Hunting weapons. From the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century Blackmore Howard L.

Japanese bows

Japanese culture developed under strong Chinese influence. Intensive cultural and trade ties between the two countries began to take shape during the Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD), which brought peace and prosperity to the country, and could not help but affect the design different types weapons. For example, ancient Japanese swords have a clear resemblance to products from North China and Korea. A poem by the Japanese empress Suiko (593-629 AD) praised "jewelry from the Hega province, as for sabers, the good blades from Kure (China) were the best!" Numerous stories about the exploits of Chinese archers have been preserved in Japanese folklore. They shot down geese flying above the clouds, aiming only at the cry of a bird.

Most of the ancient Japanese composite bows are similar in design to the Chinese designs. The Imperial Treasury in Tokyo contains a pair of huge silver timpani, dated March 8, 767, engraved with horse archers hunting wild boar and deer. They use compound bows with long "ears" of a distinctly Asian type.

Some collections contain several solid long straight bows made from catalpa or tsuki wood and dating from the same period. Some of the bows have traces of tying. In 764, the storehouse contained about a hundred bows made of euonymus and other types of wood.

As the influence of the Tang dynasty weakened, the Japanese began to strive for a manifestation of distinctiveness in the manufacture of almost all types of weapons, until they finally focused on long, thin bamboo bows. Mongol invasion 1274-1281 led to the emergence of more powerful and shorter composite bows that were common on the continent, and in the subsequent time the Japanese continued to make bows of this type.

Archery training was considered an obligatory part of the education of a representative of the nobility, first of all, they trained the skills of shooting from a moving horse. Even after the proliferation of handguns, the bow continued to be viewed as the main hunting weapon and was perceived as such until the second half of the 19th century.

Japanese bows varied little in length, but by design they can be divided into five main groups:

maruki - flat wooden bows;

sigetoyumi - bows wrapped in rattan;

bankui - sentry bows;

hankui - shortened bows;

hokoyumi - dart bows.

The first two varieties are considered quintessentially Japanese and are long and graceful in shape, ranging from 7 to 9 feet (2 to 2.7 m) in length (Figure 58). They were usually up to 1 inch wide, had a circular cross-section along their entire length, and were barely decorated. Shigetoyumi, or compound bows, were made from planks of deciduous trees (mulberry, sumach or cherry), reinforced with strips of bamboo, and the bark formed outside... Such a three-layer bow was reinforced with rattan rings. Like the sword, the bow had its own name and was the subject of a special cult.

When the bowstring was pulled, the bow acquired a slight curvature. TO distinctive features it is the Japanese bow that can also be attributed to the position of the grip, which was not located in the middle, but about a third of the length of the bow from the bottom, thus adapting to a short Japanese archer who shot from the back of a horse or from his knees. One of the rattan rings (nigiri) was located above the grip, which was used as a sighting device.

The Bankui bow was about half the size and was used primarily for shooting from the back of a horse. This group included the hankui, or ceremonial bows for the guard, which were mainly decorative rather than practical.

The most difficult to construct was the hokoyumi, which was an improved version of the ancient Chinese compound bow. It was often reinforced with metal plates. Small darts (yumiyari) about 3-4 inches long were fired from it. To prevent the bowstring from jumping off when fired, special recesses with horn pads were made at the ends.

Since the long bows were easily pulled up to the ear, which was in accordance with the Japanese tradition, Japanese arrows were much longer than European ones and had large arrowheads that outwardly did not differ much from the arrowheads of darts.

Perhaps a certain amount of truth is contained in the stories of the giant archer Tamitomo (1139-1170), who used a bow 8 feet 9 inches long (over 2.5 m). It is said that he sank when he plunged into a small boat with only one heavy arrow. Manufactured from metal, Japanese arrowheads (yanone) came in an incredible variety of shapes and sizes (Fig. 59), and yet they can be grouped into four main classes.

Togari-ya - in this class of arrowheads, a wide variety of shapes are noted, from long pointed pointed heads to wide flat ones in the form of hearts. Most of them were covered with carvings.

