As I inhaled a deep breath of air, preparing to blow a dart through a 47-inch-long tube, I felt like a ninja assassin. OK, so that’s a little dramatic, since I was really participating in fukiya and only trying to hit the bull’s-eye on a target about 20 feet away.

The Japanese sport focuses on abdominal breathing and martial arts-like movements to propel a dart, said Joichi “Joe” Saito, who brought fukiya to Hawaii after retiring as chief executive officer of Central Pacific Bank a decade ago. Japan has more than 40,000 active participants, but there are only about 100 in Hawaii, he said.

The age of participants ranges from 50 to 80, and the sport’s top adviser, Dr. Shigeaki Hinohira, of Tokyo, is 104. But it can be enjoyed by all generations. “My children and my grandchildren all enjoy and practice (fukiya),” Saito said.

According to Saito, president and director of the Japan Sports Fukiya Association of Hawaii, the activity has become popular with senior citizens and the disabled. It’s designed to help people gain physical strength and attain better health through specific breathing techniques.

“(Fukiya) gives me the same satisfaction and excitement I feel when I sink a long putt on the golf course,” Saito said. “But … I also receive the benefit of enhancing my health through deep abdominal breathing. (It) provides me with calmness, both physically and mentally.”

The setting

The practice session was held in the recreational area of the Palolo Hongwanji Mission. Twelve-inch-square targets were lined along a wall, and there were areas marked on the floor designating where to stand when blowing darts. The closest position is about 20 feet from the targetand the farthest is about 32 feet.

Darts and pipes are provided for newcomers.

The workout

The workout begins with a bow from the waist. Next, everyone does deep-breathing exercises as a group for about 10 minutes, raising and lowering the pipe in routines led by the instructor.

Following the breathing exercises, individuals take turns at the dartboards. But before blowing a dart, the pipe is raised while taking in a deep breath, then lowered while exhaling in order to generate concentration. Then, while aiming with both eyes open, a burst of breath sends the dart flying to the target.

Five darts are blown during each player’s turn. One to seven points are awarded, depending on where the dart strikes the board.

My instructor, Edward Norio Moriyasu, manager of the Aiea Dojo Mission, taught me the rituals that must be performed throughout the session. “Make sure you fill the lungs with air,” he kept reminding me.

And I did. All five of my darts hit the board.

Benefits

Participants learn to breathe deeply, filling their lungs and diaphragm with air, and that induces a sense of relaxation. Better focus and concentration are additional benefits but can be achieved only by following a routine of motions.

User review

Edward Katsumi Tanaka, a manager at Palolo Hongwanji Mission, started taking lessons eight years ago. Serious fukiya competitors earn rankings, and Tanaka is the only person in Hawaii to hold the top rank. A highly competitive person, Tanaka says he practiced for hours every day to reach the sport’s “sixth dan,” which allows him to shoot from the farthest position.

But he’s found a better reward than distance.

“When I started I had asthma,” said the 78-year-old Tanaka. “Since I’ve been doing this, I have no symptoms at all.”

Lydia Tsuha, 90, sat in a chair and blew her dart toward the target. “My breath isn’t as strong, but I can still hit the target,” she said, smiling broadly. She’s been going for a decade and has rarely missed a practice.

Try it out?

Consider fukiya if you like archery but prefer quiet, indoor activity and don’t want to spend a lot of money on gear. It’s also appropriate for people with physical limitations, and the cultural component can be appealing.

“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.