Kyu is one pronunciation (the other is “yumi”) for the character (Japanese Kanji) that is a pictograph (a picture or line drawing that represents a word or idea) of a bow without a string. The ancient pectoral symbol for this is similar to an English language capital “B,” something that over time evolved into its present visual form. The character can also be used to represent a bend or arch thus representing an etymological connection with archery. The alternative pronunciation of this character (yumi) is found in the term Yumitori, which translates as archer