kyudojo
Dojo literally means “place where follow the way”. The term is common to all the Japanese martial arts. As an example the place where kendo is practiced is called kendojo and the place where judo is practiced is called judojo. In the same way the place where kyudo is practiced is called kyudojo.
Entering in a dojo it is necessary leave behind all the problems of the everiday life, practice with a pure spirit and engage themselves always to the maximum in order to achieve improvements in the own art. It is moreover necessary to conform to the rules of the dojo and demonstrate respect for the place and others kyudoka. Every rule, than to a profane can seem a useless formalism, has instead its very specifies origin and ragion of being.
Dojo literally means “place where follow the way”. The term is common to all the Japanese martial arts. As an example the place where kendo is practiced is called kendojo and the place where judo is practiced is called judojo. In the same way the place where kyudo is practiced is called kyudojo.
Entering in a dojo it is necessary leave behind all the problems of the everiday life, practice with a pure spirit and engage themselves always to the maximum in order to achieve improvements in the own art. It is moreover necessary to conform to the rules of the dojo and demonstrate respect for the place and others kyudoka. Every rule, than to a profane can seem a useless formalism, has instead its very specifies origin and ragion of being.
The dojo shuould always be kept in a perfect state of cleanliness. Before and after the practice in the dojo is required to dedicate the necessary time to this activity. The cleaning is done by the archers and also this activity should be considered as a part of the practice of kyudo. The importance of the cleanliness go beyond the obvious necessities tied to the hygiene, is related to the respect to place where the practice take place.
Although often for practical reasons the kyudojo consist of a gymnasium or any other place that has enough space to carry out the practice, the dojo standard structure, layout and measures defined. The width varies depending on the number of mato (targets), which can accommodate.
Before entering in a dojo is necessary, just as it does in Japanese homes, remove the shoes. The area in which you move the kyudoka during the practice has the wooden floor, is covered with a ceiling and is open in side facing the targets.
1.The distance between the line shooting (shai) and the target (mato) is 28 meters.
2. Yamichi: The area crossed by arrow (usually green or sand) to reach the target.
3. Azuchi: è un “muro” di sabbia pressata con inclinazione di 15-20 gradi nel quale vengono posti i mato (bersagli).
4. Matoba: It is a “wall” of sand pressed with inclination of 15-20 degrees where are places the mato (targets).
5. Kantekijo: It is the place where the kanteki stay during the kyudo practice.
6. Yatori-michi: A corridor, often overcast, that kyudoka cover to recover the arrows after the shooting.
7. Kamiza: It is the place, facing south, where the kami are placed and accepted guests of honor.
8. Shai: The line where the kyudoka is positioned, with the face turned towards kamiza, to shot.
9. Honza: Starting line.
10. Makiwara: The area is where the makiwara (target training) take place.
