Why are Japanese Yumi Bows so Expensive?

Have you ever wondered why are Japanese Yumi Bows so Expensive?

A lot of time and effort goes into making a traditional yumi bow for use in Kyudo. That's why they're so expensive, but if you want to learn more watch the following video:

Korean Arrow Cannon

15th Century Korean arrow cannon in action... 

 

Korean Archery: A History

Guest Post by Chaz G. T. Patto

Part 1: Origins and Traditional Foundations of Korean Archery

Ancient Roots: Tracing the Origins of Korean Archery

Archery, a practice deeply intertwined with Korea's history, finds its origins in the earliest pages of civilization. The distant echoes of ancient archery resonate across time, reflecting the ingenuity and adaptability of Korea's early inhabitants. From humble beginnings as tools for survival, bows and arrows gradually transformed into symbolic artifacts of tradition and precision.

In the primeval days of Korea, prehistoric communities harnessed the power of archery for hunting and defense. As nomadic tribes settled and agriculture flourished, the mastery of archery became an essential skill passed from generation to generation. The earliest bows, rudimentary and functional, laid the groundwork for the sophisticated instruments that would later grace the archer's hand.

Influence of Confucianism and Martial Culture on Archery

The trajectory of Korean archery took a pivotal turn with the ascent of Confucianism and the rise of martial culture. During the Three Kingdoms period, archery transcended its utilitarian role, evolving into a symbol of virtue and refinement. As Confucian principles took root, archery became a means of cultivating discipline, humility, and moral character.

Within the context of Korean society, martial culture blended seamlessly with archery. The bow and arrow, once mere instruments of war, became extensions of a warrior's ethos. Archery competitions, both friendly and fierce, served as a platform for honing combat skills while fostering a sense of camaraderie among warriors. The intricate choreography of drawing the bowstring and releasing the arrow mirrored the harmony sought in other aspects of life.

Gakgung: The Traditional Korean Bow and Its Features

At the heart of Korean archery stands the gakgung, a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. Crafted meticulously from materials like bamboo, wood, and animal sinew, the gakgung showcases a curved elegance that distinguishes it from other bows worldwide. Its shape and design are a testament to the balance between power, accuracy, and maneuverability, making it a defining symbol of Korean archery.

The construction of the gakgung is not merely functional; it is a reflection of cultural identity and craftsmanship. As generations of artisans honed their skills, the bow itself became a canvas for expressing aesthetics and ideals. The gakgung is a testament to the synthesis of form and function, where every curve holds centuries of innovation and tradition.

Evolution of Archery Techniques and Training Methods

The evolution of Korean archery techniques and training methods mirrors the societal shifts and technological progress that marked the country's history. The Goryeo and Joseon dynasties saw the establishment of archery schools, gungso, where aspirants refined their skills under the guidance of skilled masters. These schools not only imparted the physical aspects of archery but also nurtured mental fortitude and discipline.

Archery evolved beyond warfare to encompass ceremonial and ritualistic dimensions. Archery contests, such as "gye," showcased both individual prowess and collective unity. The spiritual significance of archery rituals transcended the physical act, embodying the harmony between humans and nature, and the balance between the material and the metaphysical.

As we trace the origins and traditional foundations of Korean archery, we uncover a tapestry woven with history, philosophy, and craftsmanship. The gakgung bow stands as a testament to Korea's ingenuity, while the evolution of training methods speaks to the depth of commitment to this cherished practice. In the subsequent parts of our series, we delve further into the historical contexts that propelled Korean archery through the annals of time.

Part 2: Korean Archery in Historical Context

Archery in the Three Kingdoms Period: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla

The historical landscape of Korean archery was indelibly shaped by the era of the Three Kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. During this period of fierce rivalry and cultural exchange, archery assumed a pivotal role in warfare and society. Warriors from each kingdom honed their archery skills to gain a competitive edge on the battlefield, while also solidifying archery's cultural importance.

