YABUSAME ARCHERY EQUIPMENT

Bow (Yumi)
The bow is familiar to those who know about Kyudo; it is unique in many respects, being over seven foot long, distinctly assymetrical with the lower limb around one third of the total bow length. These bows allow a drawlength of around 34inches, necessary with the kyudo technique of drawing level with the point of the shoulder. The yumi is steeped in history and tradition, the different curves being of specific radius and the recurve being varied according to the experience of the archer: each sect has it's own preferred bow, and the number of rattan bindings indicate the rank of the user.
Traditionally the bows were made of bamboo to back and belly, with laminated bamboo cores and sidewood strips of mulberry,cherry, sumach or waxwood. Nowadays glass fibre and carbon laminations are incorporated.

The bow nocks are scarfed and pegged into the stave. Traditionally the string is made of hemp, bound together with a resin/glue mix which produces a very fine, strong string.
(Kevlar strings for use with Yumi are also supplied)

Arrows (Ya)
Traditional bamboo arrows are especially made for Yabusamé: the karimata has four fletchings, two large and two small, Hawk and Eagle feathers (now sourced from China) are traditional; it is fitted with a forked arrowhead slotted into a humming head: the forked head is used in ceremonies by the most experienced riders (Ite). Bamboo shafts are selected, dried and straightened over a charcoal brazier, then the nodes removed and the shaft rounded; it is polished with wet and dry scouring reeds.
One manufacturer's catalogue states that the arrows should be returned to the shop for straightening every three months.
An alternative is the ubiquitous Easton aluminium shaft, (for practice only.)

Quiver
The quick-draw quiver as used by the Ogasawara is based on that of the Edo era; it is shaped like a box, and is often highly decorated. It is fitted on the belt so that the arrow can be drawn downwards, head first.

Shooting glove
This must fit the archer's hand well, and can be a bespoke item to allow for differences in the archer's draw. Four fingered varieties, laced or unlaced, made of deerskin are traditionally used.
When wearing the traditional kimono while shooting, the Igote (sleeve wrap) is essential for keeping the voluminous sleeve clear of the bowstring.

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