Product Description
The path to achieving Zen (a balance between the body and the mind) is brilliantly explained by Professor Eugen Herrigel in this timeless account. This book is the result of the author's six year quest to learn archery in the hands of Japanese Zen masters. It is an honest account of one man's journey to complete abandonment of 'the self' and the Western principles that we use to define ourselves. Professor Herrigel imparts knowledge from his experiences and guides the reader through physical and spiritual lessons in a clear and insightful way. Mastering archery is not the key to achieving Zen, and this is not a practical guide to archery. It is more a guide to Zen principles and learning and perfect for practitioners and non-practitioners alike.Amazon.com Review
So many books have been written about the meditation side ofZen and the everyday, chop wood/carry water side of Zen. But few bookshave approached Zen the way that most Japanese actually do--throughritualized arts of discipline and beauty--and perhaps that is whyEugen Herrigel's Zen in the Art of Archery is still popular solong after it first publication in 1953. Herrigel, a philosophyprofessor, spent six years studying archery and flower-arranging inJapan, practicing every day, and struggling with foreign notions suchas "eyes that hear and ears that see." In a short, pithy narrative, hebrings the heart of Zen to perfect clarity--intuition, imitation,practice, practice, practice, then, boom, wondrous spontaneity fusingself and art, mind, body, and spirit. Herrigel writes with anattention to subtle profundity and relates it with a simple artistrythat itself carries the signature of Zen.--Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (66)

Zen in the Art of Archery
This was not the book that I was interested in.
While this described a process and philosophy, I wanted the original book that told the story of the student and archery master.
Very disappointing.

"I really know nothing."
Professor Eugen Herrigel, a German-born professor of philosophy, taught at Tokyo University during the interwar period. During his stay in Japan he became fascinated by Zen Buddhism, then little known in the West, and undertook to study the art of archery with Bowmaster Awa Kenzo, who taught archery not as a technical skill but as a form of meditation practice.

I have read that Kenzo was not a Zen teacher and that this book misrepresents Zen, but I respectfully disagree. Zen has permeated the Japanese fine arts for centuries, and Kenzo's lessons express Zen, regardless of his formal status in the Zen community. Others have criticized Herrigel for coming at Zen obliquely, through Kyudo (the art of archery); again, I respectfully disagree. Zen is not just a segregated "practice" of chants, incense and sitting meditation, it is living life itself, fully. Hence, cooking, cleaning, eating, archery, or even motorcycle maintenance can be Zen practice if done with mindfulness.

Herrigel was writing long before any idea of "Zen" entered into the general Occidental mindset. Indeed, Herrigel's book title has inspired hundreds of copycat "Zen in the Art of . . .", "Zen and the Art of . . .", "The Zen of . . .", and "The Art of Zen in . . ." titles.

While there were other Western (and transplanted Eastern) exponents of Zen in 1948 when Herrigel's book appeared, Herrigel's book became the first "Zen bestseller".

Much of this short (90 page) book discusses the No-Mind necessary to successful mastery of any art. Since Herrigel is attempting to express what is essentially inexpressible, the book's language (in English translation) seems both esoteric and arcane in its utter simplicity.

For all its brevity, this is a dense book, and an interested reader will return to it many times over many years.

His Story
This is a very honest book about the experiences of the author.It has a German sensibility that is quite different from the American sense and for me this made it even more interesting.The reader needs to make an effort to be able to put himself in the author's place.If you can't do this the book has little to recommend it.If you can this book will deliver more value in the short time it takes to read this thin work than many a mighty tome one ponders over for weeks on end.

Inspirational
I was assigned to read this book for an oboe studio seminar course. I had never read anything zen-ish before, and mostly discounted my professor's decision to include Zen in the Art of Archery. But oh, how I'm glad she did! This book is an easy read and a true piece of inspiration. I highly, highly recommend it.

A journey worth reading for western archers
I was left with the distinct feeling of having just completed a long journey afterfinishing this 80 page book. I have been practicing (traditional) western archery for over a year now and I completely agree with many of the tenets of archery that Master Kenzo Awa spoke of. I took up archery because I was interested in the idea of letting the arrow go versus the common mentality of shooting the arrow at the target and this book reiterates that kind of thinking.

I have never undertaken Kyudo so I cannot speak to the accuracy of what was written, but I do know that many of things written by Herrigel, such as breathing exercises and being surprised when you release the arrow, can applied to western archery. I found the author's prattling and difficulties a bit irritating but it is understandable due to Kyudo's complexity. However, I was left skeptical with the author's understanding of "zen", and while he mentioned this idea of the "Great Doctrine" (of archery), I could not find his definition anywhere.