Goguryeo's archers were renowned for their exceptional prowess, using their skills to repel invasions and assert the kingdom's dominance. In Baekje, archery contests were not only a means of entertainment but also a platform for diplomatic engagement. Silla, known for its martial focus, placed a premium on archery training as a cornerstone of its warrior tradition. The Three Kingdoms' interactions laid the groundwork for the evolution of Korean archery, as techniques and knowledge were exchanged and refined.

Unified Silla and Goryeo Dynasties: Archery as a Cultural Heritage

As the Three Kingdoms unified into the Silla dynasty, archery continued to flourish as a cultural heritage. Unified Silla inherited and consolidated the archery traditions of its predecessors, recognizing the practice's unifying influence and its role in shaping the national identity. Archery competitions, an integral part of the cultural fabric, acted as bridges between diverse communities, reaffirming shared values and kinship.

The Goryeo dynasty furthered the legacy of archery, intertwining it with Confucian principles. Archery became a means of cultivating virtue and discipline, reflecting the moral ideals of the time. The establishment of gungso, archery schools, emphasized the importance of formalized training and mentorship, ensuring the transmission of archery techniques and values across generations.

Joseon Dynasty: Golden Age of Korean Archery and Military Reforms

The Joseon dynasty marked the golden age of Korean archery, where the practice reached its zenith in terms of cultural significance and military application. King Sejong's military reforms emphasized archery as a cornerstone of national defense, and the establishment of "hyeonjado" (archery field) allowed for systematic training and competition. Archery's pivotal role in Joseon society is epitomized by the "Samjae," a set of three virtues encompassing loyalty, filial piety, and archery prowess.

The Joseon dynasty saw archery evolve into a sophisticated discipline, intertwining physical skill with intellectual cultivation. Archery rituals and ceremonies became prominent features of royal events and rites, embedding the practice even further into the fabric of Korean culture.

Archery Rituals and Festivals: Celebrating Skill and Tradition

Archery rituals and festivals stand as a testament to the enduring significance of archery in Korean culture. Events like "gye" showcased the proficiency of archers and celebrated their role in protecting the realm. These gatherings were not merely displays of skill; they embodied the spiritual connection between archery, nature, and the well-being of the nation.

As we explore the historical contexts of Korean archery, we witness its evolution from a practical skill to a symbol of national unity, virtue, and tradition. From the Three Kingdoms' competitive spirit to the Joseon dynasty's flourishing cultural heritage, archery's journey through history paves the way for our exploration of its transformation in the modern era, where it continues to thrive as a revered art and sport.

Part 3: Revival, Modernization, and Global Recognition

Archery During Japanese Occupation: Suppression and Survival

The 20th century brought significant challenges to Korean archery, particularly during the Japanese occupation. The occupiers sought to suppress traditional practices, viewing them as a threat to their dominance. Archery, deeply ingrained in Korean identity, faced systematic suppression, with archery schools disbanded and cultural heritage stifled. Yet, despite these obstacles, the spirit of Korean archery endured, often kept alive secretly by dedicated practitioners.

Post-War Era: Efforts to Preserve and Revive Traditional Archery

With the end of World War II and the liberation of Korea, there emerged a fervent drive to revive and preserve traditional practices, including archery. The post-war era saw a rekindling of interest in the cultural heritage that had been suppressed for years. Archery associations were established, and efforts were made to document and pass down traditional techniques, ensuring that the knowledge of gakgung and historical archery methods would not be lost.

Contemporary Korean Archery: Competitions, Associations, and Schools

The resurgence of interest in traditional archery laid the foundation for its modern-day prominence. Archery schools, often supported by government initiatives, emerged as centers for training and education. Traditional archery competitions regained popularity, drawing participants from all walks of life. Organizations like the Korea Traditional Archery Association were established to promote the practice, standardize techniques, and ensure the authenticity of traditional bows and arrows.

Korean Archery on the Global Stage: Successes and Cultural Influence

As Korea entered the global arena, its archery traditions garnered international recognition. Korean archers began to excel in international competitions, showcasing their unparalleled precision and skill. The world marveled at the distinctive techniques employed by Korean archers, particularly in Olympic events. The resurgence of Korean archery resonated with a global audience, not only as a testament to the nation's sporting prowess but also as a reflection of the enduring power of cultural heritage.

