulfillment of kai is achieved through mental and spiritual strength. Although tsumeai and nobiai are considered separately for purposes of explanation, they are two parts of a continuous process.
    nobiyumi (伸び弓) - yumi that are longer than the standard 2.21 m
    nogoinono - arrow with red lacquered shaft
    nokido (退き胴) - dozukuri that is inclined away from the mato.
    nokigata (退肩) - the left shoulder is held back
    nokuhanare (退く離れ) - at hanare the body pulls back and both hands release towards the front
    nomine - chisel - shaped arrowhead
    nonakabushi (箆中節) - the node of the bamboo near the center of the no. ( the second node from yagiri)
    noshirabe (箆調べ) - following tsurushirabe, the step of examining the no.
    noya - hunting arrow
    nurigometono yumi - term for the most common type of war bow
    nuritsuru - black lacquered string of the war bow
    nuriyumi - lacquered bow with any numbers of to wrappings
    nyūjōguchi (入場口) – shajō entrance
    (Back to index)


    O

    o - large strap on a kyudo glove
    obanare (大離れ)- the left and right hands release expansively
    obi (帯)- belt
    ochi (落) - team leader
    ochi (落) - the last ite in hitotachi when performing gyosha
    ochikata - the shoulders are not level, the right should being lower than the left
    ochimae (落前え) – next to last ite in a tachi
    ochiruhanare (落ちる離れ) - a release that is lower in height than the shoulder
    okuribanare (送り離れ) - during hanare , the right hand returns in the direction of the mato
    Ogasawara Ryu- school of kyudo
    oginomato - fan target
    omae (大前) - the first ite in hitotachi when performing gyosha
    omato - large MATO for enteki, 158cm dia for ceremonies, 100cm for competitions
    omegai shimasu - literally, please
    onmato hajimen - ceremonial shooting for the new year
    oshide - the left hand. Also called yunde
    oshidegake (押手弽) - the kake used on the left hand
    osujikai - a form of glove with a string groove at an angle of 135 degree to the longitudinal axis of the thumb
    otokoshibushi (乙腰節) – the second joint from the bottom on the todake side of a takeyumi
    otoya (乙矢) - second arrow in ceremonial shooting
    oyayubi - the thumb
    (Back to index)


    R

    raiki shagi - a text from 2nd century China detailing the proper way in which shooting should be performed. It is the basis for the emphasis in kyudo on proper bearing and attitude.
    rei - Rei has a wide meaning and can mean bowing, respect, manners, propriety, decorum, etiquette, ceremony, or ritual. In kyudo, rei is often used in a general way to refer to the proper shooting ceremonial and all of the specific actions included within it, such as the proper ways of walking, bowing, approaching and retiring from the target, and entering and leaving the shooting area.
    rei - form, ceremony; also a command in the greeting ceremony
    renshi - first honorary title for a teacher
    renshin - mind training
    rissha - standing form for demonstration shooting
    rokka - six subjects of kyudo
    ryu - a school or tradition. This term applies to kyudo as well as to most traditional Japanese martial and cultural arts. The phrase "ryuha" is sometimes used interchangeably with ryu.
    (Back to index)