At the end of this text there are a few pages dedicated to archery's relationship to swordsmanship which I understand but felt it was incongruous with the overall feeling of the rest of the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Traditional bowhunters must be close to their quarry before they take a shot, and that nearness is what makes the hunt so thrilling and personally rewarding. That excitement and respect for natural resources and the hunting tradition infuses this unique guide. A chapter on the whitetail deer population and increases in urban and suburban areas deals with this recent phenomenon and tells how traditional bowhunters can help solve the problem. The follow-up to Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Archery (0811731332) includes recipes for venison and a list of traditional archery suppliers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Accent on "Traditional"
A good book, well written, but very limited in scope to the basics on stick bows, no discussion of sights or other useful accessories.
Good material on arrow tuning and general TRADITIONAL archery.
If that's all you want, this book has it for a reasonable price,

Learning to Shoot a Stick Bow
This book is great for the beginner. BUT, the will also help the old pro. who thinks they already know everthing ther id to know about shooting Traditional. I do not hesitateto recommed this book to any Traditional shooter reguardless of where they are in their experience of shooting.

Good book to start with
I got back into archery a couple of years ago after a 20-year hiatus.I wanted to shoot recurve for the challenge and pure fun of shooting.It's almost impossible to find anyone that shoots "traditional" anymore, so a good book is a must.I bought this after having read some of Brian's articles in Traditional Bowhunter magazine.It was a good quick read that contained some very useful pointers.My shooting really improved after using his method to tune arrows for proper spine.This was the first book that made it easy for me to understand.My only real complaint with the book was that it was too short!It's enough to get you started, but leaves you wanting more.

Tradiltional Archery Brian J. Sorrells
Compared to Anthony Camera's "Shooting the Stickbow"; As an archer that has been shooting for over fourty years i find this book not to be particularly informative and of low instrucktional value. Mongo925.

Good but not enough
I saw that this book was recommended by several sites.I bought it as I am just beginning to be interested in traditional archery.The first half is really thin on information.The second half is full of exercises which seem good.I have tried some and they seem to help as I get started.

It will not provide you with information that I was looking for such as definitions.There is, as in any profession or hobby, a lot of jargon, language specific to the hobby.Not explained as well as I wanted.

I thought Shooting The Stick Bow to be much more helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Instinctive Archery Insights (Revised Edition) provides unique information for the archer, traditional or compound, that cannot be found anywhere else.Within these pages are principles from applied psychology, communicated with an easy to understand style, that will dramatically improve any archer’s ability.Dr. Kidwell effectively communicates many unique insights designed to accelerate learning and enhance performance.Discover the truth about consistency in both physical processes and mental processes. Uncover the real secret to attaining accuracy.Learn about the primary cause of missing and how to quickly remedy the problem.Gain insights into how imagery works and learn how to integrate imagery into your regular routine.Discover the true source of success.

New to this edition is Dr. Kidwell’s work on the development and treatment of target panic.Based on years of research and experimentation, it is the most accurate work on the subject to date with an effective therapeutic intervention.The real cause of target panic is explained in a simple and concise manner and the intervention is simple and effective for curing target panic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Excellent guide on cerebellar programming!
I am a relative beginner to archery and this book has been unbelievably helpful.I think the title Instinctive may be a bit of a misnomer because you don't really rely on any instinct, but rather on programming the cerebellum of your brain to coordinate your shots based on information it receives from your eyes, much as you do when you are learning to throw a baseball accurately.

I am getting back into archery mainly for hunting.I started out on this journey trying to remember archery lessons I had learned in grade school.The method Dr. Kidwell uses is much different than what you use in traditional target shooting, however, many of his lessons will apply to traditional target shooting as well as any other sport of which I can think.Chapter two is called "Physical and Mental Stages."In this chapter, he has a section that deals with the way our brains focus on multiple processes at the same time.My eight year old daughter plays soccer and this chapter has helped her focus on various tasks that are required of her in this sport.

When I was going through this book, I read it one chapter at a time, practicing my archery after each chapter.As I was practicing a few minutes ago, I had an epiphany from one of the earlier chapters which, once again, improved my accuracy significantly.

It is a relatively small book at only 127 pages, however the information contained in the relatively short chapters is extensive.Despite the information being crammed into a small amount of space the book reads fairly well.I found myself thinking about the lessons read the night I read them and sometimes into the next day.I re-read many of the chapters after practicing which has been very helpful.

I am honestly surprised that a book has improved my archery as much as this one has.Highly recommended.