The influence of Korean archery extended beyond the realm of sport. The elegance of the gakgung and the philosophy behind Korean archery techniques captured the imaginations of enthusiasts worldwide. Traditional archery schools gained international students, fostering a cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and appreciation for this ancient practice.

In Conclusion

The journey of Korean archery through history, suppression, revival, and global recognition is a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage. From its humble beginnings as a survival skill to its resurgence as a revered art form, Korean archery's evolution reflects the nation's tenacity and determination to preserve its identity. As we conclude our exploration, we see that Korean archery has not only survived but thrived, bridging the past and the present and captivating a diverse global audience with its profound beauty and significance.

Bullseye Adventure: Fun Places for Archery Enthusiasts in South Korea

If you're an archery enthusiast and planning a trip to South Korea, get ready to take aim at some thrilling experiences. Known for its rich cultural heritage and love for traditional sports, South Korea offers a plethora of exciting venues for archery enthusiasts to indulge in their passion. Join me as we explore some fun places to do archery while traveling in this vibrant country.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul: Start your archery adventure in the heart of Seoul at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace. This majestic palace offers archery experiences where you can don traditional Korean attire, known as hanbok, and unleash your inner Joseon-era warrior. Channel your focus and precision as you take aim at targets and immerse yourself in the regal ambiance of this iconic landmark.

2. Jeju Traditional Archery Center, Jeju Island: Head to the stunning Jeju Island, known for its natural beauty, and pay a visit to the Jeju Traditional Archery Center. Here, you can learn the art of traditional Korean archery from skilled instructors who will guide you through the techniques and customs of this time-honored sport. The center also offers opportunities to participate in friendly archery competitions, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced archers.

3. Korean Folk Village, Yongin: Step back in time at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, a living museum that beautifully showcases traditional Korean culture. Besides exploring the authentic village setting, you can partake in an archery experience that transports you to the days of yore. Learn archery techniques, don traditional attire, and embrace the spirit of ancient Korean archers as you aim for bullseyes in this immersive cultural setting.

4. Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch, Pyeongchang: Combine archery with scenic beauty at the Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch in Pyeongchang, home to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and grazing sheep, this picturesque location offers archery opportunities that blend sport with natural splendor. Challenge yourself with target shooting while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

5. Namsangol Hanok Village, Seoul: Located in the heart of Seoul, the Namsangol Hanok Village is a charming oasis that preserves traditional Korean architecture. In addition to exploring the hanok (traditional house) complex, visitors can try their hand at archery at the village's archery range. Don't miss the chance to experience the juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern city life as you aim for a perfect shot in this cultural gem.

Conclusion: 

South Korea, with its rich cultural heritage and passion for traditional sports, offers archery enthusiasts a range of thrilling and immersive experiences. Whether you're aiming at targets in historical palaces, embracing traditional archery at cultural centers, planning to get some archery lessons, or enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes, South Korea provides an array of exciting locations to indulge in your passion for archery while immersing yourself in the country's vibrant culture. So, pack your bows, release your arrows, and embark on a bullseye adventure in the land of K-dramas, kimchi, and impeccable archery experiences!

Kyoto Festival: Japanese Mounted Archery at Shimogamo Shrine

 

How to buy Counterfeit Archery Equipment in China

Or How NOT To.

In 2014 China had over 1200 manufacturers making archery equipment. Factories churning them out in bulk. By 2016 that number has likely gone up, likely between 1300 to 1400 factories.

But not all of them are reputable. Roughly 50 to 70 of those factories are churning out counterfeit archery equipment. Counterfeits are everywhere in China. Over 4% of China's GDP is dependent on the counterfeit industry. Counterfeit cars, counterfeit cellphones, counterfeit computers, etc. It is all about the brand name and abusing the power of brand names to make fast money.

