Kyudo Glossary

Ashi

Feet

Ashibumi

The way of placing the feet when the [Yumi] is drawn.

Atari

Hitting the [Mato].

Ateyumi

The person who, in drawing the [Yumi], ignores the basics and is mainly concerned with hitting the [Mato].

Awesebanare

Hanare that is released by adjusting both hands without [Nobiai].

Azuchi

The place where [Mato] is positioned.

Betaoshi

The wrist is bent, and the [Yumi] is pushed forward with the palm of one's hand.

Biku

In [Kai], the draw contracts and the [Ite] unconciously and abruptly draws again.

Boshi

The part of the [Yugake] tha covers the tip of the thumb.

Chijimi

In [Kai], the [Kiryoku], shoulders, and elbows become slack.

Chudo

The correct body posture when drawing a [Yumi].

Churiki

[Daisan].

Chusei

Balanced

Daisan

The position in which half of the [Yajaku] has been drawn. Also called [Churiki].

Dakimato

Positioning the [Ashibumi] at a point behind the center of the [Mato].

Dekata

The left shoulder extends forward.

Dogi

Clothing which has [Tsutsusode] and not [Tamoto].

Doho

A tool used for tightly winding jute fibers on the [Tsuru] where the [Hazu] of the [Ya] is nocked.

Dozukuri

The way of readying one's body when drawing the [Yumi].

Enso

Preparing by making circle-like form with both of one's elbows, and not by stretching them.

Fudeko

A powder used in [Kyudo] to stop the [Nigiri] from slipping.

Fushido

The body is bent forward. Also called [Kagamudo].

Geza

The lower position. Also called [Shimoza].

Giriko

A powder used to stop the thumb of the [Yugake] from slipping. It is said to make a 'giri, giri' sound when applied. (A powder made from the oil extracted from boiled tree resin).

Gobunotsome

The fitting together of the five points of left and right fist, left and right shoulder, chest, according to the correct skeletal alignment.

Godo

The five physical states of [Kaeru], [Kagamu], [Kakaru], [Hiku], and [Chusei].

Gogushi

A sharpened piece of bamboo designed to hold the [Mato] in place at the [Azuchi].

Goju Jumonji

The five places of the [Jumonji].

the [Yumi] and the [Ya],
the [Yumi] and the [Tenouchi] of the [Oshide],
the [Oyayubi] of the [Yugake] and the [Tsuru],
the horizontal line connecting both shoulders crossing the vertical line at the center line of the chest,
the vertical line of the neck and the [Ya].

Gyosha

One complete sequence of movements that comprise drawing the [Yumi].

Ha

The part of the [Yumi] that is gripped. The name derives from wrapping te [Nigirikawa].

Habiki

In [Yugamae], drawing the [Yumi] the length of a feather between [Yumi] and [Tsuru] with both elbows.

Hachibunotsume

Adding [Ashi], [Koshi], and [Hara] to the [Gobunotsome] to form the [Hachibunotsume] according to the correct alignment.

Hadaire

Returning the left sleeve when wearing [Wafuku].

Hadanugi

Removing the left sleeve when wearing [Wafuku].

Hakiya

A [Ya] that, having been released, slides along the ground in front of the [Mato] before reaching the [Azuchi].

Hanakabushi

The node of the bamboo near the middle of the [Yabane].

Hanare

The moment of releasing.

Hane

[Ya] Feather

Hangetsuno Nerai

Aiming at half the target to the left side of the [Yasurito]

Hansoku

Half of the length of one's foot.

Hara

solar plexus

Harauhanare

A release that appears as if one is driving something away.

Harigao

The shape of [Yumi] as seen from the side-view when strung with the [Tsuru].

Hashiriba

When the [Ya] has been nocked, the [Hane] attached to the top.

Hassetsu

[Shahohassetsu]

Haya

The first of the [Ya] to be shot. The [Ya] is fletched with the surface of the [Hane] facing outward.

Hayake

Releasing a [Ya] before [Kai] has been reached, or releasing the [Ya] immediately after the [Kai] has been reached.

Hazu

{1} The part of the [Ya] where the [Tsuru] is nocked. {2} The two ends of the [Yumi] where the [Tsuruwa] are positioned.

Hazukobore

[Yakobore].

Hazumaki

The winding and hardening of thread to fix the [Hazu] to the [Ya].

Hazure

Not hitting the [Mato].

Hikagami

The back or Hollow of the knee.

