Tutorials on Chinese Archery
This page features supplemental videos and articles that will help you get started with practicing Chinese Archery. We place a specific emphasis on practicing Gao Ying's Ming military archery form (as described in our book, "The Way of Archery: A 1637 Chinese Military Training Manual"). Even if you practice other Chinese styles, other Asiatic styles, or other traditional styles of archery, we hope you find this guidance valuable for your own practice.
Preparing for Your First Lesson
If you have scheduled an introductory lesson with us, we recommend that you watch these videos prior to your lesson:
Walkthrough for Student's First Lesson
The Bow Shoulder
The Draw
The Release
Articles & Primers
The following articles provide a brief primer on how to get started with Chinese Archery, including equipment selection and fundamental technique:
Justin Ma's Notes on Traditional Chinese Archery
A comprehensive primer on equipment selection, fundamentals, and form.
Justin Ma on Getting Started in Chinese Archery↗
Featured article in Kung Fu Magazine.
Beyond Strength: Why Technique Matters for Using Thumb Draw to Shoot Asiatic War Bows↗
By Blake Cole & Justin Ma.
Tutorial Videos
We occasionally post tutorial videos as supplements to our book. Subscribe to stay up to date:
YouTube Channel↗How to Use the Archer's Thumb Ring
Gao Ying's Double-Hook Thumb Draw
Gaozhen Practice
A Simple Shooting Protocol
Thinking About Getting An Asiatic Bow?
Arrows for Asiatic Archery
The Bow Shoulder
The Draw
Waist Cable Stringing Method
The Release
How to Measure Your Thumb Ring Size
Demonstrations & Applications
Our system of Chinese archery is appropriate for all strength levels and draw weights (light, medium, and heavy). Because it is a Ming military style of archery, we are able to use Gao Ying's archery technique and safe training regimen to draw military-weight bows.