Having grown a little bigger To return to the national tournament
College of Health and Welfare First Grade Kyudo Club Graduate of Maebashi High School, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Natsumi Sudo
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A retirement match where I was crushed by the pressure and left with regrets.
I was in the brass band in middle school and intended to continue playing in high school. However, when I went to observe the archery club, which my father had been dedicated to, I saw the dignified posture of the senior members in their hakama (traditional Japanese trousers) and thought, "I want to be like that," and impulsively decided to join. My father was very happy.
Even though tournaments were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there were periods when I couldn't practice as I wished, the three years of training with my friends were enjoyable and I felt I was able to grow both physically and mentally. However, in his last national tournament in high school, he was overwhelmed by unprecedented tension and pressure, and was eliminated in the first round of the finals, leading to his retirement. Rather than focusing on technique, I was frustrated by losing emotionally, and decided to continue competing at university, determined to compete again in the national kyudo tournament and avenge my previous loss. I chose J. F. Oberlin University because I learned that it offers an environment and facilities to practice kyudo at a high level that allows me to compete at national tournaments, and I also learned that I can study welfare-related fields, which is my dream for the future.
I'll use this disappointment as motivation and get my revenge with a strong will.
J. F. Oberlin University archery range always maintains a sense of tension, allowing you to aim for the target with the tournament in mind. Because my seniors and others are highly aware, I also strive to do my best every day. I think the wonderful thing about the J. F. Oberlin University Kyudo Club is being inspired by and helping each other improve from their peers. However, before and after practice, the tense atmosphere shifted sharply to lively, lively, and enjoyable conversations. This contrast is also one of its attractions.
I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to participate in a competition shortly after joining the club. However, my condition deteriorated a few days before the competition, and I was unable to recover in time, resulting in a disappointing outcome. I wish I had had a little more time, but the biggest reason for my defeat was that I became anxious and lost my composure. Learning from this experience, I approached the recent All-Kanto Championship qualifying round with a strong mindset, telling myself, "If I just do what I've been doing, one step at a time, I'll be fine." I was able to finish with a good performance, and I feel that I have grown a step further.
The insights gained from watching others shoot are greater than those gained through instruction.
When I first joined the club, I got goosebumps seeing the senior members, whom I had only seen on YouTube, shooting their bows right in front of me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to practice alongside people who possess the shooting skills to compete at the national level. The insights I gain from watching others shoot are far greater than what I learn from being taught. I will continue to train hard, using the seniors as my role models, and hone my hitting technique. And when the fourth-year students, who are currently the core members of the team that compete in tournaments, retire, I want to become the kind of player that can give them peace of mind, knowing that the first-year students, including myself, are there to support them.
My next goal is to compete as a player in the championship match and to achieve good results that will contribute to the club. I want to return to the national tournament, where I experienced disappointment in high school, as a more mature player, and this time, I want to draw my bow with confidence without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I will practice diligently, focusing on each and every movement, aiming for a stable shooting form that remains consistent even under pressure.
Interview date: This was done in May 2022 for the "Obirin Sports" website.