Hikanuyazuka

In [Kai], when the [Yazuka] has been fully drawn and [Tsumeai] and [Nobiai] begin to work.

Hikiwake

The method for drawing open the [Yumiya]

Hiku

leaning away

Hikuyazuka

In [Kai], when the [Yazuka] has been fully drawn, and the [Ya] is drawn still further.

Himezori

The gently curving line of the area below the [Kamikiritsumeto].

Himezoribushi

The node of the bamboo on the [Yumi] in the topmost section of the [Uchidake].

Hinerikawa

The leather glued to the base of the forefinger on the [Yugake].

Hirakiashi

Turning 90 degrees while in [Kiza] position.

Hirazuke

In [Kai], the back of the right hand faces forward.

Hitote

A pair of [Ya]. The [Haya] and the [Otoya].

Hitotsumatosharei

[Sharei] which is performed with three peopple shooting at the same [Mato]. (Situations with two or four people also possible.)

Hizawoikasu

A movement in [Kiza] in which the knee on the side carrying the principal object is lifted off the floor. Also called [Ikasu].

Honza

The position in [Rissha] two steps in front of te [Shai]; in [Zasha] three steps in front of te [Shai].

Hozuke

In [Kai], the [Ya] touches the cheek.

Hozuriba

The [Hane] facing inside when the [Ya] has been nocked.

Ikasu

[Hizawoikasu].

Itatsuke

[Yajiri].

Itsukebushi

The node of the bamboo closest to the [Yajiri].

Ite

A person who shoots with a [Yumi].

Jiman

{1} A condition of fullness at the moment of [Hanare]. {2} In [Kai], the moment of waiting for [Seiki] to become full.

Jumonji

Cross

Jyoza

[Kamiza]

Jyundachi

When performing [Gyosha] with several people, starting from [Ichiban] and each shooting one [Ya] in order.

Kaeru

Turning

Kaeya

Preparation of a replacement [Ya] in advance of unexpected situations. Also called [Yobiya].

Kaeyumi

Preparation of a replacement [Yumi] in advance of unexpected situations.

Kaezuru

Preparation of a replacement [Tsuru] in advance of unexpected situations.

Kagamu

bending

Kagamudo

[Fushido].

Kai

Drawing [Yazuka] completely.

Kaizoe

The person who assists the [Ite] when [Sharei] is performed.

Kakarido

[Dozukuri] that is inclined towards the [Mato] also called [Totsudo].

Kakaru

leaning forwards

Kake

Glove. Commonly [Yugake].

Kakeguchi

The place on the [Tsurumakura] of the [Yugake] where the [Tsuru] is positioned.

Kakeguchi Jumonji

The right angle of the [Boshi] of the [Yugake] and the [Tsuru].

Kamikiri Tsumeto

The cane wrapping that holds together the [Tsodake], the [Uchidake] and the [Uwasekiita].

Kamiza

The higher position. Also called [Jyoza].

Karahazu

During [Hikiwake] the [Hazu] becomes loosend from the [Tsuru], there is no [Yokobore] at [Hanare] and the [Ya] doesnt fly.

Kashinjyotai

Moving forward beginning on the [Geza] foot, and while moving back beginning on the [Kamiza] foot.

Kasumimato

A [Mato] marked with a white center and three concentric circles.

Katabanare

Releasing with one of either the right or the left hand.

Kataire

Measuring the strength of the [Yumi] without nocking a [Ya], or drawing the [Yumi] while warming up.

Kataya

A single [Ya], either [Haya] or [Otoya].

Katte

[Mete]

Kattebanare

[Metebanare]

Kihontai

The four basic postures and eight basic movements.

Kihontaikei

The Tateyoko Jumonji and Goju Jumonji Taikei.

Kinteki

Placing the [Mato] at a distance of 28 meters.

Kiri

[Hanare].

Kirisage

Either right or left or both hands drop at [Hanare].

Kiryoku

The willpower that allows action to continue.

Kiza

A seated posture on the tip of te toes and with the knees on the floor and the back is lowered.

Kobanare

A smaller release by the Mete.

Koko

The skin between the baser of the thumb and forefinger on the [Oshide].

Koshi

Lower back

Kuchiwari

In [Kai], placing the [Ya] in the area of te line of the mouth.

Kurikomi

The movement taking the [Hazu] and moving it towards the [Tsuru] during [Yatsugae].

Kusune

A mixture of pine resin and oil applied when reinforcing the [Tsuru] or making the [Nakajikake].

