“ The bow is not a conceptual idea
but a manifestation of absolute integrity
that is expressed through the body.”
Master O Uchi.
KYUDO The way of the bow
弓 Kyu bow 道 Do the way
Calligraphy by Master O Uchi : The Heart of the Sphere
At the center of the Bow is the heart
"As long as this centre is properly observed and maintained, the heart, the mind and the body cannot weaken".
The best and most efficient use of the bow is to be found in this ‘emptiness’, in this absence of any desire.
" This is why it is important to approach the practice of the Bow in a state of 'nothingness', in brief, with an innocence of the heart."
Stop thinking.
« As long as we expect some result from the practice of the bow, none can occur. »
"Listen - observe - apply"
Listen : to absorb the teaching
Observe : to remain attentive
Apply : to perfect the action through repetition
Hitting the target is not the objective, but the simple consequence of the following process:
- Finding a firm footing
- Raising the bow
- Partly opening the bow This process is part of the balance
- Completing the opening between Wisdom and Means (technique).
- Reaching a state of fullness
- Splitting - releasing the arrow
- Remaining in a state of overall awareness
There is no such thing as a gifted or skilled archer but there is a different stage of awakening for each of us.
"No matter how excellent the shooting posture may be, if one becomes forgetful of one’s heart/spirit, one sinks into mere technique". O Uchi senseï
We still receive this teaching from Susuki Sensei.
We had our first taste of it with O Uchi Sensei.
The transmission of this teaching came from his father Giishi Sensei, a direct disciple of the great Honda master.
We consciously try to preserve this teaching within our Dojo. The precious link uniting teacher and students remains constant: no competition, no rank - it goes without saying - just this quest of Man seeking his path.
