Shibata Kanjuro XX, Sendai until 2011 Head of "Chikurin ha" Excerpts from an interview
"For the beginner, the "Seven Coordinations" are the foundation of Kyudo. Beginners should reflect on every single shot. In sports, there are competitions, winners and losers. This does not apply to Kyudo. Kyudo is based on "issha", on the idea of "one shot". - Reflection is the main thing."

"First you think about the technology. Working on the "Seven Coordinations" refines the technique: If you do not stop working on the technique, you begin to encounter the "Seven Emotions" of the mind. The way to work with these emotions is the way of the bow, Kyudo. This path, "do" is without end. Practice never ends and begins again with every shot."

"Since Kyudo can be practiced from a distance of two meters (Makiwara > bale of straw; the normal distance is 28 m > Mato. Note HG), hitting the target means nothing. Most beginners forget this and think too hard on the target. It is not important where the arrow flies to. This is only a reflection of the accuracy of the technique and the clarity of mind."

"You don't shoot at the target. If you stick to the "Seven Coordinates", the arrow will fly to the target, straight as if it has a mind of its own. Not "you" shoot at the target; the right mind and the right heart, not just the right form, shoot at the target. This right mind results from the "Seven Coordinations" by reflecting on both accuracy in technique and the seven emotions."

"The highest goal in Kyudo is to polish your mind. It is the same as in zazen. You do not polish your style of shooting, but your mind The dignity of shooting is the most important point Without right mind, that dignity cannot be attained, no matter how long you have been shooting."