Excellent Advice
A well written and informative book that is easy to read and understand and provides some excellent advice and exercises to improve archery form and shooting technique, in particular some valuable insights into what Target Panic actually is and how to control it.

Jay Kidwell has hit the mark !
This is the first book that I have read that has broken the steps of Traditional Archery shooting down in a pychological view. Jay's insights into how the mind works and learns are invaulable when applied to trad shooting. As your mind learns the correct methods of form, mental focus, imagery, and practice techniques, accurate shooting follows.

This book has heped me learn the proper practice techniques, both mental and physical, and become a more confident and accurate archer. I highly reccomend this book to anyone, whether they are already an accomplished traditional archer or just beginning their quest. Traditional Archery Insights by Jay Kidwell will help improve their accuracy along with their enjoyment of this sport.

Darrell Peak

Not For Beginners
I have just started in archery and this book did not answer my questions about the sport of archery.I wanted a book to tell me about target shooting, but this book is aimed at experienced hunters.

So, if you are an experienced hunter looking for a way to get around target panic this might be for you; however, if you want to shoot at a stationary target buy something else.Much of the book deals with shooting in a traditional fashion, such as not using sights (line up along the arrow and cant the bow) and how to let the string roll off your fingers.

I shoot with sights and I use a mechanical release (this is a string holding device and lets you release the arrow after pulling a small trigger).The book just doesn't deal with this type of shooting.

SIMLY THE BEST
If your new to instictive archery or a verteran who wants a book to keep your form and mind sharp LOOK NO FURTHER THIS IS THE BOOK!!!!This book will make you a better archer and the author makes it easier to learn than any book i've read on the subject of instictive shooting.A MUST READ BOOK ... Read more

Product Description
Written by top coaches and competitors, this instructiveresource covers all archery disciplines, including recurve, compound,and barebow archery. Whether you’re a target archer, field archer, orbow hunter, you’ll find in-depth instruction to perfect your stance,body alignment, muscle use, and shot sequence. You’ll findcutting-edge advice on

·selecting and maintain equipment, with detailedadvice on bow tuning and setup, arrow tuning, and testing new equipment;
·employing mental preparation, focus, and relaxation techniques to improve your consistency and accuracy;
·adjusting your technique for various weather and terrain conditions; and
·using fitness training to condition your body in ways that will directly enhance your archery performance and skills.

Go beyond the basics of shooting and develop pinpoint accuracy. Precision Archery will put you on target to perform your best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good Second Book
I bought this book to start coaching a 12 year old. I'm an experienced rifle and pistol coach, so I figured this would be the book. It almost is.

I find no fault with this book if you have a reasonably good background in archery. My background was too primitive, too long ago. (My recurve was acquired in 1989, and before this, last used in 1976.)What I had to do is buy "Archery Steps to Success" to get going, then use this fine book for supplemental, often invaluable, information. The book really is a whole. By that I mean, I needed examples from the Compound Bow chapter to really make sense of some of the finer points in the Recurve chapter. Not a complaint - just advice from my experience.

Again, I really recommend this book - as a second book.

Excellent Archery Book
An excellent book for the beginner all the way up.Easy to read instructions and plenty of tips to ease the learning curve for someone getting into archery.

Maybe not the best read for a beginner
Highly detailed in every description ... too much for my beginner status.I seemed to overthink everything and couldn't group my shots as well as before. I will pull it out again after I have more practice under my quiver. This is, however, a great book to tweak your technique in areas you might not have even given any thought. The section on keeping your bow in tune is very useful.

Advice you can take tothe bank
I found this book excellent and one of the few target archer resources that provides pointed guidance that you can "take to the bank".Steve Ruis even answered some tuning questions directly.This book also has pieces from other archers that are poignant and enjoyable reading. I took the Larry Wise Core Archery class and found the section in this book written by Larry to be an excellent review of class material.Learning to shoot using Back Tension is not an overnight endeavor, however this book can get you there sooner than a trial-and-error effort.

Book Review: Precision Archery
Book Review: Precision Archery
202 Pages, Edited and Written by
Steve Ruis and Claudia Stevenson
Retail Price $19.95 (US dollars)

Precision Archery is a new book brought to you by the folks who publish this magazine. The book is a collection of articles written by some of the foremost experts in archery today: Rick McKinney, Don Rabska, Larry Wise, M.J. Rogers, and several others. It is geared toward recurve and compound target archers who wish to raise their shooting abilities and increase their general archery knowledge. You will find chapters dealing with shot execution, physical conditioning, and advanced form for recurve and compound archery, as well as an inspirational chapter entitled "Embracing the Spirit of Archery."

