Beginner Archery
Master humanity's oldest ranged weapon. Learn to shoot recurve bows, English longbows, and Asiatic composite bows.
Archery is one of humanity's oldest skills—and one of its most satisfying to learn.
In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of archery across three different bow traditions. From the modern recurve to the medieval English longbow to the Asiatic composite bow, you'll develop the form, consistency, and historical appreciation to continue your archery journey.
8 one-hour classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (4 weeks) or 4 two-hour classes on Saturdays (4 weeks).
Choose Your Start Date
Select a start date that works for your schedule. All sections cover the same curriculum.
What You'll Learn
4-class curriculum
Foundation
- Range safety & etiquette
- Stance and posture
- Nocking and drawing
- Recurve bow fundamentals
Technique
- Aiming methods
- Release and follow-through
- Consistency drills
- Equipment care
Exploration
- English longbow
- Historical context
- Technique variations
- Accuracy training
Integration
- Asiatic composite bow
- Thumb draw technique
- Multiple bow styles
- First rank assessment
Three Bow Traditions
A complete introduction
Modern Recurve
The foundation bow. Learn proper form with a forgiving, accurate design used in Olympic archery.
English Longbow
The legendary bow of Agincourt. Experience the power and feel of medieval military archery.
Asiatic Composite
The horse archer's bow. Learn the thumb draw technique used across the Asian steppes.
More Than Target Practice
Our archery program goes beyond just hitting targets. You'll learn:
- History — How the bow shaped civilizations from English Yeomen to Mongol horse archers
- Equipment — The design and care of different bow types
- Technique — Multiple drawing and aiming methods
- Safety — Range protocols and responsible archery
What's Included
- Four 120-minute classes over 4 weeks
- All bows, arrows, and safety equipment
- Training on three different bow types
- History of archery and equipment care
- Small class sizes for personal attention
- First rank upon completion
Earn your first rank — opening the door to ongoing Archery sessions and workshops.
Enroll NowCommon Questions
It depends on what excites you! Rapier emphasizes precision, geometry, and elegant thrusting attacks. Longsword features powerful two-handed cuts and more physical, athletic movements. Archery is for those drawn to the bow. You can always try our free trial class to experience swordplay before deciding.
Our courses are designed for adults of all fitness levels. Instructors adjust intensity based on the group. You'll get a workout, but it's accessible to everyone. Rapier tends to be less physically demanding than longsword.
After earning your first rank, you can join our weekly Mastery classes to continue developing your skills. These classes cover more advanced techniques and include sparring with protective gear.
Absolutely! Many students complete Rapier, Longsword, and Archery. Each art has its own ranking track, and skills from one often enhance the others.
Life happens! Just contact the front desk and we'll help you arrange a makeup in another beginner class session, or schedule a pre-lesson catch-up with an instructor.
Explore Other Beginner Courses
Ready to Learn Archery?
Enroll in our beginner course today. 4 classes to your first rank in traditional archery.