(Or: Other Excuses to Take Martial Arts Classes!)
Kyudo (japanese longbow) is actually a school sport and common after-work activity in Japan. The focus is less on shooting and more on proper form, in a meditative sort of way. It’s meant to be peaceful and relaxing.
The bow is just the tiniest bit taller than I am, but we were given intro bows made out of more flexible material (carbon fiber and something else), so we didn’t have any issues getting a full draw.
I hit the target pretty consistently from the mid-range, but when we backed up to the platform (normal shooting distance), the proper angle was elusive. I didn’t realize quite how much I was compensating until I saw the video afterwards.
That shot hit the netting above the targets. Whoops!
I’ve been having fun making friends with people who are susceptible to my random suggestions. I say “I’ll hold your beer, try this!” and they’re game. We wound up with a group of four, plus a few others who signed up separately.
(Side note: the pants are supremely comfortable. All sports should have such pants.)
We went out for some post-archery dinner in Shinjuku (Tokyo). Food on a stick (yakitori) is always delicious.
More networks of narrow alleys and izakaya (think bar-seating-only restaurant, but smaller.)
Taste first, taste again, and when it’s all gone, ask questions. This is gut soup, made of vegetables and chicken/pork guts. (It was delicious!)
Om nom nom!
myTia 