When I first saw the cover an immediate alarm bell rang. It appeared to be yet one more book that was trying to be "everything to everybody." The phrases "target shooting, field competition, and bow hunting" seemed to imply that this book may be taking on too much. Anybody who claims be an expert on all these areas is probably a master of none. When I saw that it was, in fact, a collection of works by multiple authors it made more sense; each writer stays within his or her range of expertise.
Rick McKinney, one of the world's greatest Olympic-style archers, contributes a fine chapter called "Exploring Competition." In it, he lays out why competition may be good for you (if you're not doing it) and (if you are) how to better prepare for it. Don Rabska, one of the top technical gurus, writes on "Advanced Form for Recurve Archers." While I don't shoot recurve, I still found this to be one of the best chapters in the book. He starts with proper stance, and moves on to each component of an archer's form: bow hand, shoulder placement, and form execution. His final section is called "Connecting with the Target" and explains something I have personally found very mysterious. Why are my shots smooth and effortless close to the target but not further away? I found Rabska's answer to this phenomenon most enlightening.
Compound archers have their technical guru, too; namely Larry Wise. Larry details the steps in shot execution with many photographs. I found it curious that there was no photo showing the release hand anchoring on the jaw, given the importance of this. While there is no doubt that Larry'sexplanations are technically accurate, I didn't always find the information useful. For example, Larry defines back tension as ". . . the contraction of the dominant or drawing side rhomboid muscles, aided by the levator scapula muscle, which causes a micro sliding rotation of the scapula toward the spine." Right. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm at full draw. (I think not!)
Tuning recurve and compound bows are covered by Rabska and Ruis. If you have been around archery for long, this material may not be new for you, but it's still worthwhile to have for a reference. The chapter "Perfecting Practice" does cover some new ground. Relatively little has been written about this, which is puzzling to me. More efficient use of practice time will make far more difference in your tournament results than about anything else you can do. While the author makes a good start on this subject, I feel it still needs to be explored further. If you consider the volumes of material that have been written on training for other sports, material on training for archery seems nearly non-existent.
Other chapters include "Executing the Shot" by Ruis and Stevenson, "Tuning the Mind" by Lisa Franseen, "Achieving a Physical Edge" by Annette M. Musta, "Coaching and Being Coached" by M.J. Rogers,and many others (14 chapters total). I found the last chapter,"Embracing the Spirit of Archery" by Claudia Stevenson very inspirational. This chapter puts into words many of the feelings that have been at the back of my mind about archery for years. Stevenson attempts to answer the question: just why do we frustrate ourselves with archery? She cites the power of self knowledge that archery can teach us and the sense of community that archers develop as two of the reasons.
I found "Precision Archery" a very worthwhile addition of my archery library. It is well written, attractively bound, and has a nice reference in the back, listing sources for more information. One note of caution: if you are looking for material on bowhunting, this is not the book for you, even though the cover suggests otherwise. Actually, the phrase "bow hunting" was on the cover by mistake. The editors told me that book is strictly for target shooters, although I suspect bowhunters would learn a lot about shooting a bow from it. And while much of the material was not new to me, it is very convenient to have it located in a single source. I doubt that there is a single archer who will not learn something from this book. For example, much to my dismay, the recent elevation of my indoor scores may be due entirely to the "Hawthorne effect." What the heck is that, you ask? Well, you will just have to read the book to find out!

Precision Archery Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Exploring Competition
Rick McKinney
Chapter 2. Advanced Form for Recurve Archery
Don Rabska
Chapter 3. Developing Your Compound Archery Form
Larry Wise
Chapter 4. Executing the Shot
Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson
Chapter 5. Achieving a Physical Edge
Annette M. Musta
Chapter 6. Tuning the Mind
Lisa Franseen, PhD
Chapter 7. Tuning Recurve Bows and Arrows
Don Rabska
Chapter 8. Tuning Compound Bows and Arrows
Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson
Chapter 9. Coaching and Being Coached
M.J. Rogers
Chapter 10. Dealing With Difficulties
Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson
Chapter 11. The Joys of Arco Nudo
Ty Pelfrey
Chapter 12. Perfecting Practice
Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson
Chapter 13. Testing New Equipment
Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson
Chapter 14. Embracing the Spirit of Archery
Claudia Stevenson ... Read more

Product Description
Head to the range with the skills to hit the bull’s-eye. Archery Fundamentals will have you shooting on target in no time.

Instruction in all the essentials--from stringing the bow through the anchor to learning aim, grip, and release--will put your technique right on the mark. Sequential instructions and accompanying photographs will guide your execution through every phase of the shot.