Yanagi-ha is the most common shape for arrowheads, a rough copy of a willow leaf, shapes and proportions varied significantly, the length varied from 3 /4 inches to 2.5 inches.

Karimata is a head similar to the European type with fork-shaped, sharply sharpened teeth. Width ranged from 1 to 6 inches.

Watakushi is a lanceolate head with inverted teeth. Literal translation of the name "tearing flesh", because this head could inflict a severe wound.

Rice. 58. Japanese archer. Based on an engraving by Morikuni (1729). Note the long bow, which turns in the hand so that the rope rests on back side wrist

Within the four types listed, there were many options that had their own names. So, among the togari-ya, there is a head for an arrow called rinzetsu (dragon tongue). Also noteworthy is the omodake (water plantain), which inflicted severe injuries. Large arrowheads were covered with exquisite patterns and poetic lines. Obviously, they were meant as offerings.

We do not describe kabura-ya - wooden arrows with a thickened head with holes that whistle in flight, since they were not used for hunting. At the same time, let's pay attention to the kihoko - a flattened wooden head used in hunting dogs (inuoi) - a disgusting entertainment introduced in the 12th century. emperor by you. During the hunt, the dog was released inside a fenced area, where it became a target for horse hunters moving around the perimeter.

To accommodate such a variety of types of arrows, a huge number of varieties of quivers were developed, many of which were distinguished by elegant finishes and were intended for officials, guards and parades. The quiver for hunting (kari-yebira) was a box made of thin bamboo and filled with arrows. For greater strength, the bamboo base was sheathed with wooden planks. Another type of hunting quiver depicted in numerous portraits of hunters is the utsobu, a cylindrical box covered on the outside with fur or leather with a hole in the front in the lower part. One of the shortest Japanese bows was made of whale bone and was only 2 to 3 feet long, often carried in an open lacquered case with a rimanka along with arrows.

Note that the Japanese archery techniques were very different from the Chinese. The bow had to be held lightly, "as if afraid to break an imaginary egg," so that after the shot it swayed strongly, and the bowstring could quite noticeably hit the left hand from the back.

Japanese archers were constantly in search of perfect shooting techniques and delicate bow control, which was reflected in the shooting instructions, which said the following: “The bow should never know when the arrow will be fired ... the archer himself should not know when the arrow will fly ... such the shot is said to cause only a long sound behind it ... the arrow moves as easily as the breath and does seem alive. "

Rice. 59. Japanese arrows. Top row: two fork-shaped heads (karimata), spearheads in the form of a heart (togari-ya). Bottom row: two heads in the form of a willow leaf (yanagi-ha), three-toothed (watakushi), thickened head (kihoko)

The Japanese also used the Mongolian method of launching an arrow, when the ring for thumb was replaced by a variety of shooting gloves (yugake) with padded corrugated thumb... For more formal occasions, special sleeves (yugote) and chest armor (tomo) were used. Despite their large size, long Japanese bows cannot match the power of shorter compound bows, for they could not shoot farther than 200 yards from them.

This text is an introductory fragment.

Heavy yumi were commonly used in naval battles. Huge arrows hit enemy boats. This bow has a two thousand year history. It is currently used for kyudo and various rituals.

Yumi features

Traditional Japanese onions are made from wood, bamboo and leather. Modern counterparts are created from carbon and fiberglass. The Japanese bow is an asymmetrical weapon. According to one version, this form is more convenient for shooting from a horse. You can also shoot from the knee and while standing from the yumi.

Archery technique

The peculiarity of the Japanese bow is that the shooter uses longer arrows, pulling the bowstring behind the ear. In this case, the arrow is held motionless with one hand, and the other pulls the bowstring with the bow. European technique involves pulling the arrow with the hand in which the archer is holding the arrow. The rider lifted the Japanese yumi bow upward and turned it vertically.

Foot warriors during the campaign held the bow at the side. When firing, the yumi was also raised and turned around. The arrow was captured using a special bone ring. Sometimes gloves with leather linings were used instead. After the shot, the bow turned freely in the hand. This technique is the least traumatic, but requires long training. The arrowheads are hollow. Therefore, during flight, they emit a characteristic whistle. It is believed that this is how the shooter scares away evil spirits and frightens his enemies. The whistle of an arrow was also a signal for the beginning of the battle.

