Kyu-do (Japanese Archery)

 Will was very interested in exploring Japanese archery while he was here in Japan.

 The guidebook from the international center indicated that there was a Japanese martial arts center not too far from our apartment -- with Japanese archery. So one day we stopped by to observe. We were asked to observe from outside, which was towards the target from where they were standing to shoot. This made us very nervous, so we stayed well back.

 After a while, the fellow who had directed us to this spot came around to check on why we were so far back.  He indicated that we would in no way be in danger from these arrows. So we moved closer.

 A few days later we returned with more intent on signing Will up for Japanese archery. We were told that this would be difficult. We were told that the class was already underway. We were told that it was difficult because will did not speak Japanese. This time we were giving sitting positions indoors to watch the archery for a while.

There is a very stylized form of foot, hand and body movements that go with Kyu-do. After we observed for a while, it was suggested that we might return at 10 o'clock on Saturday. Will was a little discouraged that he was not signed up for class, but I saw this as being like the Little Prince and the Fox. The Little Prince came to see the Fox everyday at the same time so that they could gradually build the relationship.

 When we returned, in fact, we found the beginner's class. I was asked to go back to the office and sign up for an hour's lesson, at ¥250, or $2.50 (though I did not quite understand the specifics). Will had brought along a T-shirt, and he was shown the locker room for changing. He was given a rope with knots at the appropriate positions and taught the steps. I actually had bought a ticket for 2 hours, so both Will and the teacher got more than they expected.  I stayed nearby to do a bit of translating but my Japanese is pretty limited to.  At one point, they asked him if he was OK.  Instead of translating, I said he was fine -- they found that very amusing. 

Will returned the next week, and after more work with the rope, was given a bow.   And by the 3rd lesson, his teacher was bragging on him to another one of the teachers!  Although they looked down on western style archery as something entirely different, they did concede that his skills there might be helping him. What was particularly heartwarming was the lack of their insistence that he do things exactly as the Japanese. For example it's pretty hard for Will to get to the floor in the seiza position for the formal bowing. And some arthritis in his neck makes full turning difficult. They were OK with this.

By the 4th class Will was on his own without me there to translate, and he was even given an arrow. Another 20 years, and he too will be an expert!

The place where these lessons are taking place has space for the other martial arts -- sumo, kendo, and others.  The big hall was built more than a 100 years ago.  I love that it is low cost, accessible, and draws a range of people.