The
Iaido Journal Nov 2008
Book Review: The Way
of the Bow - The kyudo path to a disciplined mind
review copyright © 2008 Jeffrey Z.
Brown, B.A.
Author: Deborah
Klens-Bigman, Raymond A. Sosnowski
Publisher: Cliff Road
Books, Inc (June 30, 2008)
Language: English
Hardcover: 144 pages
ISBN – 10: 1602613125
ISBN – 13: 978-1602613126
The Way of the Bow by
Klens-Bigman and Sosnowski is a well written, easy to read
introductory text on kyudo, the Japanese art of archery. Both
writers present with substantial experience in budo as well as
in the particular subject matter of the title in review. It is not
presented as a “how to” text but offers insight into
various elements of kyudo including: aesthetics, history and what
the authors refer to as the “higher aspects” of kyudo. The authors draw
on a number of well documented sources throughout
the text to support their ideas as well as to offer alternatives to a
number of their points.
A theme present within
the book is the idea of “kyudo is kyudo.” Throughout the
years there has been much debate regarding the influence of Zen in
the art of kyudo. The authors opt to discuss the commonalities as
well as the differences between the various groups practicing kyudo.
All the while giving equal airtime in the manner in which they
discuss the various opinions, presenting very much a bipartisan
approach to discussing the issues of Zen, religion and meditation in
kyudo. At times the authors opt to discuss these topics in a
general manner in what they refer to as the “higher aspects”
of kyudo practice.
There is also a very
nice discussion on the elements of aesthetics and its relationship to
kyudo. The authors do an excellent job making reference to a number
of other traditional Japanese arts such as; Noh, chado,
shodo and kado to illustrate the role of aesthetics in
Japanese culture as a whole. The authors site various texts to
illustrate points covering a variety of topics including: wabi
sabi, ma-ai, johakyu and inyo.
The authors conclude
the text with a segment on the historical background on kyudo. This
includes a discussion on the various training groups as well as
touching briefly on the distinction between gendai and koryu
traditions. Also included here is a description of the kyudojo,
yumi, ya and kake as well as a very nice
description of the kihon-no-kata referred to as hassetsu
or shichido. One aspect that I found lacking in the
historical section was in regards to the various ryu-ha. The
authors listed the lineage of the various branches of Heki ryu
but failed to discuss any (if there are) distinguishing features. I
would also have liked to have had more information regarding the use
of koryu kata by the ZNKR.
One aspect that I found
interesting was the feeling of two voices throughout the book. Without
knowing the process with which the book was written there
appears to be two clearly distinct writing styles throughout the
text. This at times gives a disconnected feeling to the writing. I
got the sense that each of the authors represented a specific
perspective and at times these did not mesh. However, I felt this
blended well with their original idea that “kyudo is kyudo.” In closing
this was a very well done and enjoyable introduction to
the art of Kyudo. This is a book that I will give additional
readings to as things come up in my own personal exploration of budo.
Also of note the bibliography provides a number of excellent
suggestions on reading material in regards to budo, kyudo, Japanese
culture and religion.