Archers and their weapons

Japanese archers were distinguished by their endurance and rate of fire. An experienced master shoots a target from a distance. The yumi bowstring was made of hemp. Modern archers prefer various synthetic materials to her. The bowstring is not changed until the cliff. The place where the arrow touches the bowstring is reinforced with a thread with glue.

Attitude towards yumi

People who practice kyudo (the Japanese art of archery) believe that yumi contains part of the soul of the master who made it. Therefore, they treat him like a living person, protect him from heat and cold. The bow must not be touched without the permission of its owner. Also, you cannot step over the bow lying on the ground. Yumi must be stored in a room with a certain air humidity so that it does not lose its shape. In this case, you can adjust the shape of the bow by pulling and loosening the bowstring. Also for this use special devices... With proper care, yumi can serve its owner for several decades.

Archery art

Kyudo belongs to the traditional martial arts. In the middle of the twentieth century, it was transformed into a sport. Kyudo appeared during the Mongol invasion of Japan. Then the first shooting schools began to be created. Great attention was given to the upbringing of the spiritual personality of the warrior. Therefore, kyudo for the Japanese is also a way of life. This art was greatly influenced by Zen Buddhism.

Shooting a Japanese bow has become a special ritual. It differs significantly from the traditional European technique. When shooting, most of the bow is under the palm holding it. The diameter of the target is 36 cm. The distance to it is 28 m. The master must observe all forms and rules of kyudo. This is much more important than the arrow hitting the target. In Japan, 500 thousand people are engaged in this martial art. This state has been called the Country of Long Bows since ancient times.

They began to learn shooting from childhood. The future archer held a heavy staff in his outstretched hand, gradually increasing the time. Yumi was made from cheap natural materials. Therefore, the Japanese longbow was the most readily available weapon.

Use in battle

Yumi is irreplaceable in any natural environment. It was used in naval battles, for the defense of coastlines, mountain ranges, and forest ambushes. An experienced archer on horseback easily coped with a group of infantrymen. The convenient shape of the bow allowed him to shoot in any direction, sharply turning the body. Such an occupation was commonplace for noble samurai. To neutralize the war with a bow, it was necessary to kill his horse. The less wealthy Japanese became foot archers. They were used to storm castles and other fortifications. Wars lined up in several rows. Each line fired arrows in turn as the other archers prepared. This made it possible to unleash a continuous hail of arrows on the enemy. With the invention of muskets, the efficiency of using horse archers became minimal. But the samurai did not stop practicing this art. In their residences, huge shooting ranges were created, where competitions were held. Yumi was also used for hunting. The killing of a deer by a horse archer was a rare event. In this case, a messenger was sent to the samurai family with a message.

Tournaments

The best archers were recruited to guard the shoguns and in the palace guard of the emperor. Among them, tournaments were held, which evaluated not only the accuracy of the shooter, but also his speed and endurance. Archer Wadi Deihati in 1686 fired 8 thousand arrows per day, each of which hit a target. Only 150 years later, another shooter, Masatoki, repeated his achievement. Japanese women used small bows - adzyusa-yumi.

Hanku, yekyu, yoko-yumi, daikyu are the names of combat types of bows. Tabi-yumi is a folding bow. Ko-yumi is a ninja bow. Each kind of samurai used arrows with a special shape of the tips. By the finish of the quivers, it was possible to determine the rank of the war. Originally, kyuzuzu was considered the art of archery. His main goal there was an increase in the physical endurance and psychological stability of the war. Kyuzu masters defended the coastline against the Mongol invasion. Gradually, the martial art turned into a system for the spiritual improvement of Kyudo.

