The AKR has requested seminar stories and reports to share with those who could not attend the 2010 IKYF tournament and seminar in Japan. Here is the report of Cynthia Cato-Shannon, Godan.
2010 International Taikai/ Tokyo Japan
2010 marked the first formal International Taikai since the formation of the International Kyudo Federation. This is to be the inaugural start of many others held at the International Seminars. I was very fortunate o be a competitor in this first individual competition.
The individual taikai was arranged in divisions of Sandan and below, Yondan /Godan and Renshi Godan /Kyoshi Rokudan. In the Yondan and above categories, each competitor had to place both arrows (Hitote) in the target to advance to the next level of competition. My division had about sixty people; and I managed to hit both arrows to advance. Unfortunately, no one else in my division advanced. By this first round elimination, I won in my division.
Shooting in the tournament (Click for picture - author is in position 3).
I do not practice kyudo to enter competitions. However, I have found them instructive in teaching focus, mental discipline and in helping me to overcome the fear of competition or failure.
Two weeks before the seminar our club shipped off our bows. In the meantime, I practiced with a carbon bow 1 kg heavier than my bamboo yumi. As you can imagine, the carbon bow felt and released quite differently. I wondered about the validity of a competition where one could not practice before hand with the bow one would use. But I knew there would many in the same position, as I would be.
Once in Japan, I had only one hour to re-acquaint myself with my yumi. I was grateful the dojo wasn’t busy so I could feel out the space, check exit and entrance spacing and shoot a few arrows in full taihai. I shot six arrows until I was satisfied I remembered the feel of my practice. During that time many arrows had hit the target, but I knew how deceiving that could be, for the taikai was still two days away.
After a wonderful, if rather chilly day, of watching the inspiring International Team Taikai, the day arrived for the individual competition. I owe thanks to Yoshiko Sensei and Maria Sensei for supplying me with a written translation of the Japanese timing for taikai. It was invaluable to get a sense of the timing, which I have never been too sure of.
I began with shooting a few arrows at makiwara to warm up. Then I waited with everyone else to have my turn. I really had no expectations other than I hoped to shoot according to my training.
Shooting at the makiwara (Click for picture).
Going out on the floor, our group was organic and smooth. The timing was fast, but even, sure and doable thanks to those in my tachi. The smooth working of the group helped me to enter what I had practiced. Once I reached kai, I felt peace and clarity of mind, like a clear day. It was as if I rested on or in my chest. When the arrows released it was like birds flying. For a brief moment, I felt I touched the heart of kyudo.
There are many things that bring success in shooting. Our study of kyudo confronts us with our fears, our weaknesses our hopes and our strengths. For many years I struggled with a fear of failure. But through the slow transforming power of practice this fear gradually began to melt away to be replaced with love. Love of this art, care of my equipment and respect of the others I have the privilege to shoot with.
After the Individual Taikai, I was asked, in an interview with a Japanese reporter, what would be my thoughts if I were to enter this competition again?
I replied, “to keep my expectations low.”
However, Onuma sensei said best what I would hope to embody “… align your body to the target, stand straight, fill yourself with spirit and shoot with a pure heart and meaningful purpose.
The medal (Click for picture).
This medal depicts Prince Yamatokateru (formerly Prince Ousu). He was of the Yamoto dynasty, son of Keiko o Yamato the Emperor of Japan, 4th, century AD. Prince Ousu slew elder brother. His father, after that, fearing his son’s temperament, plotted to kill Prince Ousu. Through the many attempts on his life, Prince Ousu, was victorious. Even when his father himself sent armies after him Ousu, remained a great warrior and was undefeated. With constant winning he earned the named Yamatokateru, meaning the brave of Yamato. His reputation today lives on as the great warrior, Yamatokateru, of stories, film and even anime.
