Pulling of the bowstring
Arrow resting
Arrow resting takes place on the right hand site of the bow in contrast to the classical “Western Style”.
The anchor point
This archer of the 18th century gives us a real insight in the methods of Chinese archery. The anchor point is, when fully pulling the string, at the shoulder joint of the pulling arm to develop the mechanical effect of the bow fully. The shooting arm moves prominently backwards. This movement serves to take the bow again in a flowing way out of the quiver and shall ensure the fast “reloading” of the bow.
Historic military archery
Apart from the static perfecting of the shooting techniques it is shot tactically while walking, running and kneeing. Since the archers of the Qing army were also feared in the retreat we also train to shoot backwards. The purely static, competition oriented archery of today has become in contrast to its original purpose a modern sport.