Materials (edit)

The bow was made from Japanese yew and reinforced with bamboo plates. All parts of the onion were greased with fish glue and pulled together. Then the product was covered with hemp threads and varnished. The generals' bows were wrapped along their entire length. The bowstring was made separately by special craftsmen. After all, she was considered the most important part of the weapon. For its manufacture, animal sinews, leather, silk and other materials were used. The bowstring was also wrapped with thread. While pulling the bowstring on the bow, the master clamped an additional loop on it in his teeth. The bow was kept in a special case made of leather or fabric. A wooden case with a spare bowstring wound on a special reel was attached to the war quiver. The arrows were made from strong and light wood. Some arrows were glued together from four fragments and wrapped in palm bast. The boom was then dried, checked and balanced with feathers. The most commonly used feathers of an owl and an eagle. On the back of the arrow, a recess was made for the bowstring.

The tips were made of stone, animal horns. Then they were changed to bronze and iron ones. The tips were driven into the boom and secured with winding. Their form depended on the purpose. There were "generic" tips. The family coat of arms was depicted on them. These arrows remained in the quiver and were not used in combat. They were used to identify a samurai in case of death. Quivers were of two types - open and closed. In the first, the arrows were separated from each other by partitions. So their plumage was not damaged. The arrow could be easily removed from the quiver. Special cords kept them from falling out. Closed quivers held the arrows securely and protected them from the rain. They were fastened on the back or waist of the war with two leather belts. The bow and quiver were kept in the house on special stands. Usually the boom length did not exceed 1 m, the average diameter was 14 mm, and the weight was 80 g.

Left hand

The warriors considered their left hand, in which they held a bow and sword, more needed than their right. A samurai who injured his left limb was considered useless in battle. The Japanese yakuza have retained the custom of cutting off their left finger in recognition of their guilt. Until now, the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun respect archers and the Japanese bow. Photos with arrows are loved by tourists traveling around this country.

Some terms

Inounomo is an exercise in which a horse archer shoots blunt arrows at dogs. In this case, the space was limited by ropes. Kasagake is another exercise. Horse arrows had to cover a certain distance and hit the target.

Yabusame is a special ceremony that includes casting out evil spirits, divination and archery. At its beginning, one of the shooters shoots an arrow into the sky as a sign of eternal peace.

The old proven practice of increasing power by increasing the size sooner or later comes up against the barrier of the impossible effective operation of a huge device. So it was with a simple bow. According to historians, English archers shooting from the famous longbows " longbow", have had big problems with broken bones shoulder joint... In such situations, when development reaches its critical point, either the refusal to use the device occurs, or a revolutionary solution is found that dramatically improves the characteristics of the old device.

Obviously, in the civilization of the Ancient East, such a turning point for came much earlier than in Europe. Two revolutionary solutions have been applied to the Asiatic bow:

composite structure- a wooden or bamboo base, reinforced from the side of the "abdomen" with horny plates, resistant to compression, and pasted over with elastic and stretching tendons from the side of the "back" of the bow. The whole was glued over and wrapped around with tendons and protected by a coating of varnish or other material.
recursive form- the curved bow is straightened and bent in the opposite direction, which significantly increases the extension force, and, as a result, the power of the shot.

Improvements provided the modernized bow with an increase in its power by one and a half times. The need for a solid size disappeared, because one person could no longer cope with the pulling of the bowstring of a large bow.

But what happened to the bow of the Land of the Rising Sun daikyu(Japanese 大弓, "big bow"), which is usually simply referred to by the generic word " yumi "(Japanese 弓," bow ")? And why is it so different from other traditional oriental composite bows, to whose noble family he belongs?

Custom structure

In the earliest period, the Japanese had a simple structure made from a single piece of wood. Somewhere in the 3rd century A.D. NS. he took on a long flat shape Maruki... From the 9th-10th centuries, the yumi bow began to be strengthened in front with bamboo plates ( Fusetake). At this time, Zen Buddhism, with its negative attitude to the killing of animals, came to Japan and by the 12th century. When, in the same XII century, the Japanese onion acquires 3 layers characteristic of the oriental type, the anterior stratum corneum, of animal origin, does not take root. Instead, its own structure is established Sanmaeuchi- wooden core with bamboo parts on the "belly" and "back". Further development Yumi was already continuing towards the same combinations of wood and bamboo. V Shihodake there was a wood core and bamboo all around. Since 1550, yumi has been made with a front and back bamboo plate, solid wood on the sides and bamboo plates inside - initially 3 y Sanbonhigo, then 4 y Yohonhigo, and from 5 to 7 y Gohonhigo... The latter form was considered to be perfect and since 1650 the structure of the traditional Japanese yumi bow was fixed. Nevertheless, the breath of the new time touched the yumi as well. Since 1971, along with the traditional shape, fiberglass daikyu have been produced with a wood core and with front and back plates made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

