The Way of Archery: A 1637 Chinese Military Training Manual

Being new to archery I was torn between 2 different books that discussed thumb draw style archery. The Way of Archery focuses specifically on one style of Chinese military archery penned by Gao Ying. The other book had a plethora of styles and techniques. I am so glad I bought this book first! By focusing on one style (a very effective one I might add) I was able to get started and learn very quickly how to shoot w/ a thumb ring. This book not only teaches you in very specific terms proper technique but even goes as far as warning of potential pitfalls. It is full of insightful experiential anecdotes of Gao Ying as he pursued archery all of his life. And in his retirement he put into writing his thoughts on the best method in a very straight forward way. He doesn't beat around the bush. He dispenses w/ flowery language, saying it has no practicality, and explains why and how his technique works versus other styles. He discusses biomechanical efficiency before that term was even coined. The way Gao Ying writes is almost like he's talking directly to you, one of his old school chums. Keeping in mind this book was originally written in 1637 pretty much all of the information is still relevant today. But Justin Ma and Jie Tian both add their own notes to either clarify a point or make recommendations based on today's technologies. Anyone wishing to learn thumb draw style archery definitely needs to read this book!

Amazing book. The book is hardcover with a very nice printed cover that reflects the hard back. The printing is on wonderfully thick paper and the printing and photography are absolutely first class. The content is outstanding to say the least. If you knew nothing about Asiatic archery you could pick up this book and with diligent training you could learn to shoot a bow in the manner described within its pages. The photographs are thorough in demonstrating what the author from the 1600's is teaching. I could not be more happy with this book. I have owned and shot bows since I was 4 and have become interested in cultural archery over the last few years. I have not enough good words to say about this book. It is not only for archers but history enthusiasts will find this book quite interesting as well. The authors ( the new ones not the original one) are quite knowledgeable of their subject matter as they 'walk the walk' in Chinese archery. The also make Asiatic styled bows which are quite nice. I was not able to get one before they stopped manufacturing bows with custom options ( I was really wanting their huge Qing bow with birch bark) but their bows are styled after actual Asian bows of their periods. If you are wanting to "get into" Chinese styled archery or just want a good read, this book is definitely for you. I am looking forward to practicing the techniques with these pages and referring to this book for many years to come.

This is an outstanding book and a "must have" if you are at all interested in Asian Traditional Archery. Originally written by Gao Ying, a lifelong archery student and instructor in 1634, in the closing years of his life and of the Ming Dynasty. Gao Ying observed the strengths and weaknesses of many of his fellow archers and of numerous 'methods' of archery shooting and in this book instructs on what he considers the perfect form for efficient, effective, consistent, and safe bow shooting. Additionally, this book is full of interesting observations and directives on everything from arrow and bow construction, thumb tings, and draw weights, to target distances and the importance of trained horses. Jie Tian and Justin Ma have painstakingly translated this text, already clear and surprising frank in its nature, into this book that is both incredibly informative and an enjoyable read. Additionally, the book is full of photographs which show the many nuances of proper shooting posture and form, and common mistakes that archers can make.All in all, this is a great and esthetically beautiful book. Thanks to Jie and Justin's hard work and dedication to "The Way of Archery", I now use Gao Ying's principals and method of shooting myself, and I am a far, far better archer for it.

I highly recommend this book to any archer. Although it is addressed to practitioners of traditional Chinese archery, there is much information about body mechanics that can benefit any archer of any style. The authors have painstakingly translated Gao Ying's classical Chinese text (no easy feat even for native Chinese speakers) while rigorously testing his recommendations themselves, even going as far as utilizing state of the art biomechanical analyses, such as electromyography and motion capture sensors. Included are many great photos of correct and incorrect postures, as well as Gao Ying's 1637 original text, presented in the margins. There is plenty of more esoteric information as well, such as how to select materials to make a good horn bow, how to select well trained horses for battle, and where to find the best bamboo for making arrows.I have now read this book a few times and continue to refer to it when I find my shooting becoming sloppy. Gao Ying's advice on how to practice is invaluable as well. Great work.

I hold to the credo that there is nothing new, under the sun. The Way of Archery supports that premise. This book is timeless, instructional and entertaining. I read it in the course of two days and my archery improved exponentially. The book is well written, beautifully constructed and clearly illustrated with both original drawings and photographs of the authors demonstrating the master's technique. Master Gao Ying is the perfect balance between crusty old curmudgeon and passionate advocate for the lifestyle of archery. You can fully appreciate that it was what defined him. An essential book for any serious archer's library.

This book is truly amazing. It is very thorough and concise and is a treasure trove of good information, tips, techniques and guides along the path of thumb ring archery. If you shoot this way, this book is for you!