Kyudo Q&A – Comprehensive Guide
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| About Bows | |
| Q1 | What types of bows are used in kyudo? |
| A |
There are three main types. Use this as a reference when buying online. Bamboo bow (takeyumi) Traditional bow made from madake bamboo. Offers supple resilience, beautiful arrow flight, and mild hand shock. Maintenance is demanding and prices are higher, so it suits advancing archers. Typical price: ¥100,000+. Fiberglass bow Durable, consistent, and most popular for beginners. Easy to handle and ideal for a first purchase. Typical price: ¥20,000–¥50,000. Carbon bow Fiberglass reinforced with carbon fibers. Strong rebound and stable arrow flight. Suitable for tests and tournaments; a good long-term choice. Typical price: ¥50,000–¥100,000. |
| Q2 | How do I choose the bow length? |
| A |
Choose based on your draw length (hikijaku). ・ Sansun-zume (approx. 212 cm): for 80 cm draw ・ Namisun / Standard (approx. 221 cm): for 85 cm draw ・ Nisun-nobi (approx. 227 cm): for 90 cm draw ・ Yonsun-nobi (approx. 233 cm): for 95 cm draw Using a bow shorter than your draw length risks damage. Even when ordering online, use your draw length as the primary guide. |
| Q3 | What bow weight (draw weight) should I choose? |
| A |
Right after starting, use school/dojo loaners and buy your own once basics settle. If no beginner bows are available, purchasing a beginner model from the start is fine. ・ Beginner guide: about 6–10 kg ・ After basics are stable: step up to 10 kg+ When buying online, consider your build and strength, and consult a teacher if possible. |
| Q4 | What are the price ranges? |
| A |
As a rough guide (useful when buying online): ・ Fiberglass: from ¥27,500 (beginner to advanced) ・ Carbon: from ¥56,100 (intermediate to advanced) ・ Bamboo: ¥100,000+ (intermediate to advanced) |
| Q5 | What does the displayed bow weight mean? |
| A |
Bow weight is measured as the force at a specified draw length: ・ Sansun-zumari: 80 cm ・ Namisun: 85 cm ・ Nisun-nobi: 90 cm ・ Yonsun-nobi: 95 cm Don’t look only at the number—make sure it corresponds to your draw length. |
| Q6 | How should I maintain a bow? |
| A |
Bows are sensitive to temperature and humidity. ・ Avoid direct sun and high heat/humidity ・ Unstring after use and store in a bow bag ・ Bamboo needs especially careful management ・ Fiberglass/carbon are relatively easy-care With proper storage, even bows purchased online will last. |
| Q7 | Which bow is best for beginners? |
| A | Fiberglass is the top recommendation: affordable and ideal for building fundamentals. As you progress, consider carbon, and later bamboo. |
| Q8 | Is it safe to buy a bow online? |
| A | Yes. Reputable shops carry genuine products from beginner to advanced levels and ship carefully. If unsure, contact the shop—share your body build and experience, and they can guide you to a suitable bow. |
| About Arrows | |
| Q1 | What types of arrows are there? |
| A |
Three main types (also available online): Bamboo arrows Traditional; excellent flight and tunable. Price example: from JPY 50,000～ for a set of 4. Recommended for intermediate/advanced archers for ceremonial shooting and tournaments. Aluminum arrows High straightness and budget-friendly—best for beginners. Price example: from JPY 10,000～ for a set of 6. Carbon arrows Higher spine/stiffness and very stable flight; suitable from practice to competition. Price example: from JPY 30,000～ for 6. Often for intermediate/advanced. |
| Q2 | How do I decide arrow length? |
| A |
Use Arrow length = your yazuka (personal draw measurement) + 10 cm. When ordering online, measure your yazuka and choose with a bit of margin. |
| Q3 | How do I choose arrow spine/size? |
| A |
Numeric codes indicate diameter/spec; match to bow weight. Example: 1913 → ~10–13 kg, 2015 → ~13–18 kg. When buying online, tell the shop your bow weight—they can recommend suitable shafts. |
| Q4 | How many arrows do I need? |
| A | Standard is 6 per set. Since practice and events often use 4 arrows, having 6 covers spares. |
| Q5 | What fletching options are common? |
| A |
Popular natural feathers online: Turkey: Good balance of durability and cost; great for beginners to intermediate. Eagle / Hawk: Very durable and stable arrow posture; premium choice for ceremonial shooting and competitions (intermediate/advanced). |
| Q6 | Which arrows are recommended for beginners? |
| A |
An aluminum 6-arrow set is the safest start—affordable and easy to handle. Step up to carbon as you advance. |
| Q7 | Is it okay to buy arrows online? |
| A |
Yes. Just be precise: measure yazuka and confirm bow weight before ordering. For first-time buyers: simply tell the shop “Yazuka: XX cm / Bow weight: XX kg,” and they’ll suggest the best match. |
| About 弽 (yugake) – Archer’s Glove | |
| Q1 | What is a 弽 (yugake)? |
| A | A glove worn on the right hand when shooting. It receives the string securely and supports stable release and form. |
| Q2 | What types are there? |
| A |
Mitsu-gake (three-finger) – Beginner to advanced: Covers thumb, index, and middle fingers; versatile and widely recommended. Yotsu-gake (four-finger) – Intermediate to advanced: Adds the ring finger, giving stability for stronger bows and longer draws. |
| Q3 | How do I choose one? |
| A | Select a size that matches your hand size and finger length/thickness. If unsure, consult a shop or instructor. |
| Q4 | What’s the price range? |
| A | For example, regatta awase mitsu-gake: around JPY 20,000–JPY 50,000. |
| Q5 | How should I care for it? |
| A |
If there’s perspiration, air-dry in the shade before storage. Using a shaper and desiccant helps prevent deformation and moisture damage. |
| Q6 | What maintenance is needed? |
| A |
Check for leather wear and groove abrasion along the string path. Performance declines as wear progresses, so inspect regularly and seek maintenance or repair as needed. |
