Kyudo is the traditional Japanese art of archery, emphasizing both physical skill and mental discipline. Practitioners, known as kyudoka, aim to achieve a state of harmony between body and mind while shooting arrows. The practice is often seen as a form of meditation, focusing on precision and technique. The equipment used in kyudo includes a longbow called a yumi and arrows known as ya. Unlike Western archery, kyudo places significant importance on the ritual and form of shooting, with specific movements and postures that reflect the philosophy of the practice.