In addition, you’ll find inside tips for choosing and maintaining equipment as well as using accessories to improve your accuracy with both recurve and compound bows. You’ll also discover how to use arrow patterns to correct errors. And, if you want to compete, you’ll appreciate the recommendations for entering and participating in archery tournaments.

Archery Fundamentals is a better, faster way to learn the basics. With this book, you’ll have as much fun learning the art of shooting as you’ll have hitting your mark consistently. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good first book, but you'll outgrow it quickly
As a previous review mentioned, this book is part of a series.As such, it tries to be a comprehensive introduction to the sport: recurve vs. traditional vs. compound bows, olympic vs. field vs. hunting archery, and so on.However, the end result is that the book is far too broad and hardly scratches the surface in most areas.It might be a perfect first book for someone who is completely new to the sport, but serious beginners will want more detailed information after just a few weeks of practice.

Qualified author but not a great book.
The author of this book is a high level archery instructor and has been (still is?) in charge of the archery training program called NADA, which runs the basic archery training for the NAA and the NFAA, so you'd think this would be a great book. Well, that is what I thought, but I can't say as I think it came out that way.

The Archery Fundamentals is restricted, in part, by being part of a series that tries to cover sports basics. The book covers a wide array of topics, and sometimes in too little detail to be of use. I don't recommend this book, though others have found it useful to them, so clearly there is room for disagreement. Some people like "Shooting the Stickbow"--but I haven't read it and can't personally vouch for it at this time and it is strictly for people who want to learn about regular bows--not "compound" bows, the kind with pulleys.

However, the training run by NADA is good, as are the training materials they put out for coaches. If you are interested in archery, books are a great way to learn additional information, but a local archery range or JOAD program with certified coaches is a good way to get into the sport.

Very useful book - well deserving of 5-stars
I wanted a straight-forward introduction and that's exactly what I got. I wanted to know how to maintain and how to use my newly acquired second-hand compound bow - this book gave me all the information I needed. This book is also well written and well edited - ezpowell.com

ArcheryFundamentals
Good basic bookexplaining the essentials in stance, bow handeling and marksmanship +, helped this beginner a lot and i would reccomend it for anyone who has , or is learning the sport on their own.

Archery Fundamentals (Sports Fundamentals Series)
I learned the basics of archery.It was very helpful in setting up a program. ... Read more

Product Description
Master all of the archery skills essential to shooting straight and true. Archery: Steps to Success provides in-depth, progressive instruction with accompanying illustrations for each phase of the shot—sighting and aiming, shooting form, and anchoring—for all forms of archery.

Build a solid skill base; learn the details of choosing, fitting, and tuning equipment; and then refine your technique and sharpen your mental skills. By practicing the 91 drills and using the scoring systems to gauge your progress, you’ll develop consistent technique and shot patterns in no time.

Whatever the target, this manual will help you hit the mark. As part of the popular Steps to Success Sports Series (more than 1 million copies sold!), Archery: Steps to Success hits the bull’s-eye when it comes to expert instruction on the sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Beginner to Archery
As a beginner to Archery I found this book very interesting in the my pursuit to learn about Archery.The skills required were very well layed out and very desciptive and easy to follow.
Les

How to learn archery
This book is excellent and it has great teachings about archery. The author of the book dominates the subject very well. This book is indicated for the lovers of the sport and beginners as well.
All the Best.
Francis -Brasil

There are much better books available
This book is geared for beginners, but is really lacking.Line drawings are no substitute for decent pictures.Many of the explanations are so basic that they don't really give you any information at all. There is nothing in this book that can't be found somewhere else, such as the internet for free. I believe that anyone starting in archery would be much happier with some of the other books available.

A beginers requisite
Archery Steps to Success
by Kathleen M. Haywood & Catherine F. Lewis
If you target shoot, then you do need this book to improve. It is "The Dummies Guide to better archery". All clubs should have a copy for all bow types; it is simply a training book, which takes you step by step through what are painfully obvious tuning and practice sessions. This is your own personal tutor book, which is full of hints and explanations on style and equipment.

Not Impressed
I agree with another post that this book is primarily written for a summer camp counselor who is in charge of the archery course!I was probably dissapointed because I read this after reading the revised edition of Dr. Kidwell's book Instinctive Archery Insights.That book enlightened me, and helped my shooting, in ways I could never have imagined!This book, Archery: Steps to Success is pretty basic.If that is what you are looking for I guess it's OK. ... Read more

Product Description
A systematic set of archery shooting form steps built around the proper use of your skeleton. Learn to maximize skeleton and minimize muscle. in step one you learn to shoot a ten and in step two you learn to repeat step one.

