Chinese Traditional Archery (5)

9. Intermediate Archery Techniques

Bow Holding

First: With modern bows and arrows, the most common bow holding technique is the "Phoenix Eye" (Mongolian) fingering. This method allows the front fingers to both hold the arrow shaft and serve as a ruler, while the back thumb effectively reduces friction and vibration. It also allows for a more skillful application of force, making it suitable for both walking and mounted shooting. It offers numerous advantages over the European and American "Mediterranean" fingering, providing greater stability in arrow control.

Second grip: To help beginners maintain a stable bow grip, you can tighten the left hand's middle and middle fingers against the bowstring. Place the second knuckle of your left thumb against the bowstring, with the first knuckle extended and held upright. Wrap the arrowhead, four fingers, and pinky around the outside of the bowstring. This strengthens your grip and places the tip of the arrow against the bowstring, preventing it from falling.

Third knuckle grip: Wrap the thumb around the outside of the bowstring as well, with the arrowhead resting on the second knuckle of the thumb. This method offers a more stable hold. However, the arrowhead can easily fall out, so place a leather sheath around the second knuckle of the thumb. Sewn into the sheath is a leather fold that secures the arrowhead to the bowstring, preventing it from falling out. For this grip, it's best to use the Mediterranean-style string-holding method with your back hand. Press the arrowhead lightly with the back hand's two fingers to prevent it from falling.

In the first stage of elementary archery, the second and third methods can be used for easier practice; the first method is even better. For intermediate archery in the second stage, the "Phoenix Eye" bow grip must be practiced. This method is the most superior bow grip in archery and is closely related to advanced archery, including the divine intention method.

String-Hooking Techniques

(1) The "Puzi" (Mediterranean) Fingering Technique: Use the right middle, fourth, and third fingers to hook the string, curling them inside your fingers. Extend your thumb and second fingers to hold the arrow on the string. When hooking the string, use your middle finger for leverage, with your thumb and second fingers assisting. In this technique, the thumb and second fingers follow the arrow shaft. Avoid applying force. Only use the base of your fingers to hold the arrow on the string, preventing it from falling. Avoid applying force with your second fingers, as this will cause the arrow shaft to bend inward, causing it to fly off the string and miss the target.

(2) The "Finger Ring" (Mongolian) Fingering Technique: The finger ring, also known as the "finger machine," is the "jue" in the ancient Chinese phrase "jue xiu." These days, finger rings are made of bone, leather, or wood. To use it, place the finger ring over your thumb, using it to hook the string. The tip of your second finger presses against your fingernail to hook the finger ring, while the middle, fourth, and third fingers are tightly curled against the palm of your hand. The word "let go" (releasing hand) originates from the finger ring. "Sa" (releasing hand) refers to the tip of your second finger leaving the thumbnail, while "releasing" (releasing hand) refers to the thumb releasing the string hooked on the finger ring. The thumb ring should not be worn too deep, as this will cause a sluggish release, while too shallow will make it difficult to achieve effective results. The proper depth should be determined by individual experimentation. Wearing a thumb ring has two advantages: first, it provides a firm and slippery surface for easier bowstring and release; second, it increases arm length. While arm lengths vary, each person must draw the bow until the arrow is fully drawn and the arrowhead is at their front hand before releasing the arrow. Using a thumb ring to draw the string can increase the bow's length by about half an inch compared to other draw methods, making it highly effective.

(3) Pinch-and-Hook Method: This method is extremely effective when shooting in a hurry. After placing the arrow on the thumb, middle, and middle fingers, the thumb and middle fingers are placed on the bowstring, and the thumb and middle fingers are placed on the bowstring until the arrow is fully drawn. This method is often used when shooting from horseback and is relatively simple. It is even more convenient when hunting animals.

Standing Method

Standing Method: There are several different standing methods. Beginners should use the standing method, which involves standing with straight legs and a slight forward bend. The large-frame shooting method, also known as the "civilized shooting method," is particularly suitable for women. In this method, the feet are approximately 55 to 60 centimeters apart, wider than the width of the shoulders. The right toe points slightly northwest, and the left toe points slightly southwest. The feet are shaped like a normal standing position. For the right-hand method, the left toe points southwest, and the right foot is about an inch behind. The feet form a "Ding" (not Ding), "Eight" (not Eight), "Eight" (not Eight), similar to the ancient saying "Ding is not Ding, Eight is not Eight, the feet are seven or eight feet apart." This method is more energy-saving for young children and the elderly.

The small-frame shooting method, also known as the "martial shooting method," uses a squatting, straddling stance, slightly resembling a horse stance. This method uses strong legs and a stable shoulder and waist. The large-frame stance is slightly more stable because its center of gravity is lowered, preventing the upper body from swaying. This is essential for intermediate archery. It not only strengthens the body and strengthens the body, but also prepares for horseback archery practice. From a mechanical perspective, the "large-frame" stance is also preferred.

In addition, the ancients still had a standing method, that is, the front leg is straight, the back leg is bent, and the waist is sitting, which is the so-called "front leg is staggered, and the back leg is lame." This method is very inconvenient for beginners, but it can be used as a reference for advanced archery.