Chinese Traditional Archery (3)

5. The Archer's Physical Exercises

Some people believe that archery, using the strength of the arms, is a localized movement of the body, not a movement of the entire body; that it involves the movement of fixed bones, not movable joints; that it is a static movement, not a dynamic one. This observation is a superficial impression, not a thorough investigation; it is a partial critique, not a comprehensive study.

Archery is not a localized movement of the arms, but a comprehensive movement of the entire body. While archery may appear to be a movement of the arms, it is in fact not simply a movement of the arms but a tightly coordinated movement of the entire body. This tightly coordinated whole is like a cannon emplacement, with the arms like the barrel and muzzle, and the arrow like the cannonball. When shooting an arrow, the body is stationary, and the coordination and support of its various parts are, in terms of mechanics, like a cannon position. According to the law of reaction in mechanics, when object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts a force back on object A. The former is the positive force, and the latter is the negative force. The two forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. When firing a cannon, the projectile ejected from the muzzle is the positive force, while the recoil of the cannon and the support of the platform are the reaction forces. The forward force of the cannonball is equal to the recoil of the cannon and the platform. If the platform is poorly constructed, with loose connections, and its support is insufficient to withstand the force of the projectile, then the platform will vibrate and shatter due to the recoil force, collapsing and becoming unusable. When shooting an arrow, the body is tightly connected, just like a cannon. The arms are the cannon barrel, the left hand is the muzzle, and the arrow is the cannonball. If the arrow is fired with a force of thirty kilograms (e.g., using a three-force bow), then the recoil force of the arms and feet on the ground will also be thirty kilograms. Otherwise, after the arrow is released, the body will be unstable and dragged forward with the arrow. This principle conforms to the third law of motion: the forward force of the arrow is the positive force, and the reaction force of the ground on the body is the reaction force of the ground. These two forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, just like the projectile force and the recoil of the cannon barrel: they are in equilibrium. Therefore, archery can be said to be a movement of the entire body, not just the local movements of the arms.

Archery isn't an exercise that fixes the bones, but rather one that moves the joints. All exercise moves the joints, unless you sit still or sleep in bed, which stabilizes the bones and relaxes the muscles. Any exercise that moves the muscles and bones cannot be considered immobilization. Standing still during archery may seem like immobilizing the bones, but in reality, this immobilization only occurs for a brief moment, allowing the entire body's strength to be concentrated. All parts must be tightly connected, like a sturdy temporary artillery emplacement. This immobilization is similar to the final throw of a javelin or a spear in track and field events, where muscles contract and joints tighten, concentrating the entire body's strength in the wrist and wrist, achieving a greater throw distance. Without muscle contraction and joint fixation, how could you throw far? Similarly, in high jump, long jump, and pole vaulting, the final leap requires tight locking of all joints and muscle contraction to achieve record heights. Track and field events, such as the 100-meter and 200-meter races, certainly involve joint movement and acceleration. However, within the final one or two meters, the entire body's muscles must contract in unison, the joints must be tightly locked, and the athlete must inflate their lungs forward, so that their chest touches the line first and takes first place. Thus, the archery release involves contracting muscles, locking joints, and aligning the entire body's force points, a principle identical to that of jumping and throwing in various track and field sports. Therefore, archery is not just a sport that fixes bones, but also a sport that moves joints.

Archery is a movement that incorporates the meaning of stillness, not a static movement. Comparing archery to the jumping and running of running or playing basketball might suggest that it can be divided into dynamic and static movements. This is superficial and unrealistic. According to the laws of physics, motion and stillness are opposites. If something is moving, it cannot be considered still. If it is not being affected by external forces, it remains permanently still and motionless. Therefore, motion and stillness are clearly two different things. Therefore, the terms dynamic and static movement are fundamentally inconsistent.

Why is archery considered a sport that embodies the meaning of stillness? The gentle force applied when drawing the bow and the calm composure when releasing it both emphasize the importance of stillness within the sport. This stillness signifies tranquility, referring to a state of mental stillness, not physical immobility. Archery's ability to cultivate virtue and train the intellect is largely due to this sense of stillness. For composure, patience, obedience, agility, and courage; the focus required for observation, imagination, memory, and reflection all stem from a state of tranquility and contemplation.

While practicing archery, one can also incorporate calisthenics, Tai Chi, or other simple martial arts. Fundamental training in archery requires a steady stance and agile fingers. The horse stance in traditional Chinese martial arts is particularly effective in strengthening the legs and feet, while fist and arm extension techniques can lengthen and flatten the shoulder joints. Flexibility exercises can also enhance the mobility of the facial features and limbs. Emphasizing both will lead to rapid progress.