    S

    sadamenoza (定めの座)- establishing position from which the ite as well the kaizoe perform rei towards the wakishomen during sharei.
    Sae clarity, or purity in the sense of absence of adulteration. Sae refers to the quality of there being nothing unnecessary in the shooting so that the intrinsic essence of the shooting is clearly displayed. Since sae cannot be achieved except through a spiritual awakening, it is one of the most highly prized qualities in kyudo.
    Saeru Ki A clear spirit that has been purged of all extraneous elements.
    sanjujumonji (三重十文字) - The threefold cross, consisting of the three horizontal lines of the ashibumi, waist, and shoulders, intersected by the vertical line of the spine. The spine must be straight and the three horizontal lines must be perpendicular to it, parallel to each other, and on the same plane when viewed from above.
    sanmi ittai (三位一体) - The three essentials as one body. This refers to the ideal unification of the mind, the body and the bow.
    saguri - knot like wrapping of the string above the nocking point
    samurai - warrior, warrior caste
    sanbun no ni - second step of three; fifth stage of hassetsu
    sanjusangendo - famous temple in Kyoto ; literally 33 niches
    sanzuntsumari - shortest bow (212cm) with a draw less than 82 cm
    sashikata (差肩) - the left shoulder is higher
    sashiya -piercing arrow
    sashinutai (左進右退) - when moving forward, the left foot leads, when moving back away, the right foot leads
    sawashino - black lacquered shaft
    seiki (精気) – spiritual energy
    seikitai (精気体) - the physical body filled with kiryoku and energy
    seiko (正鵠) - the center of the mato
    seishahitchu (正射必中) - Literally, "True shooting, certain hitting." This phrase expresses the belief that a correct shot will always hit the target. See hosha hitchu. Seisha hitchu is the more commonly used term.
    seishin tanren - spiritual forging, or the process of spiritual refinement and growth that takes place as the result of training in martial arts.
    seiza (正坐) - kneeling position
    sekiita (関板) - the wooden blocks attached on the uchidake side at both the upper and lower end of the yumi
    sekitomeita (関止め板) - the wooden blocks attached on the inner side at the upper and lower ends of the yumi
    sempai (先輩) – person who has practiced longer/has a higher grade than you
    sensei (先生) - form of address for a teacher
    seppuku - ritual suicide performed by cutting open the belly
    sessurei (折手礼) - bowing with the palms of one's hands placed on the floor, the tips of the fingers brought together at the knee
    seven barriers - The seven barriers refer to the six emotions of happiness, anger, anxiety, surprise, sorrow and fear, together with thoughts. These seven barriers are held to be the greatest obstacles to success in kyudo.
    sha shooting, or a shot. - Sha is used to refer to a person's shooting in the aggregate. When someone is said to have a good "sha", it means that person's shooting is good in all of its aspects. Sha therefore refers primarily to the overall quality of the shooting as opposed to the accuracy only.
    shagi (射技) Shooting technique, sometimes also called shajutsu.
    shahin Quality of shooting. The natural nobility, dignity, grace, and elegance displayed by a technically and spiritually mature archer. shahin (射品) - shooting dignity (manual)
    shaho (射法) - The Law of Shooting, also called the Principles Of Shooting. The Shaho refers to the proper fundamentals of how to shoot a bow. See shaho hassetsu.
    shaho hassetsu (射法八節) - The Eight Stages Of The Law Of Shooting. This refers to the eight steps of the shooting procedure:
    1. Ashibumi , or taking the stance,
    2. Dozukuri, or setting the torso,
    3. Yugamae, or bow at the ready posture,
    4. Uchiokoshi, or lifting up,
    5. Hikiwake, or drawing apart,
    6. Kai, or holding at full draw,
    7. Hanare, or the release, and
    8. Zanshin, or remaining body (mind).
    See the Kyudo Manual and The Essence And Practice Of Japanese Archery for a detailed explanation of the Shaho Hassetsu.
    shaho kun - A text authored by Yoshimi Junsei, also known as Daiuemon Tsunetake, the founder of the Kishu line of the Chikurin-ha of the Heki Ryu. It explains the fundamentals of the Shaho.
    shai (射位)- the central position where the ite stands during gyosha
    shajō (射場) – shooting hall in the dōjō
    shajutsu (射術) - the shooting technique
    shakai (射会)- a taikai at which a kyogi (a competition ) is held
    shakaku - level of shooting
    shaku - a measure of about 33cm
    shamen uchiokoshi (斜面打起し) - the method of uchiokoshi starting from diagonal yugamae to the left forward diagonal
    sharei (的礼)- A formal ceremonial shooting ritual.