Kyogi

competition

Kyudo

Way of the bow

Maai

Appropriately measuring the timing and distance of movements in [Gyosha].

Maedake

[Uchidake]

Makiwara

A tightly bound straw bale used for practicing [Shajutsu].

Mato

Target

Matoshomen

The direction of the target.

Medori

The field of vision.

Mete

The right hand. Also called [Katte].

Metebanare

Using the strength in one's right hand more than the left hand at [Hanare]. Also called [Kattebanare] or [Migitebanare].

Mezukai

The use of one's eyes.

Migitebanare

[Metebanare]

Mitsugake

A [Yugake] with three fingers.

Mochimato Sharei

[Sharei] which is performed with each [Ite] aiming at his or herown [Mato].

Monomi

Turning one's gaze to face the [Mato].

Monomigaeshi

Returning ones gaze after facing the [Mato].

Morogake

A [Yugake] with five fingers.

Motare

Having reached [Kai], the chance for [Hanare] is lost and [Hanare] isn't produced.

Motohagi

The place where the thread is wrapped on the [Yajiri] side when fixing the [Yabane] to the [No].

Motohazu

The lower end of the [Yumi] where the [Tsuruwa] is positioned. Also called [Shimohazu].

Mukobane

The [Hane] on the outside when the ya has been nocked. Also called [Togakeba].

Munazuru

In [Kai] the [Tsuru] touches the chest.

Muneate

A covering worn during [Gyosha] to guard the chest from the [Tsuru]. (In general it is used by women.)

Nakajikake

The section of te [Tsuru] where the [Ya] is nocked that has been reinforced with jute fibers.Foshi

Nakaoshi

The wrist is unbent, and in the center the middle finger and the thumb push the [Tenouchi].

Nigiri

The part of the [Yumi] that is gripped.

No

The bamboo of a [Ya].

Nobiai

In [Kai], the [Kiryoku] becomes full and the body continuously flows outwards.

Nobiyumi

The [Yumi] that are longer than the standard 2.21 meters.

Nokido

[Dozukuri] that is inclined away from the [Mato].

Nokikata

The left shoulder is held back.

Nokuhanare

At [Hanare], the body pulls back and both hands release towards the front.

Nonakabushi

The node of the bamboo near the center of the [No]. (The second node from [Yajiri]).

Noshirabe

Following [Tsurushirabe], the step of examining the [No].

Obanare

The left and right hands release expansively.

Ochi

The last [Ite] in [Hitotachi] when performing [Gyosha].

Ochikata

The shoulders are not level, the right shoulder being lower than the left.

Ochiruhanare

A release that is lower in height than the shoulder.

Okuribanare

During [Hanare], the right hand returns in the direction of the [Mato].

Omae

The first [Ite] in [Hitotachi] when performing [Gyosha].

Oshide

[Yunde].

Oshidegake

The [Kake] used on the left hand.

Otoya

The [Ya] of a [Hitote] that is shot later. When it is nocked on the [Tsuru], the surface of the [Hane] faces inward.

Oyayubi

The thumb.

Rissha

The [Ite] advances to the [Shai] in a standing position and remaining standing, nocks the [Ya] and draws the [Yumi].

Sadamendoza

The position from which the [Ite] as well as [Kaizoe] perform [Rei] towards [Wakishomen] during [Sharei].

Sanju Jumonji

The posture in which, when seen from above, the soles of one's feet, the lower back and the shoulders are aligned in one plane.

Sanmiittai

The body, the spirit and the [Yumi] join together to become one.

Sashikata

The left shoulder is higher.

Sashinutai

When moving forward, the left foot leads, when moving back away, the right foot leads.

Seikitai

The physical body filled with [Kiryoku] and energy.

Seiko

The center of the Mato. Also called [Seikoku].

Seikoku

[Seiko]

Seiza

The formal upright sitting position.

Sekiita

The wooden blocks attached on the [Uchidake] side at both the upper and lower end of the [Yumi].

Sekitomeita

The wooden blocks attached on the inner side at the upper and lower end of the [Yumi].

Sesshurei

Bowing with the palms of one's hands placed on the floor, the tips of the fingers brought together at the knee.

Shahohassetsu

The eight steps which make up the shooting of the [Yumi].

Shai

The central position where [Ite] stands during [Gyosha].

Shakai

A [Taikai] at which the [Kyogi] is held.