Counterfeit

偽造 or 伪造

Wèizào

When it comes to counterfeit archery equipment most of it, approx. 60%, is arrows, and the other 40% is bows, arrow rests, arrowheads, broadheads, stabilizers, quivers, etc. Even electronic gadgets can be faked, such as range finders usually used by hunters. All using brand names and then sold overseas as the "real thing" for either the full price or a discounted price in bulk.

A quick and easy way to deliberately buy counterfeit archery equipment is to go on websites like Alibaba and Aliexpress and then look for brand name items. It will be advertised as "wholesale products in bulk" and you will be amazed how cheap some of the products you can buy in bulk are.

The trick to counterfeit goods is that they are cheaply made and break easier. So bow limbs will break easily. Arrows will snap mid-shot. Arrowheads will get dented or break easier. That sort of thing.

In the case of mechanical / electronic items like range finders, those will be made with cheaper parts, and overheat easily, break after two months, etc. When that happens it damages the reputation of the brand.

When browsing Aliexpress I also noticed how often archery equipment will be mislabeled. For example I found an Olympic style recurve bow being advertised as "outdoor hunting equipment archery take down long bow 28lbs 70'' bow riser longbow"... Clearly a case of trying to use keywords to try and get more sales.

Because apparently they don't know what a hunting bow looks like. Or what a longbow looks like. It was a red and white Olympic-style bow with cheap wood/fibreglass limbs, being sold for $78 + shipping, for 1 unit.

Having browsed the costs of such bows before, the proper price of that bow should really be between $33 to $50 + the cost of shipping. $78 is a ripoff.

Also it was being sold under the brand name "Bear", as in the Bear Archery company of Indiana, USA - one of the biggest American manufacturers of traditional hunting bows and compound bows.

Here is one of the photos that were shown with that listing. (Anyone familiar with Bear Archery knows they don't sell anything that looks like the photo below. See http://www.beararchery.com/bows/traditional to see what I mean. In the case below, they are using the name "Bear" in an effort to sell more, ignoring what the bows even look like.)

 For fun I decided to search for "compound bow" on Aliexpress and see what came up... Here are the results, in the order I was presented with them:

1. Aluminum arrows with camouflage on them.
2. A children's recurve bow.
3. "Camo Dream" set of compound bow with various items with it. "Some assembly required." I have the strange feeling everything comes in a Lego box, but with no instructions of how to put it together. Ha!
4. Mechanical release, caliper style.
5. An arrow rest that looks like those made by the "Hostage" company, but under brand name it was labelled "Brand New".
6. Mechanical release, caliper style. (Looks exactly like the one above, but is $4 more expensive.)
7. Twelve carbon arrows with 340 spine, pre-fletched with arrowsheads. Price $37.99. (Price in Canada for equivalent should be about $80 to $100+, depending on the brand and model type.)
8. Mechanical release, caliper style. Finally, a slightly different style!
9. Set of 6 fibreglass arrows for "compound bow". Seriously... fibreglass arrows on a compound bow? Get ready to pull broken fibreglass out of your arm after they break midshot.
10. 9 feet of D loop nocking string. 9 feet of the stuff.

Okay, so out of the top 10 results shown, only 1 of those was actually the item I searched for, a compound bow. The other things had something, maybe, to do with compound bows.

I continued scrolling down and most of the remaining items were arrows and arrowheads.

Arrows being the most commonly counterfeited item as far as archery equipment goes. Arrowheads I am guessing probably ranks up there too.

Thus lets pretend you are traveling in China as a tourist and you decide to stop and buy some archery equipment, what should you buy? Well...

#1. Go traditional. Don't buy anything "brand name" in China because chances are likely they are counterfeits. Instead try to find locally made traditional equipment. Chinese bowyers who don't work in a factory, but instead make their own bows, their own arrows, and do it the traditional way.

#2. Contact the companies back in the USA (or wherever) and ask them if there are any reputable stores in China that sell their equipment. This way you can go to the store, buy what you are looking for, and you know the company in question supplies products to that store and it is indeed the "real deal".