    sharei - the form of gyosha that displays the basic attitude, movements steps and technique for sha
    sha soku jinsei - "Kyudo is Life"
    sha soku seikatsu - "Kyudo is Living"
    sha wa ritsu zen - "Shooting is Standing Zen"
    shibenohanare (四部の離れ) - aligning the four points of the left and right fist and the left and right shoulder for the ideal     hanare
    shidosha - responsible for teaching
    shikenrei (指建礼) - bowing with the tips of the fingers touching the floor
    shikitai (死気体)- the physical body empty of     kyrioku or energy
    shimohazu (下弭) - the lower end of the yumi where the tsuruwa is positioned. Also called motohazu
    shimosekiita (下関板)- the wooden block attached on the uchidake side at the lower end of the yumi
    shin ki gi - "Mind Spirit Technique". Like sanmi ittai, this phrase expresses the ideal unity of the archer's mind, spirit and technique.
    shin shin kyu - "Mind Body Bow". Akin to sanmi ittai and shin ki gi.
    shin zen bi (真善美)- "Truth, Goodness, Beauty." The expression of truth, goodness, and beauty in both one's shooting and one's life is considered the highest goal of kyudo. See the kyudo manual and The Essence And Practice Of Japanese Archery for a detailed explanation of shin zen bi.
    shichigosan (七五三)- 7-5-3
    shigeto - basic type of the first composite bow
    shimohazu - lower tip
    shimononari - lower curve of the bow
    shin - ad as mi = body; read as kokoro = heart
    shinanhayakushu - fifth and highest title of the Heki Ryu " one hundred songs of instruction"
    shinki no hataraki - The working of the mind and spirit. This refers to the proper functioning of the archer's mind and spirit required for correct shooting.
    shinku muso - The void of no thought. This refers to the void, or the serene and untroubled mental and spiritual space, that is entered when the archer achieves the state of munen muso.
    shinsa (審査) – examination
    shinsa no maai (審査の間合い) – examination timing
    shinto - original religion of Japan
    shinto no maki - "Way of the God" Scroll; fourth title of Heki Ryu
    shirano - arrow with shaft of natural color
    shitagake (下がけ) - a cloth glove worn under yugake
    shintaishuusen - harmony in all movements
    shitsu (失) - dealing with errors
    shitahagi (下矧) - the place where tread is wrapped on the yagiri side when fixing the yabane and the no. Also called motohagi
    shitakirizumeto (下切詰籐) - the cane wrapping that hold together the todake, the uchidake and the shimosekiita
    shitaniribushi (下成節) - the second node of the bamboo from the bottom on the uchidake of the yumi
    shitaoshi (下押し) - in tenouchi, the wrist is bent downwards, the left fist is turned upwards
    shitazuru (下弦) - the part of the tsuru below nakajikake
    shitazuru wo hiku (下弦を引く) - drawing and pulling from bellow the tsurumakura
    shizenohanare (自然の離れ) - when the moment is full , hanare happens naturally
    shizentai (自然体) - The "natural body". In kyudo, this refers to a natural posture and way of using the body. Proper kyudo technique is based upon how the body ideally operates when it functions naturally. See the kyudo manual for a more detailed explanation.
    shōgō (称号) – master ranks (see renshi, kyoshi, hanshi)
    shogun - military commander in Japan
    shoimato (背負い的) - at the shai , standing and facing to the front slightly forward of the center line of the mato
    shokon (掌根) - the area at the base of the hand
    shoshin ni kaere - "Back to the enthusiasm of beginner"
    shugyo taido - attitude toward practice
    shuraya - arrow for fighting
    siko - open quiver that can be hung on a belt by a hook
    sobaki (側木) - Wooden side of the bow
    sodesuribushi (袖摺節) - the third node of the bamboo from yagiri. Also called the ottoribushi
    soku - unit of measure
    sori - distinctive curves (of the bow)
    soya - war arrow
    sonkyo (蹲踞) - haunches; a sitting posture on the tip of one's toes and with the knee not touching the floor
    sorido (反り胴) - leaning back at doozukuri
    subiki (素引き) - drawing the yumi without nocking the ya
    suki - A gap or opening. In kyudo, suki refers to the state of being mentally and spiritually unprepared or caught off guard.
    suki (隙がない) - posture and movement in which nothing is wasted
    sumashi - A clear or settled mind that is free of idle and distracting thoughts.
    sumashi (澄し)- clearing one's thoughts and calming one's spirit
    sumu ki - A settled spirit, related to sumashi.
    suginari - "Cedar shaped" arrow with the greatest diameter at the tip
    sujikai - form of the string groove in the glove at an angle of 110 degrees to the length wise axis of the thumb
    suyaki - singed , brownish arrow
    (Back to index)