The largest in the world

Famous english longbow(long or large bow) had dimensions from 1.7 m to 2.1 m. Japanese yumi, which is selected according to the length of the arm, which, in general, corresponds to the height of a person, for an average European (165-180 cm) has a length 2.27 m (type " nisun-nobi"). For lower Japanese (150-165 cm), the standard is " namisun”At 2.21 m, which is more than the longest longbow. And the biggest yumi, hassun-nobi, has a size of 2.45 m. Such impressive dimensions have a simple logical explanation - power. The absence of horny plates and tendons characteristic of oriental bows in yumi negatively affects technical characteristics Luke. Even being a Goliath in the world of bows, his range is 100 m or a little more, at the same time, the English longbow, which itself is significantly inferior to the Turkish bow, strikes an unprotected enemy at a distance of up to 300 m.

Asymmetrical shape

Perhaps the most unusual thing about Yumi is his shape. Usually all bows are symmetrical. Although the master arrows distinguish between the upper and lower shoulder in their bows, nevertheless, traditionally, the sizes of both shoulders are the same - they are symmetrical. The Japanese daikyu stands alone in this regard. Yumi grip (handle placement yuzuka) is produced at one third of the length of the bow. Thus, the lower shoulder is half as long as the upper shoulder, i.e. the bow is asymmetrical. There are several explanations for this.

Horse version

It is believed that one of the shoulders ( kata) has been shortened to suit the rider's bow. The bow is very difficult to learn. It takes years of training to master it perfectly, so the bow is not a weapon of poorly trained mobilized warriors. The masters of bowing were professional samurai warriors who learned their craft, including the use of the bow, from childhood. Usually, they were rich and had a horse in possession, especially since this significantly increased the warrior's combat capability (the enemy on foot is clearly inferior to the mounted one). Such a version has a right to exist, especially since in other countries riders really used short versions of bows. In Japan, only one shoulder of the bow was shortened in order to maintain sufficient power, and even that not too outstanding characteristics, weapons.

Hunting version

Everything is simple here. Trapping prey, the hunter sat or lay in ambush. A long bow would be awkward to use.

Plant version

An interesting interpretation is voiced by the supporters of this version. They argue that because the plant, tree or bamboo has a heterogeneous, denser structure closer to the base (root), the bowmakers had to compensate for the weakness of the upper part and the strength of the lower part by moving the center of the bow to the lower third. Actually, such an interpretation shows disrespect to its bowmakers. Even if we assume that they did not know how the material was selected in terms of density and elasticity, then they could adopt the experience of other peoples.

Ergonomic version

There is another version associated with Zen's quest for excellence. A symmetrical bow is held with an outstretched hand with a slight tilt of the wrist. The pressing force is not strictly perpendicular, but at an angle, which reduces the reliability of holding the bow in an outstretched hand.

In the art of bowing kyudo handle grip tenuchi occurs along the straight arm-hand axis, which forms an angle of about 65 ° with the bow line. This perfect grip is only possible with an asymmetrical bow.

True, it is difficult to say which came first here - an egg or a chicken.

Which version is correct, I think, does not matter. Usually, folk traditions are based on an important and proven basis for centuries. Even if the latest science, at times, challenges the rationality of some customs, then over time it still comes to the same conclusions that our ancestors received through a long path of trial and error.

Confirmation of a certain rationality of the asymmetric bow shape can be the existence of such asymmetry in the forms of primitive bows of the Pacific aborigines in the New Hebrides or the American Indians of the Hidatsa in North Dakota.