#3. What the heck, lets just get cheap bamboo arrows! No seriously, bamboo arrows are so cheap you can buy a large number of them for very little. On Aliexpress you can get 12 shafts for $20, but that is actually expensive by bamboo arrow standards. eg. On Alibaba I found a seller who was selling 100 bamboo arrows for $10. That is 10 cents per arrow... but sadly I know you can find them even cheaper, to the tune of 1 cent arrows if you are willing to buy in bulk. If you buy a hundred of them so cheaply, are you really going to care that they break easily? Especially when a normal "good arrow" in North America is about $10? Probably not.

 However before you decide to buy super cheap bamboo arrows, remember that those bamboo arrows were probably put together by children working in slave labour conditions where they are beaten if they do sloppy work. Huzzah, you just supported slavery in China. (Technically China outlawed slavery decades ago, but the practice continues to exist.)

#4. Find the local archery clubs in the big cities around China. Go there. Meet someone and use your limited Chinese (or their limited English) and find out where the "good archery shops" are located in that city. Then go there and buy equipment which should be locally made, hopefully not in sweatshop conditions.

#5. When in doubt, ask an old archer. Not to be ageist, but elderly archers often know all the best places to buy archery equipment. Definitely don't ask some 20 year old or a teenager who barely even knows how to shoot. No, ask the guy in his 60s who has been shooting for 40 years and he can probably tell you the best bowyers and the best fletchers - or better yet, he might BE a bowyer or a fletcher.

Hot Tip!

Do not buy archery equipment in "souvenir shops". Those are fakes not meant to be shot at all. They are just for looks.

One Last Tip!

If the price looks too good to be true, it is probably a counterfeit.

The Jarawas - Archery in India

The Jarawas / Sentinelese people of India are highly protective of their culture and way of life, living as they have done so for approx. 10,000 years, their culture virtually unchanged during that time.

How do they manage to stay isolated and unchanged?

Lots of arrows and vigilance.

Intruders on their land are often met with a very large number of arrows. Those few who have encountered them peacefully have witnessed them bowfishing, some impressive feats of archery and some unusual methods of bowmaking and stringmaking. (The image below shows a man wetting his bowstring with saliva to make it tighter and more durable.)

The Jarawas are not the only people like this either. But they are one of the few who remain isolated and virtually untouched.

Visiting them as a tourist however is not recommended. They are just as likely to shoot you. A fellow archer however, coming in peace - they might get them curious however.

Above a Jarawas man shows off his ever-present bow and arrows. 

Note that they don't fletch their arrows, since fletching interferes with bowfishing accuracy.

Below a Jarawas man sharpens a metal arrowhead made from scavenged metal.

 Above, a group of Jarawas men and women are fishing with bows and nets.

Below, two Jarawas men show off their pre-draw archery form. Note the very wide open stance.

February 23rd - International Samurai Day

In a fitting tribute to February 23rd, International Samurai Day, aka "Day of the Samurai", we offer the following images of samurai archers.

In addition to swordsmanship and archery, samurai were also expected to master horsemanship and many other skills, and they were expected to honour the ways of Bushido, the samurai code of conduct.

While being a samurai was predominantly a male occupation, it was not unheard of for women to also become samurai, like the photograph below of a female samurai.

Equestrian Archery in Japan

Gungsulwon Archery Tours in South Korea

KOREA GUNGSULWON ARCHERY TOURS

Contact Information

H. J. Lee / Manager of overseas business
2Fl., 122-32, Junggok 2-dong, Gwangjin-gu,
Seoul, 143-890, South Korea
Cell. 8210-7273-1731
Fax. 822-456-2013
To bank account : 203-00736-434-01 (Beneficiary : Hyun Jun Lee),
e-mail : luke1731@hanmail.net

* Payment is by PayPal or WESTERN UNION or bank detail : CITI BANK (SWIFT : CITIKRSX)
 (Shipping cost is additional)

Gungsulwon Archery Tours has 4 types of tours you can choose from, and you can combine them as well. Use the contact details above to make arrangements.