    T

    tabi (足袋) - socks
    tachi - long sword
    tachi (立ち) – shooting in a group, usually five persons
    tachirei - standing bow
    tachi sharei - standing form of ceremonial shooting
    tadayazuka (ただ矢束) - kai in which one's yazuka is drawn, but without tsumeai and nobiai
    taihai (体配) - set of movements (for example, at the examinations)
    TAIHAI - formalized movement (manual)
    taikai (大会) - competition
    taikei (体型) - The form of one's physique. (One's built)
    Takeda Ryu- Takeda school of Kyudo which includes yabusame
    takeyajiri - arrow with bamboo tip
    tanden (丹田)- the area of the abdomen below the navel
    tanjohikime - flute arrow shot for the birth of child
    tasuki (襷)- white cord for tying up the sleeve of a woman's kimono for sharei
    tasukisabaki (襷捌き)- method for tying up tasuki
    tateichi - "standing one"
    tateyoko-jumonji (縦横十文字) - The vertical and horizontal cross. The vertical axis of the body, composed of the spine and legs, and the horizontal axis of the body, composed of the shoulders and arms, must be perpendicular to each other.
    tekiwari - perceiving the target, a competition form
    tekichuu - the moment of penetrating the target
    temonkin - line on the hand along which the left outer edge of the bow is placed
    tenmonsuji (天文筋) - a fold spanning the palm of one's hand when the knuckles at the base of the fingers from the forefinger to the little finger is flexed
    tendo - "Way of Heaven"
    tenouchi(手の内)- form of the grip of the bow hand
    tenranjiai - competitive shooting in front of the emperor
    tenouchi - Gripping the bow, or the position of the bow hand on the bow.
    teru (照る) - in gyosha, the yumi is not vertical at hikiwake, but is slanted. ( The angle of the face is tilted back)
    teshita (手下) - the part of the Yumi bellow the nigiri
    teshitabushi (手下節) - the third node of the bamboo from the bottom of the todake, below the nigiri
    to - rattan of the genus calamus , material for wrapping on the bow
    tobera - spatula for glue work
    todake (外竹)- the outer face of the yumi when it is strung with the tsuru
    togashira (籐頭) - the part of the yumi that includes the nigiri and the yasurito
    tokakeba (外掛羽)- the hane on the outside when the ya has been nocked
    torafu - feathers with stripe markings
    torikake (取り掛け) - taking hold of the string
    toriuchi (鳥打ち) - main curve of the bow, (bird striker)
    toriuchi - below the himezori, the area above the largest of the curves
    toriya (取矢) - holding the otoya in the right hand when shooting the haya
    toriyuminoshisei (執弓の姿勢) - the correct posture for holding the yumi and the ya
    toshiya - shooting competition of the edo period
    totokinoya - an arrow with poison on the feathered part of the shaft
    torikake (取り掛け)- The action of setting the drawing hand to the string.
    toshiya - An annual archery competition held at the Sanjusangen-Do in Kyoto during the Tokugawa period. The Sanjusangen-Do is a temple with a long verandah measuring about 120 meters from end to end. The archer sat at one end of the verandah and, over a twenty-four hour period, attempted to shoot as many arrows as possible over the opposite end of the verandah without hitting the overhanging roof of the temple. Victory meant great prestige for the han (fief) to which the archer belonged, and competition in the toshiya led to great advances in archery equipment and techniques. The all-time record of 8,133 successful shots out of a total of 13,053 attempted was set by Wasa Daihachiro of the Kishu han in 1686.
    toteki - Hitting the target. This refers to the lowest level of shooting expertise, where the archer, unconcerned with shooting according to the shaho, has learned to utilize a certain set of technical tricks in order to hit the target.
    tsugihazu - shooting ring attached to the end of the arrow
    tsumaguro - black-edged feather
    tsumasoroe (爪揃え)- Lining up the tip of the middle finger , the ring finger and the little finger of the left hand
    tsumeai (詰合い) - means to fill and fit. Tsumeai is one of the vital parts of kai, where you reinforce your physical posture with proper strength so that all of the physical elements of kai are firm and steady. See nobiai.
    tsumeai - in kai, the condition in which all of the joints are engaged and nobiai is possible.
    tsumeai - sixth stage of hassetsu
    tsunogi - practice arrow
    tsunomi - part of the bow hand applied to the bow; literally: looking at the horn tsunomi - the base of the oyayubi on the yunde
    tsunomi no hataraki - the work of tsunomi
    tsuru (角見) - bow string
    tsurubukuro - horseman's pouch for keeping bow strings
    tsurumaki (弦巻) - string roll, ring for holding spare strings
    tsurumakura (弦枕) - "string cushion" on the kyudo glove
    tsurumakura - the groove in the yugake at the base of the thumb in which the tsuru is positioned
    tsurumichi (弦道) - the path that the tsuru travels between yugamae and kai
    tsurune (弦音)- sound of the string at the release of the shot
    tsurune - the sound made at hanare when tsuru hits the hitaiki (himezori).
    tsurune - The string note, or the clear, sharp, and melodic sound the string makes when it strikes the upper part of the bow when the arrow is released. A pure and clear tsurune cannot be achieved without the natural release of the arrow, so it is prized because it is evidence that the archer has reached a level of spiritual and mental maturity that is expressed in the natural execution of shooting technique.
    tsurushirabe (弦調べ)- checking the string, an examination form
    tsurushirabe - inspecting the central part of the tsuru at yugamae
    tsuruwa (弦輪) - the ring shaped part of the tsuru for positioning on the hazu. (The upper tsuruwa is red and the lower tsuruwa is white.)
    (Back to index)


