Yabusame

Yabusame can trace it’s roots back to pre-history.

It was established in the Jomon era. However I will be concentrating mostly on the 12th century practise of Yabusame, this was the Kamakura era and there were many changes happening within Japan.

In the Kamakura era, Yabusame was used for ceremonial functions and as an exercise prepairing for possible war.

Yabusame was also used for ritual purposes, demonstrations were performed during prayers for healing, repelling evil and even for the birth of children.

Yabusame

We are a UK Yabusame Group based in Staffordshire by Stoke on Trent.

We are the only group based in the UK, we share and develop our understanding of an amazing Japanese martial art and tradition.

We are linked to Japanese Gardens and Dojo design, Mizuchi Kan Dojo in Barlaston and Blurton and Valentine Ponies.

Our Group

Our group is created to share information, develop our understanding of an amazing Japanese tradition/martial art, our mission is to create a place where people can go to experience this without having to travel to Japan.

What is Yabusame

Yabusame is a traditional Japanese martial art that involves shooting arrows at targets while riding a horse at high speeds (gallop).

It is often performed at special events and festivals throughout Japan, where it is considered a cultural highlight and a symbol of Japanese tradition.

Event – Run Through (typical)

  1. Purification Ritual.
  2. Opening Prayer.
  3. Greetings and Introductions.
  4. Demonstration of Skills.
  5. Main Yabusame Event
  6. Closing Ceremonies.

Yabusame Clothing & Equipment

  1. Hakama
  2. Kimono
  3. Haori
  4. Eboshi
  5. Kote
  6. Haramaki
  7. Mukabaki
  8. Igutsu/Igusa – sandals
  9. Yumi – Bow
  10. Ya – Arrow

Horses

Yabusame horses are specially trained for the sport and are selected for their speed, agility, and calm demeanor.

Other activities

Yabusame events are often accompanied by traditional Japanese music and other cultural activities, such as tea ceremonies, flower arrangement, and calligraphy.

Yabusame Track

This is a rough plan of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Yabusame track) one which is still in use today.

Yabusame Track Features – Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

  • East to West track-254 meters
  • Lower Worship Hall
  • Grand Marshall Score Keeper
  • 1st Mato (Target/Mark)
  • 2nd Mato (Target/Mark)
  • 3rd Mato (Target/Mark)

Generic Yabusame Track

  • Starting and Finishing points 218 meters
  • Recording Station (Magistrate Drum Staff)
  • 1st Mato (Target/Mark 54.5 meters)
  • 2nd Mato (Target/Mark 109 meters)
  • 3rd Mato (Target/Mark 163.5 meters)
  • Various Arrow/Wand/Target/Flag/Fan Staff

“Our Opening Prayer”

“天地人のみならず万物の霊に栄光を称えて、古の伝統である流鏑馬を行うことをたまひません。この儀式の始まりに、我が道場「水龍館」に帰り、我らが伝統的な日本武道を習い、未来の流鏑馬の射手を育むことに感謝いたします。謙虚な心と清らかな思いをもち、神々の加護と共に、調和と平安の道を歩みたいと祈ります。皆が安全でありますように。”

“Tenchi hito no minarazu banbutsu no tamashī ni eikō o tataete, inishie no dentō de aru yabusame o okonau koto o tamahimasen. Kono gishiki no hajimari ni, waga dōjō ‘Mizuchi Kan’ ni kaeri, warera ga dentōteki na Nihon budō o narai, mirai no yabusame no ite o hagukumu koto ni kansha itashimasu. Kenkyo na kokoro to kiyoraka na omoi o mochi, kamigami no kago to tomo ni, chōwa to heian no michi o ayumitai to inorimasu. Minna ga anzen de arimasu yō ni.”

Translated it goes as follows;

“We give glory to the spirits of all things, not only to the heavens, the earth, and humankind, but to all things. As we partake in the ancient tradition of Yabusame, we return to our dojo, Mizuchi Kan, where we learn our traditional Japanese martial arts and nurture the future archers of Yabusame. With humble hearts and pure thoughts, we pray to walk the path of harmony and peace, guided by the blessings of the gods. May all be safe.”

Yumi Bow

Yumi bow is the traditional bow which is used for Yabusame/Horse back archery which are approximately 2.2 to 2.3 metres in length (7.2 to 7.5 feet) these are approximates as they are adjustments made for the archers height.

A Hankyu bow is a slightly shorter bow, measuring 1.2 to 1.5 metres (4 – 5 feet) in length and is easier to handle in tight spaces and allows for quicker shooting.

The choice of Yumi or Hankyu is purely dependant on the individuals skill level, beginners tended however to utilise the Hankyu and then progress onto the Yumi.

A Rough Guide to height and the size of bow/arrows required.

Height – 150cm and below – Arrow Length – 85cm – Suggested Bow Length – 212cm Sansun-zume.
Height – 150cm to 165cm – Arrow Length – 85 – 90cm – Suggested Bow Length – 221cm Namisun.
Height – 165cm to 180cm – Arrow Length – 90 -100cm – Suggested Bow Length – 227cm Nisun-nobi.
Height – 180cm to 195cm – Arrow Length – 100-105cm – Suggested Bow Length – 227cm Yonsun-nobi.
Height – 195cm to 205cm – Arrow Length – 105 – 110cm – Suggested Bow Length – 239cm Rokusun-nobi.
Height – 205cm and greater – Arrow Length 110cm – Suggested Bow Length 245cm Hassun-nobi.