- Minimum number of tourists per tour is 2 people.
- Children is 30% discount (up to middle school student)
- When you combine each type of tour for several days, tour charge and course would be adjusted accordingly.

=========================

Fees

- 2 people : USD350.00/person per a day (On 2 people, child DC is not available)

- 3 people : USD300.00/person per a day

- 4 people : USD270.00/person per a day

- Over 5 people : Negotiation

1. Type 1 (In Type 1, it takes additional fee for horse riding, USD30.00/people)

- Pick up 9:00AM in front of your Hotel
- Horseback riding (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Seoul area, Ground archery is available)
(Instruction for beginner or Free riding for experiences people with archery and taking pictures)
- Lunch (In-door or Out-door, depends on the situation)
- GUNGSULWON visiting (Tea & Rest / Picture with traditional dress / Shooting practice)
(For souvenir or equipment, pre-order is required)
- HWANGHAKJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (Picture taking, Shooting is not available)
- SEOKHOJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (145m target shooting, shooting is available)
- Sightseeing in Seoul (Taking pictures)
- GWANGJANG food market (Market food & Korean alcoholic beverage)
- Hotel arriving

2. Type 2

- Pick up 9:00AM in front of your Hotel
- Field archery (30 minutes away from Seoul)
- Lunch (In-door or Out-door, depends on the situation)
- GUNGSULWON visiting (Tea & Rest / Picture with traditional dress / Shooting practice)
(For souvenir or equipment, pre-order is required)
- HWANGHAKJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (Picture taking, Shooting is not available)
- SEOKHOJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (145m target shooting, shooting is available)
- Sightseeing in Seoul (Taking pictures)
- GWANGJANG food market (Market food & Korean alcoholic beverage)
- Hotel arriving

3. Type 3

- Pick up 9:00AM in front of your Hotel
- Horn Bow Manufacturer Visiting (Talking with the craftsman and taking picture)
(Around 1hour away from Seoul, Shooting is available)
- Archery Museum sightseeing(Different place with type 4)
- Lunch (In-door or Out-door, depends on the situation)
- GUNGSULWON visiting (Tea & Rest / Picture with traditional dress / Shooting practice)
(For souvenir or equipment, pre-order is required)
- HWANGHAKJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (Picture taking, Shooting is not available)
- SEOKHOJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (145m target shooting, shooting is available)
- Sightseeing in Seoul (Taking pictures)
- GWANGJANG food market (Market food & Korean alcoholic beverage)
- Hotel arriving

4. Type 4

- Pick up 9:00AM in front of your Hotel
- Bamboo arrow manufacturer visiting (Talking with the craftsman and taking picture)
(Around 1hour away from Seoul, Shooting is available)
- Archery Museum sightseeing(different place with type 3)
- Lunch (In-door or Out-door, depends on the situation)
- GUNGSULWON visiting (Tea & Rest / Picture with traditional dress / Shooting practice)
(For souvenir or equipment, pre-order is required)
- HWANGHAKJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (Picture taking, Shooting is not available)
- SEOKHOJUNG archery club in Seoul visiting (145m target shooting, shooting is available)
- Sightseeing in Seoul (Taking pictures)
- GWANGJANG food market (Market food & Korean alcoholic beverage)
- Hotel arriving

Bhutan and Archery, an Archery Tourist's Paradise

Above is a photo of a Buddhist temple in Bhutan - a tiny country on the borders of China and India - but why is it special with respect to archery and tourism?

#1. Bhutan's national sport is archery.

#2. Bhutan is sometimes said to be the location of Shangri La / Shambala, a mythical utopian paradise - one of seven such places that according to myth were created by Padmasambhava in the 8th century as an idyllic, sacred place that was isolated from the rest of the world.

#3. The place is beautiful and very scenic. Who wouldn't want to visit there?

Deitian Falls in Vietnam

The waterfalls below is Deitian Falls in Vietnam - omidragon, I want to go there and do archery there!

:)