    U

    uaoshi - pressing from above
    uchidake (内竹) - the inner face of the yumi when it is strung with the tsuru. Also called maedake.
    uchikiri (打ち切り) - gripping the yumi so tightly that yugaeri is not possible
    uchiokoshi (打起し) - rising the bow; forth hassetsu
    urahagi (末矧) - the place where the thread is wrapped on the hazu side when fixing the yabane to the no. Also called the uwahagi.
    urahazu (末矧) - upper tip of the bow
    urakaburato - rattan wrapping on the upper tip of the bow
    urasekiita - inset wooden piece on the upper tip of the bow
    urazori (裏反り) - the curving back toward the todake when the yumi is unstrung
    urushihagi - lacquer covered wrapping on an arrow
    utsubo - closed type of quiver
    uwabanare - a hanare in which both hands or the right hand release upwardly
    uwahagi (上矧) - the place where the thread is wrapped on the hazu side when fixing the yabane to the no. Also called urahagi
    uwahazu (上弭) - the upper end of the yumi where the tsuruwa is positioned. Also called urahazu
    uwanaribushi (上成節) - the second node of the bamboo from the top on the uchidake of the yumi
    uwaoshi (上押し)- the tenouchi in which the wrist is bent upward and the palm of the left hand is positioned so it pushes downward.
    uwasashi - upper arrow in the historical quiver
    uwasekiita (上関板)- the sekitomeita fastened to the uchidake side of the urahazu
    uwazuru (上弦) - the part of the tsuru above the nakajikake
    uwazuruwohiku (上弦を引く) - a way of drawing the yumi by pulling from above the nakajikake
    (Back to index)


    W

    wafuku (和服) – traditional Japanese clothing, worn by high-graded practitioners (kimono)
    wakishomen (脇正面)- the same as kamiza ; the front side
    wakishomen - the Shinpanin Seki
    watakuri - "gut ripper" type of arrow with a barbed tip
    watakushi - "flesh cutter" ; war arrow
    waza - technique
    (Back to index)


