Modern synthetic yumi (Japanese Bows)
Greetings all,
Was watching one of the Youtube links posted here under the heading Japanese battlefield archery posted by Ashbow, done by the Koryu group, Satsuma Heki Ryu, I noticed that the release and drawing seems very different from 'standard kyudo'. (There was no raising of the bow e.t.c). I was wondering, are the bows used by this group (I guess, the closest to battlefield Japanese archery now, in modern times) using the same 'standard' modern method for choosing a yumi. (i.e Bow length dependent on height) or do they use a particular length yumi, since there are firing from a kneeling position?
Anyway, I've digressed from my original intention of this post. From lurking around, I am aware there are some forum members who do modern kyudo.
I've been searching around the internet with regards to synthetic yumi, but most mention about bamboo yumi (usually the feel of it). I'm interested to hear what are the differences in terms of maintenance. Not so much about the 'ascetics' about not using a synthetic yumi.
In modern kyudo, do they leave synthetic yumi (glass fiber, carbon fiber, Kelvar) continually braced or do they take of the string after practice? I read somewhere that bamboo yumi are left braced for some time when new to 'tame' the yumi shape. Are modern synthetic yumi left braced after shooting ?
The other question in particular synthetics (not bamboo), for a modern practitioner of Kyudo, what are the practical/technical reasons why one would choose a Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber or Kelvar Yumi (If price is not an issue)?
One last technical curiosity I have about the yumi : what happens if you use a tsuru (string) meant for a heavier draw weight bow? (i.e if you use a string meant for bows 15kgs and above when your yumi has a draw weight of ... lets say 10kg.) How does this affect shooting technically or is there no difference?
Was watching one of the Youtube links posted here under the heading Japanese battlefield archery posted by Ashbow, done by the Koryu group, Satsuma Heki Ryu, I noticed that the release and drawing seems very different from 'standard kyudo'. (There was no raising of the bow e.t.c). I was wondering, are the bows used by this group (I guess, the closest to battlefield Japanese archery now, in modern times) using the same 'standard' modern method for choosing a yumi. (i.e Bow length dependent on height) or do they use a particular length yumi, since there are firing from a kneeling position?
Anyway, I've digressed from my original intention of this post. From lurking around, I am aware there are some forum members who do modern kyudo.
I've been searching around the internet with regards to synthetic yumi, but most mention about bamboo yumi (usually the feel of it). I'm interested to hear what are the differences in terms of maintenance. Not so much about the 'ascetics' about not using a synthetic yumi.
In modern kyudo, do they leave synthetic yumi (glass fiber, carbon fiber, Kelvar) continually braced or do they take of the string after practice? I read somewhere that bamboo yumi are left braced for some time when new to 'tame' the yumi shape. Are modern synthetic yumi left braced after shooting ?
The other question in particular synthetics (not bamboo), for a modern practitioner of Kyudo, what are the practical/technical reasons why one would choose a Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber or Kelvar Yumi (If price is not an issue)?
One last technical curiosity I have about the yumi : what happens if you use a tsuru (string) meant for a heavier draw weight bow? (i.e if you use a string meant for bows 15kgs and above when your yumi has a draw weight of ... lets say 10kg.) How does this affect shooting technically or is there no difference?
Heki is just a different style than Shomen - the "standart" kyudo.
The synthetic yumis i've seen in my local kyudojo were braced for practice an unstrung afterwards. The trainer told me, that leaving them braced is bad manners - because students should learn how to handle a bamboo-bow and the synthetic one is just a cheaper more forgiving bow to start. It is mostly a replacement for the expensive "real" ones.
Thats all I can say after 4 practice sessions, half a year ago.
The synthetic yumis i've seen in my local kyudojo were braced for practice an unstrung afterwards. The trainer told me, that leaving them braced is bad manners - because students should learn how to handle a bamboo-bow and the synthetic one is just a cheaper more forgiving bow to start. It is mostly a replacement for the expensive "real" ones.
Thats all I can say after 4 practice sessions, half a year ago.
A take yumi (bamboo yumi) needs to be treated with care. You shouldn't use it in extreme weather. It needs to be balanced, in a similar fashion than a hornbow. Top and low limb needs to be checked and also string placement in relation to the bow center. With a synthetic yumi, you just string the bow and shoot in seconds. With a bamboo yumi, you need to string it and leave it rest for 20 minutes, then draw it a few times to prepare the yumi for use.
There are several things that can go wrong if you are a beginner, specially with your draw length and wrist rotation on the bow hand.
I never would leave any kind of bow strung, no matter if the bowyer agrees to do it. Why stressing the materials when the bow is not in use. Do you feel you need to rest at night? Well, your bow feels the same :wink:
There are several things that can go wrong if you are a beginner, specially with your draw length and wrist rotation on the bow hand.
I never would leave any kind of bow strung, no matter if the bowyer agrees to do it. Why stressing the materials when the bow is not in use. Do you feel you need to rest at night? Well, your bow feels the same :wink: