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Hikiwake

What is Hikiwake?

Hikiwake is the fifth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. It involves the drawing of the bow. The term "Hikiwake" can be translated as "drawing apart" or "drawing the bow."

Here are the key aspects of Hikiwake:

  1. Drawing the Bow: From the Uchiokoshi position, the archer begins to draw the bow by lowering the left hand (bow hand) and simultaneously pulling back the right hand (string hand). This movement should be smooth and coordinated.
  2. Balanced Movement: The draw should be even and balanced, with both arms moving in opposite directions. The left hand pushes the bow while the right hand pulls the string. This balanced movement ensures that the bow remains stable and the arrow stays in line with the target.
  3. Body Alignment: The archer's body should remain aligned and stable during Hikiwake. The posture established in Dōzukuri should be maintained, with the spine straight, shoulders relaxed, and weight evenly distributed.
  4. Full Draw: The draw continues until the bowstring reaches the archer's face, typically near the mouth or cheek. The arrow should be aligned with the centerline of the body, and the elbows should form a straight line.
  5. Focus and Breathing: Throughout Hikiwake, the archer should maintain focus on the target and continue to breathe calmly and deeply. This helps in maintaining a state of mental readiness and physical relaxation.

Hikiwake is a crucial stage in Kyudo as it sets up the archer for the release of the arrow. Proper execution of Hikiwake ensures that the bow is drawn evenly and that the archer is in the optimal position to release the arrow accurately and with control. Mastery of this stage is essential for achieving precision and consistency in Kyudo practice.

Related Article: Kyudo: The Zen Art of Japanese Archery

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