In this interview, Hiveclass graphic designer Cauê shares his journey into the world of Kyūdō, the Japanese martial art of archery, and the personal growth it inspired. From the philosophy behind the practice to the physical and mental skills required, Cauê offers a deep dive into Kyūdō.
Readers interested in learning more can explore organizations like the American Kyūdō Renmei, an association dedicated to the study and practice of Kyūdō.
This conversation has been lightly edited for smoothness and clarity.
CC: Hi, my name is Cauê, I’m from Brazil, I live in São Paulo, and I will be talking about Kyūdō today.
TO: So, first things first, what is Kyūdō?
CC: So, Kyūdō is often referred to in English as “the way of the bow,” which is the literal translation of “kyū” (bow) and “dō” (way or path). It’s a martial art that originated in Japan, and it’s one of the most ancient martial arts. It started out of necessity, likely for hunting and warfare, but it evolved into a beautiful sport with many facets.
TO: So, firstly, can you pronounce it for us one more time?
CC: Kyūdō. “Dō” means “way,” as in “way of tea,” like the tea ceremony. They regard these practices as ways of discipline and self-cultivation, improving yourself a little bit every day through those practices and rituals.
TO: Is that what makes it different from, say, just straightforward archery?
CC: Hitting the target is not the main priority. The main thing is to perform the movements precisely, to hold yourself properly, and in harmony with everyone else. It’s a bit cryptic and poetic, but the idea is to be true to yourself. Mistakes can happen. You can drop your bow, or miss by a lot. But one needs to be at peace with the inevitability of error, so you don’t react too much. You don’t dwell on mistakes or panic.