Guidelines for Kyudo-related Equipment, Purchases, and General Instructions

(Renmei & Heki-ryu Bishu Chikurin-ha, where applicable)

(v1.0 | February 1, 2024)

All major equipment (kake, ya, yumi) and uniform items (hakama, keikogi, obi, muneate, tabi) must be validated prior to purchase and use by an instructor and/or senior member of the dojo: Jean-Pierre, Mike, Marc, Olivier or Ivy.

Here are 5 Kyudo shops we recommend. Some may offer a beginner’s kit including a uniform and/or a set of equipment. Please ask Ivy if you need help with Japanese.

Sambu (Chiba pref.) EN / JP
Asahi (Tokyo) EN / JP
Suizan (Nagoya) EN / JP
Takahashi (Kumamoto - also an arrow manufacturer) JP

A group order can be coordinated among practitioners to save on shipping fees. If a member of the dojo is traveling to Japan, they may be willing to bring back items of a modest size and weight, at their discretion.

There are generalized shops that sell a variety of martial arts equipment with some Kyudo items, but orders should be placed with a specialized Kyudo shop (Kyuguten) as they will be more knowledgeable and have a wider selection of products available.

NOTE: Although Kyuguten employees are informed about the equipment they carry, their advice to you will be limited, as they are not familiar with your shooting.
This is why it is important to consult an instructor before making any purchases.
If an instructor determines that your equipment poses a safety risk to either you and/or others in the dojo, they may prohibit use of the equipment in question.

It is possible to purchase second-hand uniform and equipment items from other/former practitioners, or from members of other dojos. Beginners must still consult an instructor prior to purchase.

SPECIAL NOTES

Kyudo begins and ends with Rei (etiquette)

Clothing/Uniform
Please be mindful of your appearance and personal hygiene. Your uniform must be the correct size, tailored to your height, clean, pressed, and worn correctly. Kyuguten have sizing charts for the kyudogi and hakama available on their websites. If you are not sure what size would be appropriate, please check with an instructor. For those who do not yet own a uniform, please wear a plain white T-shirt, comfortable black pants and white socks. It should go without saying that all clothing must be clean. Long hair must be tied back and fingernails must be short and free of nail polish. Please note that uniforms from other Japanese martial arts are, in general, not appropriate for Kyudo. No jewelry (earrings, rings, necklaces, etc.) should be worn in the dojo, for safety and reasons of etiquette. If you have a new piercing, it must be covered with a flesh-coloured bandage until the jewellery can be safely removed. Ensure neutral body odor (avoid perfumes, etc., opt for unscented deodorant or antiperspirant).

Kake
If ordering a kake online from a Kyuguten, detailed instructions on how to measure your hand are available on their websites.

Ya
For safety reasons, arrows both with and without fletching must be made by a reputable Japanese manufacturer and must be 10-15 cm longer than your yazuka, or the length of your full draw. Wooden arrows are not allowed.

Feathers must have a discreet colour/pattern. The type of arrow shaft you need will depend on the strength of the yumi you are using. Please check with an instructor before purchase. Arrows come in aluminum (duralumin), carbon, or bamboo, with the most affordable being aluminum. Bamboo arrows are not recommended for beginners.

Yumi
Since a yumi should not be too strong nor too weak, it is advised that you purchase one after your form has stabilized (1~3 years of consistent practice). The length of your yumi will depend on your height and your yazuka.

In general:

Height: under 170 cm & yazuka: 85 cm or less ● = Namisun

Height: between 170 and 180 cm & yazuka: between 85 and 95 cm ● = Nisun-nobi (aka Nobisun)

Height: over 180 cm & yazuka: 95 cm or more ● = Yonsun-nobi, ++

Tsuru
Since natural hemp strings break easily and are expensive, synthetic tsuru are recommended. Tsuru come in different lengths and weights/thicknesses, which depend on the length and strength of the yumi you are using. For example, if you purchase a tsuru made for Namisun, it will be too short for Nobisun.

Manufacturers may have different recommendations for strings based on yumi strength, but in general:

#0 = 12 kg & under

#1 = 12 kg +

#2 = 16 kg +

#3 = 22 kg + etc.

Most practitioners use #1 or #2 (longer-lasting).
Again, make sure the tsuru you plan to purchase is appropriate to the length and strength of your yumi by checking with an instructor first.

Tools/Accessories
Most practitioners carry a kit with the following items for last-minute repairs and adjustments (white glue, hemp string for making/fixing nakajikake, pocket knife, doho, scissors, etc.)

Kyudo equipment must be treated and handled with care. Please respect dojo etiquette by not leaning on, stepping over, or otherwise mishandling equipment. Practitioners are also expected to survey and maintain the equipment they use, regardless of whether it is personal or belongs to the dojo. If you notice an issue with school equipment, please bring it to the attention of an instructor. Do not touch or otherwise handle others’ equipment without permission. If you feel you must handle someone else’s Yumi, please ask first, and make sure to hold it above the nigiri (handle).