Shamen Uchiokoshi

The method of [Uchiokoshi] starting from diagonal [Yugamae] to the left forward diagonal.

Sharei

The form of [Gyosha] that displays the basic attitude, movements, steps and technique for [Sha].

Shibenohanare

Aligning the four points of the left and right fist and left and right shoulder for ideal [Hanare].

Shikenrei

Bowing with the tips of the fingers touching the floor.

Shikitai

The physical body empty of Kiryoku or energy.

Shimohazu

[Motohazu].

Shimosekiita

The wooden block attached on the [Uchidake] side at the lower end of the [Yumi].

Shimoza

[Geza].

Shitagake

A cloth glove worn under the [Yugake].

Shitahagi

[Motohagi].

Shitakirizumeto

The cane wrapping that holds together the [Todake], the [Uchidake] and the [Shimosekiita].

Shitanaribushi

The second node of the bamboo from the bottom of te [Uchidake] of the [Yumi].

Shitaoshi

In [Tenouchi], the wrist is bent downwards, the left fist is turned upwards.

Shitazuru

The part of the [Tsuru] below the [Nakajikake].

Shitazuruwo Hiku

Drawing by pulling from below [Tsurumakura].

Shitsu

An error such as [Tsurugire], [Hazukobore] or dropping the [Yumi].

Shizenno Hanare

When the moment is full, [Hanare] happens naturally.

Shoimato

At [Shai], standing and facing to the front slightly forward of the center line of the [Mato].

Shokon

The area at the base of the hand.

Shomen Uchiokoshi

The method of starting with [Yugamae] in [Shomen], raising both elbows straight up to the height of [Uchiokoshi] and forming [Daisan].

Sobaki

The wood on both sides of the [Yumi] that is held between [Uchidake] and the [Todake].

Sodesuribushi

The third node of the bamboo from the [Yajiri]. Also called [Ottoribushi].

Sonkyo

A sitting posture on the tip of one's toes and with the knees not touching the floor.

Sorido

Leaning back at [Dozukuri].

Subiki

Drawing the [Yumi] without nocking a [Ya].

Suki

Posture and movement in which nothing is wasted.

Sumashi

Clearing one's thoughts and calming one's spirit.

Tadayazuka

[Kai] in which one's [Yazuka] iz drawn but without [Tsumeai] or [Nobiai].

Taikei

The form of one's physique. (One's build).

Tanden

The area of the abdomen below the navel.

Tasuki

A ribbon for tying up the sleeves.

Tasukisabaki

The method of tying up the [Tasuki].

Tateyoko Jumonji

The vertical line formed by the legs, lower back, spine, vertebrae of te neck, and the horizontal line formed by both shoulders, both arms, both elbows, and fingers on both hands making up the [Jumonji].

Tenmonsuji

A fold spanning the palm of ones's hand when the knuckles at te base of the fingers from te forefinger to the little finger are flexed.

Tenouchi

The method of gripping the [Yumi] with the left hand.

Teru

In [Gyosha], the [Yumi] is not vertical at [Hikiwake], but slanted. (The angle of the face is tilted back.)

Teshita

The part of the [Yumi] below [Nigiri].

Teshitabushi

The third node of the bamboo from the bottom of the [Todake], below the [Nigiri].

Todake

The outer face of the [Yumi] when it is strung with a [Tsuru].

Togashira

The part of the [Yumi] that includes the [Nigiri] and the [Yasurito].

Tokakeba

The [Hane] on the outside when the [Ya] has been nocked.

Torikake

Positioning the [Tsuru] in the [Yugake].

Toriuchi

Below the [Himezori], the area above the largest of the curves.

Toriya

Holding the [Otoya] in the right hand when shooting the [Haya].

Toriyumi

[Toriyumi no Shisei].

Toriyumi no Shisei

The correct posture for holding the [Yumi] and the [Ya].

Tsumeai

In [Kai], the condition in which all of the joints are engaged and [Nobiai] is possible.

Tsunomi

The base of the [Oyayubi] on the [Yunde].

Tsuru

Bowstring

Tsurumaki

A case for storing the wound up [Kaezuru].

Tsurumakura

A groove in the Yugake at the base of the thumb in whicjh the Tsuru is positioned.

Tsurumasoroe

Lining up the tip of the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger on the left hand.

Tsurumichi

The path that the [Tsuru] travels between [Yugamae] and [Kai].

Tsurune

The sound made at [Hanare] when the [Tsuru] hits the [Hitaiki] ([Himezori]).