    Y

    ya (矢)- arrow
    ya agemasu - "I am retrieving the arrows"
    yadokoro (矢所) - the place where the released ya comes to rest
    yabusame - archery on horseback
    yagiri (矢尻) – arrowhead, also called itatsuki or yanone
    yagoro (彀) - Yagoro is the instant immediately before the actual release, where tsumeai and nobiai have reached their balanced fulfillment, following which the release must naturally occur.
    yagoro - part of the eith stage of hassetsu ; continuation of nobiai
    yagohishikime - flute arrow ceremony for healing a sick person
    yaguchi (矢口) - the place where the yumi and ya touch
    yaguchigaaku (矢口が空く) - a space which sometimes occurs between yumi and ya
    yairo (矢色) - a ya veering in flight
    yakobore (矢零れ) - the ya, having been nocked but not yet released, loosens from the tsuru and falls. Also called hazukobore
    yamakura (矢枕) - the place where the ya rests on the base of the oyayubi of the left hand
    yami - "full moon" image of the target appears when viewed by the archer in relation to the bow
    yami no nerai (闇の狙い) – aiming by covering the whole mato with the yazuridō, also called kurai no nerai
    yamichi (矢道) - the space in which the ya flies
    yanagui - "arrow bitter" framework of the ebira for holding the arrows
    yanochiku - worked bamboo arrow shaft
    yanone (矢の根) – another word for yajiri
    yanori (矢乗り) - the path on which the ya moves forward. Also, the line of the yasuji when aiming in kai
    yasaki (矢先)- the part of the ya on the yajiri side
    yasuji (矢筋) - the direction that the ya flies
    yatate (矢立て) - wooden container for storing arrows in the dojo
    yatsugae (矢番え) – nocking the ya
    yatsugaedosha - the step of nocking the     ya on the tsuru
    yawatashi (矢渡) - the first sharei to take place at the beginning of a shakai
    yaziri - yagiri
    yazuka (矢束)- draw depth of the bow, corresponding normally to the half the height of the archer's body
    yazurido (矢摺籐) - rattan wrapping on the bow grip
    yazutsu (矢筒)- arrow tube, the present day form of quiver
    yohazu - arrow end in the shape of swallow's tale
    yonsunnobi (四寸伸) - bow with a draw over 96 cm
    yotsugake (四つ弽) - a yugake with four fingers
    yotsuya (四つ矢)- four ya. Two sets of a hitote of a haya and an otoya
    yu (揖) - a slight bow (in the sense of bowing at the waist)
    yubukuro - a bag used to store the yumi
    yudaoshi (弓倒し) - bringing the bow back to the hip
    yugaeri (弓返り) - rotation of the bow after hanare
    yugake (弓弽) - kyudo glove
    yugamae (弓構え)- reading the bow
    yugi - a quiver with an open on the top
    yumaki - a belt-shaped cloth for wrapping and storing the yumi
    yumifutokoro (弓懐)- in yugamae, the circular space between the ya and the body
    yumi (弓) - archer's bow
    yumibukuro (弓袋) - wrapper for the bow
    yumihariita (弓張板) - the board used to hold uwahazu when stringing the yumi
    yuminari - the shape of the yumi as seen from the side-view when the tsuru has been strung. Also called harigao.
    yumitate (弓立て) - a rack for standing up the yumi
    yumiya (弓矢) - the yumiya
    yumi no sae - vitality and life of the bow
    yumitori - ancient term for archer
    yunde (弓手) - bow hand , the left hand, also called oshite
    yunde - The bow arm (hand). The term "yunde" is used when the term "mete" is used to refer to the string hand. The yunde is also called the "oshite" or the pushing arm (hand). When the term "oshite" is used, the string hand is called the "katte".
    yunde no hanare (弓手の離れ) - hanare that occurs when the left hand appears to push to the mato
    yurumi - "slackness"; right arm moves in direction of the target
    yuzuriba - the hane on the inside when the ya has been nocked. Also called the hozuriba
    (Back to index)


    Z

    zannen - literally "too bad"; a miss that touches the target
    zanshin (残身 / 残心) - reflection; the form of body and mind left behind after the release of the shot
    zanshin - the condition of the spirit and the body immediately after the ya has been released
    zasha (坐射) - kneeling form of demonstration shooting
    zasha - the ite performs rei at the honza is the seated position, stands and advances to the shai. In the seated position, the ite nocks the ya, stands and shoots
    za sharei - kneeling form of ceremonial shooting
    zazen - sitting meditation
    zen - school of buddhism
    zen nihin kyudo rennmei - Pan-Japanese Kyudo Association ANKF
    zaiteki - Literally, "the arrow exists in the target". This refers to the highest level of shooting expertise, where the archer's shooting is so perfect in all respects that the arrow cannot possibly miss. Since this is so, it is considered that the arrow exists in the target prior to the release.
    zōri (草履) – sandals
    (Back to index)