Page "Kyūdō" Paragraph 13

Kyudo practice as all budō includes the idea of moral and spiritual development.

Today many archers practice kyudo as a sport, with marksmanship being paramount.

However, the goal most devotees of kyudo seek is seisha seichū, " correct shooting is correct hitting ".

In kyudo the unique action of expansion ( nobiai ) that results in a natural release, is sought.

When the technique of the shooting is correct the result is that the arrow hits the target.

To give oneself completely to the shooting is the spiritual goal, achieved by perfection of both the spirit and shooting technique leading to munen musō, " no thoughts, no illusions ".

This however is not Zen, although Japanese bow can be used in Zen-practice or kyūdō practiced by a Zen-master.

In this respect, many kyudo practitioners believe that competition, examination, and any opportunity that places the archer in this uncompromising situation is important, while other practitioners will avoid competitions or examinations of any kind.