Modern_And_Traditional_Archery

							Title:
Modern And Traditional Archery

Word Count:
616

Summary:
With a history characterized by hunting and combat techniques, archery is
the practice of using a piece of equipment called a bow to shoot arrows
at a target. Throughout the years, it has become a sport of precision,
leading to numerous competitions, as well as a spot in the Olympics. The
title given to a person who is an expert in the practice is an archer.
For some, archery is like an intense game of darts that involves more
equipment, as well as increased physical skill.
...


Keywords:
Archery, Traditional Archery, Archery bow, Archery sport


Article Body:
With a history characterized by hunting and combat techniques, archery is
the practice of using a piece of equipment called a bow to shoot arrows
at a target. Throughout the years, it has become a sport of precision,
leading to numerous competitions, as well as a spot in the Olympics. The
title given to a person who is an expert in the practice is an archer.
For some, archery is like an intense game of darts that involves more
equipment, as well as increased physical skill.

Modern vs. Traditional Archery

The start of archery is thought to have emerged about 5,000 years ago.
The first use of the bow was probably used for hunting, while its
recognition as a tool for war came later. In ancient times, early man
threw projectiles at their enemies. It is the bow that replaced this
technique.

There are many different types of archery that has evolved from
traditional archery. Classical archery was prominent among the
Macedonians, Greeks, Persians and Indians, which often took up a large
part of their armies. When directed effectively, masses of soldiers could
be taken out with precision. Advanced armies took archery to horseback,
allowing a swift execution of war plans.

In Medieval European times, archery was used in times of war, but was not
as popular as you may think. On the contrary, archers received the lowest
pay and were often looked down upon. Since it didn’t take much to fashion
a bow and arrow, this contributed to the negative perceptions of the
archers. It was viewed as a weapon for the lower class.

Asia and the Middle West used archers on horseback in their military
force. In the Kingdom of Bhutan, archery is the national sport of the
land. One of the differences in Asian arrows is they are less stiff than
the arrows from the west. Today, competitive archery is popular,
significantly straying from the traditional archery of the past. The use
of archery as a form of warfare has been discarded and mostly only
hobbyists hunt with a bow and arrow. Modern archery involves competition.

Competitive archery consists of shooting arrows for accuracy points from
varying distances, quite popular in Europe and North America. Both indoor
and outdoor venues hold archery competitions with different rules. For
example, there are varying time limits. Indoor competition allows only 2
minutes to shoot 3 arrows. Archery equipment demands special attention to
safety rules and use. You must receive proper instruction on how to hold
a bow and shoot an arrow so that you do not hurt yourself or others.

Modern Archery Competitions

The color of the archery board for competition is white, black, blue, red
and gold. There are two rings each per color with corresponding point
values. The end score of a competition is computed by adding the total of
all scores made by their arrows. If an arrow lands on the line between
two different point values, the higher sum will be granted. Despite these
rules, there are still disputes that call for the assistance of a judge.

There are many different types of bow shapes and sizes. During
competition, the only type of bow that can be used in the Olympic games
is called a re-curve bow. When you are ready to further your interest in
archery, there are plenty of other details to take note of. For example,
archers in competition often wear bracers that protect the arm. Tabs
protect the drawing hand. Chest-guards protect clothing, as well as the
body of the archer. All of these things, coupled with the archer’s
stance, hand-eye coordination, release form and grip will all contribute
to either the success or failure of an archery competition.