The Neandertal Kyudo Club has set itself the goal of teaching Kyudo in accordance with the traditions and values of its country of origin. Regular visits by instructors from Japan to the club and participation in seminars led by Japanese instructors at the national and European levels help to achieve this goal. The proper transmission of Kyudo teachings is overseen by the Japanese governing body (Zen Nippon Kyudo Renmei – All Nippon Kyudo Federation). Under the supervision of senior Japanese masters, training courses are held regularly and internationally recognized examinations are administered. The member clubs of the German Kyudo Federation (DKyuB) are committed to this tradition and adhere to the strict evaluation criteria set by the Japanese instructors.

Three concepts lie at the heart of the practice of Kyudo: “Shin,” as an expression of technically correct shooting imbued with the proper mindset; “Zen,” or goodness, as an expression of social and moral competence; and finally, “Bi,” or beauty, also in the sense of aesthetics. All of this can be expressed in a successful shot. During the shot itself, the mind should be calm and clear. The term “Munenmuso” or “Mushin” is often mentioned in this context. Although this literally translates to “empty mind,” what is meant is that the archer allows himself to be influenced by nothing and is preoccupied with nothing other than what he is doing at that moment.

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