Purpose of Kyudo

In its most pure form, kyudo is practiced as an art and as a means of moral and spiritual development. However, many archers practice kyudo as a sport, with marksmanship being paramount.

In kyudo, the unique action of expansion (nobiai) that results in a natural release, is strived for. The highest ideal of kyudo is "seisha seichu", meaning "correct shooting is correct hitting". When the spirit and balance of the shooting is correct, the result will be for the arrow to arrive in the target. To give oneself completely to the shooting is the spiritual goal. In this respect, many kyudo practitioners believe that competition, examination, and any opportunity that places the archer in this uncompromising situation is important, while other practitioners will avoid competitions or examinations of any kind.