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The style
in practice today dates from the 18th century.Practitioners claim that the
art helped the samurai learn focus, while the Zen breathing techniques help
stabilize the mind and bring clarity of thought.To be able to calmly draw
one's bow, aim, and shoot in the heat of battle, and then repeat, was the
mark of a true samurai who had mastered his training and his fear.
Yabusame is characterized as a ritual rather than a sport because of its
solemn style and religious aspects, and is often performed for special
ceremonies or official events, such as entertaining foreign dignitaries and
heads of state.Competitions are usually held near Shinto shrines, in the
past they were intended as entertainment for the gods as well as local
people.
Experienced archers are allowed to used arrows with a V-shaped prong. If the
board is struck, it will splinter with a confetti-like material and fall to
the ground. To hit all three targets is considered an admirable
accomplishment. Yabusame targets and their placement are designed to
ritually replicate the optimum target for a lethal blow on an opponent
wearing full traditional samurai armor (O-Yoroi) which left the space just
beneath the helmet visor bare. |
