German Kyudo championship: precision and Zen in Frankfurt!

German Kyudo championship: precision and Zen in Frankfurt!

Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland - On June 16, 2025, the German championship in Kyudo took place in the picturesque Frankfurt. In a unique atmosphere, characterized by meditative movements, the event not only radiated competitive spirit, but also the deep philosophy of the traditional Japanese martial arts of archery. Four shooters approached the target disks with calm, precisely choreographed movements, which hung 28 meters in the distance in front of a hill made of sand and spelled shells. Accompanied by twittering birds and the sound of a passing path, the entire scenery remained in a state of silent concentration.

In this competition, the shooters not only beat themselves in a classic tournament, but also in a spiritual challenge. "Kyudo" means "path of the arch" and combines precise movements with the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. It has its roots in the war art of the Samurai and is characterized by the characteristic long arch, which is over two meters high, the Yumi. This sheet is not only a sporty equipment, but also a symbol for decades long practice and discipline.

The competition process

The first shooter took his starting position, spanned the bow and shot the first arrow. Although all hits are decisive in the K.-O. mode, the style, the posture and the respiratory flow is also crucial for success. In total, the 16 shooters moved into the knockout duelle with the most points. Here not only the first goal counts, but also the concentration and calm to master the challenges that the competition brought with it.

The shooters compete in a respectful cooperation, with Kyudo not distinguishing between gender; Men and women fight equally for the title. In this context, the Dojo director Christiane Schöniger put the philosophy of self-optimization in the foreground: the competitions can be frustrating, but ask to overcome personal lows.

kyudo in the historical context

The historical roots of the Kyudo go back to the Yayoi time when archery has already been practiced. In the Sengoku period, new techniques and schools were created that shaped the development of this art form. With the introduction of firearms, the importance of the Yumi decreased as a weapon of war, and during the Edo era Kyudo turned into civilized art that was spread far beyond the warrior class.

In order to fully grasp the fascination and art of the Kyudo, special equipment such as the Yumi, the arrows (YA) and the glove (yugake) are essential. The traditional yumi, made of bamboo, wood and leather, is not only the largest arch formation worldwide, but also a symbol of aesthetics and discipline of this martial art.

Even if Musa Karaça left in the round of 16, he was able to win a style price and thus prove that the beauty of movement and expressiveness in the Kyudo are of great importance. So the Kyudo not only remains a competition, but a path to self -optimization and to develop your own skills - a very special way of experiencing yourself.

For all participants and spectators, the championship in Frankfurt was not only a way to appreciate and appreciate the best shooters, but also an invitation, the cultural heritage and the philosophy of archery in Japan. For those who want to learn more about this fascinating art, there is the opportunity to deal with Kyudo and to discover the deep traditions of Japanese martial arts.