K1-22290 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Fundementals
If you want to learn the fundementals of archery this is the best book for it. I have read many books on archery and this book clearly and percisly walked through each step of the shot. I feel i have a better understanding of each shot i take now.

Crucial Techniques for All Archers
This book is short and sweet, and to the point.The point being, shooting more consistently.Mr. Wise explains how to unlearn the bad habits we have all formed in naive, self-taught archery.He goes in-depth about how to get rid of the muscles which will fail you in your shot, while using the correct muscle groups.These muscles are the core of Core Archery, along with a set of habits that will lead you into a better focus routine.I think anyone who desires to take their archery to the next level must give this book a shot!

Short and to the (few) point(s)
Rather short with precious few pointers but well organized and coherent. Decent pictures.

IMHO not for the advanced archer.

Worth the read and the money
I am brand new to archery.I heard about this book from forums on the Internet and purchased it from Amazon.I am glad I made that decision.After talking with the pro at our local archery shop, I knew that I would eventually want to shoot a back tension release and Larry Wise outlines a good program that would lead to success.I ordered a bow and in the five weeks spent waiting for it to arrive, I practice with the string loop and my release on a daily basis.It has paid off.I am not there yet but an headed in the right direction.Also, Larry points out the importance of relegating all of components of making a good shot to the subconscious - except for aiming - focusing on the target.I know this to be a sound concept from all the years I spent target shooting with pistols, rifles, and especially shotguns.The book also gives some good advice on how to practice - have a specific goal and concentrate on that one thing.The book is an easy read.I read it the first time in one evening.If you are like me, you will refer back to it frequently.If you are serious about archery, this is a must read.

Strating of right
An excellent book that should be "compulsory" reading for any person serious about archery.If I read the book when I started archery I would not have had to unlearn the many bad habits I learnt or have been taught over the past three years.

A clear and practical step by step guide to get any serious archer in shooting his best shot. ... Read more

Product Description
Master Coach Bernie Pellerite takes archery's sacred cows and makes hamburger out of them ... and then eats them with relish! If you bowhunt or shoot target, 3-D or field archery ... compound or recurve, fingers or release ... traditional or Olympic style ... YOU NEED THIS BOOK! Finally, the creator of the world famous School of Advanced ARchery (formerly NFAA Mobile Shooter's School), Master Coach Bernie Pellerite has put much of his archery wisdom ... and wit... into a tell it like it is book ... with no-holds-barred! Learn how to hit what you aim at, as he shows you what it takes to shoot like a pro!... even if you have a real job! Discover what predictable accuracy feels like with a step-by-step shot sequence and no BS explanations. Illustrated with 350 photos and diagrams. Learn the same bulletproof theories and techniques that Bernie and his wife, Master Coach Jan Pellerite, have taught to over 2,100 students in the shooter's school that he created. Get the straight scoop on how to compete and win with his accelerated learning program, and see dozens of testimonials from his students that have won over 125 National and World titles! From Tuning to Target Panic to Buck Fever, from Holding Steady to Back Tension to Tournament Nerves, from Control Freaks to Analytical Personalities, whether you use a recurve or compound for bowhunting, indoor target, field archery or shoot 3-D, this book will open your eyes ... if you can handle the truth! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

idiot
There is alot of usefull info in here but that is over shadowed by the ego trip he's on. He insults your intelligence way to much. He should have hired a writer to make the book less abrasive and should spend less time advertising his products.

Great Book
Idiot Proof Archery-How to Shoot Like a Pro--Step By Step by Bernie Pellerite, is a "great" book in my opinion.It has opened by eyes, for improving my shooting, to a much higher level.Bernie's personality (to me) is very refreshing and it's obvious why he's such an incredible instructor with the massive success (he has had) with his students. I've been an archer for over twenty years (I'm a Hunter, not a Target Shooter) and this book has reconnected me to the basics of form, and the mental part of shooting, like no other book that I've read (and I read a lot).In my opinion, you can't go wrong buying this book; I'm going to invest in some of his DVDs also.

It's OK
I bought this book looking for tips to help me overcome a plateau in my improvement.I found a few.The author is a little boastful for my taste and sometimes the book reads like an ad for his many products.But if you can get past all that, there is some good information there.I particularly liked the section on common problems and their sympoms.I also learned about some of the different types of competition and scoring.As an advanced beginner I did find this book helpful and I will keep it around for future reference.

Too much ego and infomercials
I got this book based on the lots of good reviews but after some time reading it I was really annoyed by all the ego demonstration and by the informercials.