A little about the spirit and technique of Kyudo

At the heart of kyudo(Japanese 弓道, "way of the bow"), the art of bowing, lies in Japanese traditional martial arts Toyujutsu(Japanese 弓術, "the art of the bow"), which is complemented by the Zen Buddhist philosophy of striving for perfection on the path to enlightenment. Therefore, there is a sacred attitude towards weapons, and the shooting technique dressed in the ceremony, and the philosophical content of each element of kyudo. Since written sources are denied in Zen, the true transfer of experience occurs exclusively in the communication of the student with the teacher, and through the transformation and comprehension of the acquired knowledge by the student himself. The sight of Kyudo competitions is truly mesmerizing.

The equipment used in kyudo and equipment have strict regulations, deviation from which is not allowed, in fact, as in other traditional arts. The most important element here, of course, is the yumi bow - a sacred object, and the attitude towards it is corresponding. Equally respectful of arrows I am, and to the bowstring tsuru... There is no way to go to Kyudo without a special shooting glove yugake, quiver for arrows yazutsu and a protective cover for the bow yumibukuro... - traditional for Japanese budo: black hakama (wide leg pants), white tabi(Japanese mitten socks), belt obi, White jacket- uvagi... For women, you also need a special protective bib muneate.

Archery technique is like a dance of 8 inseparable elements:

the kyudoka moves into the shooting position with the feet correctly spaced (asibumi),
the body takes a certain position (dozukuri),
the bow is taken as for shooting and the arrow (yugamae) is set,
yumi with an arrow rises above his head in the plane of the shot (uchiokoshi),
hands are spread in different directions, simultaneously pulling both the bow and the bowstring (hikivake),
hands are lowered to the horizontal of the shot, and at the same time the yumi is fully stretched (kai),
shot (hanare),
the final stage of zanshin is a return to its original state.

All this happens, smoothly flowing from one to another, in a certain rhythm of breathing. And kyudoka is completely immersed in the process, but not concentrated on its implementation, but, on the contrary, is in a state of detachment, meditation.

Horse archery

Considering the Japanese art of bowing, one cannot ignore its horse variety. Nowadays, this type is not so popular as it requires large training spaces, the ability to ride a horse and very strong skills in shooting accuracy. Until now, only ritual equestrian archery has survived yabusame held at religious holidays and special official events. The military essence of a kind of 4-stage ritual is simple, although not easy - it is necessary to hit three targets at full gallop at once in the form of samurai in full combat gear.

Earlier, horse riders trained in other competitions. Inuoumono was quite brutal, although from a military point of view, effective. Shooting accuracy training was practiced on live dogs. Although they were not killed, the arrows severely injured the unfortunate animals. It is good that this practice is in the past. And in kasagake the warrior should have been at full gallop maximum amount hit a target once to the side.

The popularity of the riding type of shooting was so great at one time that even horse duels were held among the samurai - riders rushing towards each other shot from a bow (whoever had time) at each other.

Other types of Japanese bows

Although the whole world has heard a lot about daikyu, and calls it simply yumi (a common name for Japanese bows), there were other types of bows in the history of Japan:

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Good, beaver to the hut! Today you will read about another deadly weapon of the samurai. We will also clarify the difference between Japanese and English bows. Let's start!

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Definition

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The Japanese longbow, or daikyu (longbow), or in simpler yumi (bow), is a bow over two meters in length, which differs from others in its curvature, handle and arrows. Yumi can be used when shooting from the knee, standing, as well as when shooting from a horse, which distinguishes it from other types.

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Daikyu is inextricably linked with the history of Japan - it was used on the battlefields for thousands of years, and even now it is an important attribute of Japanese culture. It was the bow that was the main weapon of the samurai until the katana came to replace it and firearms... But even after that, the bow was popular. Yumi can still be seen in Japanese ceremonies and religious rituals to this day.

