Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery, emphasising not only the technical skill of shooting arrows but also a deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. Unlike other martial arts that focus on hand-to-hand combat, Kyudo centres on the practice of archery with a longbow (yumi), with the aim of achieving a "perfect shot", known as kansha. What makes Kyudo different from other martial arts is its intense focus on mental discipline, inner calm, and spiritual development, rather than solely on the precision of the shot. The art involves an elaborate ritualistic approach, incorporating specific movements in the process of drawing and shooting the bow, which are believed to help cultivate personal growth and mindfulness. Kyudo practitioners, or kyudoka, are taught to engage in the practice not only to improve their physical technique but also to foster a sense of humility, respect, and understanding of the universe.

Kyudo has its roots in ancient Japanese archery, which was used primarily for military and hunting purposes. The techniques of bowmanship were refined over centuries and were influenced by the samurai class. However, as the need for military archery declined, the focus of archery shifted from combat to spiritual and meditative practice. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, archery schools began to emerge in Japan that integrated both martial and meditative aspects of the bow. Kyudo as it is recognised today was formalised in the 20th century, with the establishment of formalised schools such as the All Japan Kyudo Federation (AJKF) in 1953. The sport became a way of cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and discipline. While Kyudo continues to have military and historical roots, it is now regarded as a way of life that combines physical practice with mental and philosophical growth, often practised by individuals seeking spiritual and personal enlightenment.

In Kyudo tournaments, practitioners are judged on the precision of their shots as well as the quality of their form. Competitions typically involve shooting at targets, and the shooter is awarded points for hitting specific areas of the target. However, Kyudo competitions do not focus purely on scoring but also place great importance on the aesthetic quality of the shot, the practitioner’s stance, and the overall performance of the ritual. Kyudo competitions often assess the form, breathing, focus, the Tsurune (the sound the arrow makes when leaving the bow), and the mental focus of the practitioner as much as the physical action itself. Competitions generally take place in a formal, traditional setting, often involving large groups of archers. In addition to individual competitions, team events are common, where groups of archers shoot in unison or as part of a relay. The emphasis in Kyudo competitions is on accuracy, consistency, and the demonstration of the correct principles of the art, with a focus on the practitioner's inner discipline and execution of the ritual rather than just the outcome.