Illustrations with proper and improper examples. Original texts and references included

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The Way of Archery: A 1637 Chinese Military Training Manual Hardcover – Illustrated, Feb. 28 2015
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Purchase options and add-ons
Learn traditional Chinese military-style archery, including basic technique, diagnosing common mistakes, choosing equipment, and more.
The Way of Archery provides a detailed introduction to practicing archery in the traditional Chinese military style. It explains the basics of how to shoot using the Asian thumb ring: proper posture, training regimen, equipment, and avoiding pitfalls in shooting.
This thorough translation and commentary (with original and new illustrations) provide a fresh and practical perspective on Gao Ying’s 1637 archery treatise (which, itself, influenced generations of archers in East Asia). The authors themselves are active practitioners of Chinese archery, having spent an endless amount of time and effort vetting their understanding of this old manual and putting its ideas into practice. Through this process, the authors have been able to make this archery text accessible to modern readers.
Not only will the reader come to understand the technical side of the Way of Archery, but will connect with the philosophy and spirit of the ancient Chinese warriors.
The Way of Archery provides a detailed introduction to practicing archery in the traditional Chinese military style. It explains the basics of how to shoot using the Asian thumb ring: proper posture, training regimen, equipment, and avoiding pitfalls in shooting.
This thorough translation and commentary (with original and new illustrations) provide a fresh and practical perspective on Gao Ying’s 1637 archery treatise (which, itself, influenced generations of archers in East Asia). The authors themselves are active practitioners of Chinese archery, having spent an endless amount of time and effort vetting their understanding of this old manual and putting its ideas into practice. Through this process, the authors have been able to make this archery text accessible to modern readers.
Not only will the reader come to understand the technical side of the Way of Archery, but will connect with the philosophy and spirit of the ancient Chinese warriors.
- Print length176 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSchiffer
- Publication dateFeb. 28 2015
- Dimensions25.15 x 2.11 x 21.03 cm
- ISBN-100764347918
- ISBN-13978-0764347917
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Product description
About the Author
Jie Tian and Justin Ma have taught and lectured about traditional Chinese archery at archery events in the USA and elsewhere. At the 2013 Flight Archery Championships, they won gold medals and set benchmark records for the “Modern Asiatic 50#” class.
Product details
- Publisher : Schiffer
- Publication date : Feb. 28 2015
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- Print length : 176 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0764347918
- ISBN-13 : 978-0764347917
- Item weight : 962 g
- Dimensions : 25.15 x 2.11 x 21.03 cm
- 鶹 Rank: #226,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #29 in Archery (Books)
- #174 in Conventional Warfare (Books)
- #419 in Military Government
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
135 global ratings
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star94%6%0%0%0%94%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star94%6%0%0%0%6%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star94%6%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star94%6%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star94%6%0%0%0%0%
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on 鶹. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2024Verified Purchase
- Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2022Verified PurchaseGood
- Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2019Verified PurchaseExcellent read!!
- Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2016Verified PurchaseVery infomative
- Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2022Verified PurchaseThere is great information here, but it is not a fast read. I think the book reads better if you remember how long ago it was written. The book almost requires a range in your reading room or reading room at your range. I read a bunch then go practice a bit, then re-read a bit to insure I am doing correct. The book is a good resource.
Top reviews from other countries
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Michael W.Reviewed in Germany on April 17, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Klassische Chinesische Bogenschule, modern präsentiert.
Verified PurchaseDie schwer lesbaren chinesischen Originaltexte werden von zwei praktizierenden klassisch-chinesischen Bogenschützen erklärt, interpretiert und die Technik vorgezeigt: Für alle Bogenschützinnen und Bogenschützen, die sich für die klassische Chinesische Bogenkunst, vornehmlich mit eher kürzeren Bogen interessieren, ist das ein sehr anschauliches, genaues und praktikables »Lehr- und Übungsbuch«. Die verschiedenen Schulen der asiatischen Bogenkünste sind sehr unterschiedlich, oft auf spezielle Eigenarten der jeweiligen Bögen hin optimiert. Daher ist beispielsweise die Bogentechnik, die in Zusammenhang mit türkischen Bögen gelehrt wird, in Detail recht unterschiedlich zu der klassischen chinesischen Technik. Umso hilfreicher ist es, wenn Praktizierende einer bestimmten Schule so klar und nachvollziehbar, mit vielen ausgezeichneten Bildern, einen technischen Leitfaden mit vielen Trainingstipps bieten.
- MR J L CloverReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and interesting written by people who understand the topic
Verified PurchaseThis book is just excellent in all ways.
The original text is provided alongside the translations for those who might want to read it and perform their own interpretations (I cannot read Chinese so not me) but there is really no need, Justin Ma and Jie Tian provide insight into the reasons for their translations based on years of practiced and accomplished archery. The book itself has original illustrations from Gao Ying's work and modern photographs demonstrating the finer details. Anyone interested in traditional archery at all should grab this book not just those interested in Chinese archery - it sits in my collection alongside Roger Asham's Toxophilus and Arab Archery by Nabih Amin Faris.
If I have to make one minor quibble it is that the book is an unusual shape, being rather wide so it might struggle to fit on some people's bookshelves unless they are deep.
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LignonReviewed in France on March 12, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Ce que tout archer devrait lire !
Verified PurchaseMagnifique et très bien fait
- Jonas HellsénReviewed in Sweden on July 2, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece for the Serious Traditional Archer
Verified PurchaseThe Way of Archery is, quite simply, essential reading for anyone who takes traditional archery seriously.
Rooted in Ming dynasty teachings yet written with modern clarity, this book is not only a meticulous technical manual, but also a thoughtful and articulate exploration of the philosophy behind the shot. Every chapter is filled with details—posture, grip, breath, mindset—that are often glossed over in other archery books. Yet it never feels overwhelming. The structure is methodical, the language is elegant without being pretentious, and the authors clearly understand both the ancient art and the needs of a modern reader.
What I admire most is how thoroughly the book breaks down each step of the process. It’s a blueprint, not just for shooting a bow, but for developing a deeper understanding of discipline and form. Whether you’re new to thumb draw or a seasoned practitioner refining your technique, there is insight to be found in every paragraph.
I can’t think of a single negative point to raise. It’s beautifully done.
Highly recommended for those who view archery not as a hobby, but as a craft to be mastered.
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danieleReviewed in Italy on November 6, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo
Verified PurchaseOttima traduzione dal cinese all'inglese
Le parole riportate sono esatte e c'è anche la spiegazione di alcune allegorie.
Per chi volesse aprire i propri orizzonti e studiare più a fondo il tiro con l'arco orientale questo è un libro che non deve mancare assolutamente