Tsurushirabe

Inspecting the central part of the [Tsuru] at [Yugamae].

Tsuruwa

The ring-shaped part of the [Tsuru] for positioning on the [Hazu]. (The upper [Tsuruwa] is red and the lower [Tsuruwa] is white((purple?)).)

Tsutsusode

tight sleeves

Tamoto

long sleeves

Uchidake

The inner face of te [Yumi] when it is strung with the [Tsuru]. Also called [Maedake].

Uchikiri

Gripping the [Yumi] so tightly that [Yugaeri] is not possible.

Uchiokoshi

The method for raising the [Yumiya].

Urahagi

The place where the thread is wrapped on the [Hazu] side when fixing the [Yabane] to the [No]. Also called [Uwahagi].

Urahazu

The upper end of the [Yumi] where the [Tsuruwa] is positioned. Also called [Uwahazu].

Urazori

The curving of the back toward the [Todake] when [Yumi] is unstrung.

Uwabanare

A [Hanare] in which both hands or the right hand release upwardly.

Uwahagi

[Urahagi].

Uwahazu

[Urahazu].

Uwanaribushi

The second node of the bamboo from the top of the [Uchidake] of the [Yumi].

Uwaoshi

The [Tenouchi] in which the wrist is bent upward and the palm of the left hand is positioned so it pushes downwards.

Uwasekiita

The [Sekitomeita] fastened to the [Uchidake] side of the [Urahazu].

Uwazuru

The part of the [Tsuru] above the [Nakajikake].

Uwazuruwo Hiku

A way of drawing the [Yumi] by pulling from above the [Nakajikake].

Wakishomen

The [Shinpanin Seki]. ((The judges seat?))

Ya

Arrow

Yadokoro

The place where the released [Ya] comes to rest.

Yaguchi

The place where the [Yumi] and the [Ya] touch.

Yaguchigaaku

A space which sometimes occurs between the [Yumi] and the [Ya].

Yairo

A [Ya] veering in flight.

Yakobore

The [Ya], having been nocked but not yet released, loosens from the [Tsuru] and falls. Also called [Hazukobore].

Yamakura

The place where the [Ya] rests on the base of the [Oyayubi] of the left hand.

Yamichi

The space in which the [Ya] flies.

Yanori

The path on which the [Ya] moves forward. Also the line of the [Yasuji] when aiming in [Kai].

Yasaki

The part of the [Ya] on the [Yajiri] side.

Yasuji

The direction that the [Ya] flies.

Yatsugaedosa

The step of nocking the [Ya] on the [Tsuru].

Yawatashi

The first Sharei to take place at the beginning of a Shakai.

Yaziri

[Yajiri].

Yajaku

The length of the [Ya] appropriate for one's physical build. [Yazuka] increased by additional 5 to 15 cm.

Yazuka

Length from the center of the body to the tip of the fingers.

Yazurido

The cane wrapping above the [Nigiri] on the [Ya].

Yazutsu

A piece of equipement for storing the [Ya], a quiver.

Yotsugake

A [Yugake] with four fingers.

Yotsuya

Four [Ya], Two sets of a [Hitote] of a [Haya] and an [Otoya].

Yu

The upper torso is bowed forward 10 centimeters as a sign of respect.

Yubukuro

A bag used for storing the [Yumi].

Yudaoshi

The step of returning to [Toriyumi] posture following [Hanare].

Yugaeri

At [Hanare], the [Tsuru] rotates to the back of the left hand.

Yugake

A deerskin glove worn on the right hand.

Yugamae

The method of readying the [Yumiya].

Yumaki

A belt shaped cloth for wrapping and storing the [Yumi].

Yumi

Bow

Yumifutokoro

In [Yugamae], the circular space between the [Ya] and the body.

Yumihariita

The board used to hold the [Uwahazu] when stringing the [Yumi].

Yuminari

[Harigao].

Yumitate

A rack for standing up [Yumi].

Yumiya

The [Yumi] and the [Ya].

Yunde

The left hand. Also called [Oshide].

Yundeno Hanare

[Hanare] that occurs when the left hand appears to push the [Mato].

Yuzuriha

[Hozuriba].

Zanshin

The condition of the spirit and the body immediately after the [Ya] has been released.

Zasha

The [Ite] performs [Rei]((?)) at the [Honza] in a seated((?)) position, stands and advances to the [Shai]. In the seated((?)) position, the [Ite] nocks the [Ya], stands and shoots.