If you could take out the book his "catalog" of products and his "I did this", "I created that" and "look how brilliant I'm" things, this book would be less than a half of its size, besides cheaper.

Idiot Proof Archery: How to Shoot Like a Pro.........
One of the best archery books available for the hunter or competition shooter.Full of concepts and information to improve form and accuracy. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are the inspirational life and teachings of Awa Kenzo (1880–1939), the Zen and kyudo (archery) master who gained worldwide renown after the publication of Eugen Herrigel's cult classic Zen in the Art of Archery in 1953. Kenzo lived and taught at a pivotal time in Japan's history, when martial arts were practiced primarily for self-cultivation, and his wise and penetrating instructions for practice (and life)—including aphorisms, poetry, instructional lists, and calligraphy—are infused with the spirit of Zen. Kenzo uses the metaphor of the bow and arrow to challenge the practitioner to look deeply into his or her own true nature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Definitely a Bullseye
I had read Zen and the Art of Archery a long time ago and decided to check out this book. Definitely worth my time. A lot of great words of wisdom from Awa Kenzo are presented for absorption. Much of what is said in this book can be incorporated in to daily life. Definitely a book worth having if you like to have a text you can quickly pick up and read some powerful statements to keep you on the path.

A different kind of hunting
Zen Bow, Zen Arrow is a different kind of hunting book for most people.To hunt for and find an understanding of self and this life we live is, perhaps, the greatest adventure of all.

great book, but short
interesting and informative, but a little short for the money.If you read "zen in the art of archery" by eugene herrigel and didn't hear enough aboutawa kenzo, this book will give you what you want: it presents a limited biography and then gives some of his ( most important?) sayings and a few pictures of him with his bow.It got 4 out of 5 stars because it cost 12.95 list price plus shipping and is 101 pages long.Still a great read if you are interested in zen archery.

Zen Bow, Zen Arrow
a small book but diamonds are small-as is the brief instant of satori. a wonderful history of the great Zen archer Awa Kenzo with a treasure of gems of wisdom from his teachings: statements, aphorisms, koans and haiku.
whether you are seeking thru t'ai chi, target shooting or archery, the wisdom here will guide you in your practice.

A pearl of wisdom
Don't miss this book if you are interested in "Zen in the Art of Archery" and "The Method of Zen" by Eugen Herrigel.
The teaching of Awa is a pearl of wisdom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
This book is a great book for the reading and it is detailed for beginner or the expert I give it a 10 ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
Chip does a great job helping parents and kids learn the proper ways to use a gun and bow.Get this book and enjoy building lasting relationships with your youth that will last a lifetime.

An Excellent Resource for All Ages
If you are looking for a way to introduce someone to shooting or archery, then you need this book. It provides a detailed and easy-to-read explanation of each sport. Colorful and relevant photos are included throughout the text to keep the reader turning the pages.

Chip Gross has been a hunter and shooter all his life and writes with authority combined with insight. Here's a book which belongs in every school library. You will want to use this handy reference over and over as you get involved in these popular sports. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Professional Archery Technique, by Kirk Ethridge, a landmark book for compound archers, covers bow and arrow setup, perfecting your form, the shooting process, tuning the bow, and the mental game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Lacks substance
While Kirk is a great shot he doesn't really give you the ground work to become a good archer or improve your current form. This book is esentually "This is how I do it, oh and by the way I've won lots!"
Kirk doesn't really show anything that you could not have learnt looking at photos fromatournament.

Common sense combined with technical information
There is nothing in this book that most archers couldn't come up with on their own, eventually.What it does, however, is provide accelerated learning and eliminate a lot of trial and error.This book takes all of the key elements of becoming a good archer and combines it into one easy to read reference.I can't speak for the more advanced or competition archers, but as someone who has been shooting for some time, it is an invaluable reference.It also gave me more confidence in that my form was already pretty good, but provided me with better ways to reproduce my form.Although the information for bow tuning is available elsewhere, it is a good reference for tuning your bow, as well.The range estimation portion of the book is especially useful for all archers, be it 3-D, hunting, or other competition.This is a great manual to help improve your accuracy.

This book is my personal archery trainer!
Kirk Ethridge's book is an instant classic.Great for thebeginner and expert alike, everyone (including myself) can improvetheir shooting significantly.Kirk is a real insider...anyone who has shot the Vegas shoot in the last 10 years knows the only man who ever won 10 National Championships.A former world champ, he is a true master of the sport.I recommend this book highly.The appendices are worth the price of the book, with explanations of elevated shots, drug testing, and others.Great for 3D shooters (there's a chapter on range estimation that is CONTROVERSIAL and a real EYE OPENER), or targeters alike.