Creation

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Japanese bows are usually made from the best materials, and the price of such weapons is not small. Therefore, there are cheaper analogues made of glass and carbon fiber. In the manufacture of expensive yume, leather, bamboo and wood are used, and the technology itself has not changed for centuries. In winter, when bamboo is the driest, the yumi maker searches the bamboo grove for the perfect tree. Even in a grove full of dry trees, it is very difficult to find a suitable one. Only one bow can be made from one bamboo, but the distance between the nodes must be correct and there must be no scratches or other damage on it. After it is cut into strips and taken to dry in a special smoking chamber. The bamboo will stay there for 6 months.

After drying, since all the pieces are different, the craftsman needs to calculate what their thickness will be for the required flexibility. Every millimeter matters. After the three parts are ready, the future bow is glued and tied with a rope and small pieces of bamboo are inserted under it - they will hold the yume when bending.

Until the glue has frozen, the master begins to bend the bow, at first not strongly, but then more and more confidently - this is how the bow acquires an asymmetric shape. Top part the bow is twice the size of the bottom, which is why the yumi is kept at a distance of two-thirds from the top. The master makes the handle in the lower third of the bow, since the recoil after the shot is stronger in the middle. The position of the handle precisely in the lower third increases the power of the bow.

The master bends the future bow

After the daikyu has taken the desired shape and is ready to install the bowstring, the master tucks the bow into a special machine and clings to the ends of a string-string called "tsuru". Immediately after that, the master picks up the yumi, trying to figure out if the bow was a success. If there is balance between the upper and lower parts, then this is a good bow, if not, then it is bad.

Combat technique

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The Japanese bow was used only by the samurai class. Not everyone could become a master at yumi shooting. Due to its unique shape, this weapon is more powerful than other bows, but even so, the samurai increased the power of the daikyu. Japanese archers have a technique called tsunome. When fired, the shooter's arm is deflected at the last moment so that the arrow flies straight out of the bowstring. This gave the arrow speed, power, increased firing accuracy, and also reduced vibrations.

Daikyu is drawn differently from other bows. The string is pulled with the tip of the thumb to or behind the ear. The arrow of the Japanese bow goes over the thumb right hand, it stabilizes and improves accuracy.

Yumi was used everywhere: in the defense of castles, in sea battles, in attacks. This deadly weapon made it easy to shoot in different directions. Wealthy samurai were horse archers and could easily repel spearmen. To defeat the rider with yumi, you had to kill his horse. The poorer samurai were foot archers, in battle they became two ranks - while one rank was reloading, the other shot, diverting attention to themselves. Daikyu could also be used as a spear or before the battle of formidable Japanese warriors.

Two samurai of equal status emerged from two opposite sides, they shot arrows at each other. If one side is intimidated by the skill of the warrior, then it could surrender.

Usage in our time

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In the twenty-first century in Japan there are only two schools that teach shooting from yumi - the Ogasawara School and the Kyudo School. In Ogsawar, they teach in the traditions in which samurai once studied - in some trainings, students wear armor that weighs 20 kilograms. In this school, training is mainly conducted for saddle shooting. In Kyudo, archery is more considered a martial art. This school does not teach how to hit a target, but concentration and control of movement. Students will eventually understand when to release the string to hit the target.

Temple cleansing ritual with Yumi

These schools host ceremonies in which participants can show their abilities. For example, Yabusame is a special ceremony that includes casting out evil spirits, divination, religious rituals, and horseback archery.

The rider at the Yabusame festival

Comparison of Yumi and English Longbow

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These two bows are very different, let's compare them. Let's start with the differences. The most obvious are the shape of the bend, the shooting technique and the arrows. The yumi has an asymmetric bend, while the long bow (see picture) is classic. The English bow is pulled with three fingers - index, middle and ring - to the cheek or corner of the lips. The shooters were mostly peasants, since the bow could be made quite easily. Yumi pulled the tip of his thumb to his ear and further, and the samurai used it.

English longbow

The arrow's flight speed at the same tension will be equal. Yume's arrows are longer, so if the arrows were the same, the speed of an arrow fired from a long bow would be slower.

The penetration of the English bow is slightly better. Yume's arrows are not capable of piercing chain mail. When shooting at an iron plate, the result of both bows will be the same. But when shooting at a ballistic gel, the density of which is equal to the density of the human body, daikyu will be in the lead.