Traditional Archery as a Specific Motor Activity Type of the Japanese

Abstract

Topicality. The importance of Japanese national (traditional) archery as a type of motor activity in the Japanese lives is significantly relevant nowadays. However, there is a lack of systematic knowledge in this research field. The Purpose of the Research is to present a comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of Japanese national (traditional) archery. The Research Methods. Analysis of scientific and methodical literature, theoretical analysis and generalization, systematic analysis and some of historical research methods, in particular the periodization methods, historical-comparative, historical-systemic and historical-typological methods. The Research Results. A chronological table of the origin and development of Japanese national archery has been suggested. It has been determined a special significance of archery in the life of the Japanese, in particular as a form of training, a way of entertainment, symbols in religious rites and events, as a way of physical and spiritual development of a person, a means of motor activity and sport. The traditional Japanese bow, in particular the general yumi structure has been described. The traditional archery features of Kyudo, Shihan-Mato, Yabusame, Inuomono, Kasagake have been analyzed. These types of shooting have been characterized, which are still practiced at the present time, in particular in some Japanese public schools, extracurricular kyudo clubs, and at traditional ryuhas. The activity of the international kyudo organizations, by which the general rules of various levels competitions were unified, has been described. Conclusions. Archery as a motor activity type plays an important role in the formation of Japanese folk traditions. It has been established that traditional archery (Kyudo) is widely used in Japanese life primarily as a means of shaping a individual`s physicality and spirituality, sports, religious ceremonies, means of entertainment, etc. There is a need to determine the perspective of using Kyudo in the world and in Ukraine.