Kirk's in rare form!
I found that this book goes beyond the ho-hum of most ordinary archery technique books.Most archery books start with the boring tasks of identifying basic tools and then expands from that point on.Kirk namesproducts, and also evaluates them. I also was thrilled to read the personalphilosophy of a down to earth, yet obviously good shooter.I'm waiting forKirk to put out another book, hopefully with more on the brain portion hetouched on in this book.

This guy is the greatest archery teacher of all time!
My score went up 25+ points since reading this book.It is the greatest! :-)Very conversational in style.Recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
Kyudo-the Way of the Bow-is the oldest of Japan's traditional martial arts and the one most closely associated with bushido, the Way of the Warrior. After the Second World War Eugen Herrigel introduced the concept of kyudo to the West in his classic Zen in the Art of Japanese Archery. But until now, no Japanese kyudo master has published a book on his art in English.

In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery, Hideharu Onuma and his American co-authors, Dan and Jackie DeProspero, explain in detail both the spiritual and practical aspects of kyudo. Written with both novices and advanced students in mind, the book is presented in simple, straightforward language and features hundreds of detailed illustrations, supplemented by rare photographs of Master Onuma, clearly demonstrating the fundamental techniques and daily practice of this form of "standing Zen."

Including chapters on equipment and kyudojo construction, Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery is the most comprehensive reference work on the subject available. Special sections on problem solving and shitsu (errors) also make it a unique teaching and learning resource, and the concluding shiteimondo (teacher-student dialogue) provides unparalleled insights into the thoughts and teachings of a true master of the martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

the invisible arrow
This a great book not only to further understand the spirit of kyudo but to improve one's technique. The foreword is very interesting and will immediately take you to the essence of what kyudo really is. In the afterword, the levels of practice are explained in detailed which will help you understand how the path of kyudo can help you become a more peaceful person.

wonderful!
I have no understanding or training in Kyudo (I am ranked in Kenjutsu - Japanese swordsmanship), and have purchased this book in order to practice with my new bow, and add a new level to my Budo training.

The wonderful sketches, explanation and pictures are no replacement for a real teacher, but this book is as close as possible to it. Detailed forms of the draw and shot, explanation of common mistakes, graphs of missed shots and what mistake in the correct form they reflect.

I recommend this book the kyudo practitioners, and want-to-be practitioners - A great way to connect yourself to the Japanese way of the bow.

Just remember - the first step is to stop fearing the bow...

History, application, and techniques all in one
This book was great because it gives the reader, the history of the Japanese bow, and how the culture of Bushido arose.

Great book, fun and an easy read.
Fun book if you want to not only learn the art of Japaneese long bow, but the history as well.

Art, Tradition and Spirit
In Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior)yuo'll find the lost way in our every day life. Life as arrows, may flight to the tag or may be broken.
With a lots of pictures and explanations about Zen Archery, this book is a great deal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fun Read
Great book with some basic stuff and neat ideas too.Great for a young person or Adult getting into or back into archery.

Good Beginners Book
This book is short, sweet, and to the point.It covers the basics about form and follow through and all of the essentials that you need to know when you are learning how to shoot, or even if you are just looking to improve your form.It includes several checklists and even a whole chapter dedicated FAQ.It has lists of problems, and then explainations on how to fix them.Overall, this book is well worth it.

Honestly a handbook
In a world where many books promise a lot and finally appear to offer the half of that, this is a book that keeps it's promise: It is a usefulhandbook; just what it claims to be.And yes, it is a good handbook forbeginners in archery -like me, for example-. It provides the reader withuseful tips and secrets of this wonderful and so special sport, withoutunderestimating the new athlet. Frankly, it helped me a lot when I firststarted with archery but that's not the reason I like it the most; It isfocused on the theme and the author doesn't let himself be carried away bypeddling details and useless comments, but in the same time, it exhauststhe most important things as much as it's necessary so that they arecompletely apprehensible by the simple reader.

In a few words: it is asgood as it claims. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: H. G. Bohn in 1840 in 569 pages; Subjects: Archery; Non-Classifiable; Sports & Recreation / General; Sports & Recreation / Archery; ... Read more

Product Description
The Horse in Horse Archery is a comprehensive guide that combines the instinctive shooting style with the balance seat riding method. Learn what to look for when buying your first horse, and how to handle and care for him once he's yours.

Learn about bows, arrows, courses, targets, and how to teach your horse to accept it all. Written by the horse training columnist, Bonnie S. Anderson, this book will help you for years to come as you and your horse team up for the excitement of horseback archery. ... Read more