Personally, I really like Korean bows. I'm more into Tatar bows, but I don't know of a faster bow that can reach 145 to 185 meters away and hit as effectively as Korean bows. Korean bows are elegant, fast and so comfortable that you can hide and shoot from the trees without anyone noticing. I must say that your collection is impressive. Thank you for sharing your experience and being part of this community.👊😃🏹
Im curious where you learned to shoot. Your form is pretty authentic. One common theme of western archers with ktbs is they use them improperly and then complain about things like a wide arrow pass or awkward handle. KTBs are made to be use with KTA form, and KTA form is difficult to use with other types of bows.
@@Lost_Hwasal Thank you. That means a lot. I'm self taught but I watch many Korean KTA TH-cam channels. I see a wide variety of styles , from almost static Machigi, to arms wide. I've tried both and kind of finding what works best for me. Half the time, I think I'm just doing it wrong. I am also learning Korean with Duolingo and although I am still a few years from fluency, I've learnt enough to read some Hangul and search Google / Naver for articles, interviews and blog posts about KTA, using Google translate, which is surprising good.
@@KTBIOM I'm working on my 25th year of practicing tradidional Korean archery. One thing I learned early on watching other archers was archers just tend to end up with slight variations in their form even when they had the same instructor. I came up with this saying: "Every archer has an ideal form. They just have to find it." Those that do, do well. Those that don't, tend to leave the sport. I've lost track of the number of times I've changed my form, usually due to injuries, most related to repeated shooting over time. None were because of using bows with poundage higher than my body could handle. That's one of my cardinal rules: "Less is more." Back to year one. I had a bow rated at 47 pounds and drew it to 52. My mentor/instructor suggested I use a lower poundage bow. I went to a bow rated 45 and drew it to 50. Not much of a change, but some. My results immediately improved. I have bows from 15 lbs. to that origional 47. My results with a 40 lb. bow are every bit as good as the 45. Results did drop off with the 35. As to the other lower poundages, those bow were bought so as to instruct kids and I've never done much shooting with them. All my shooting now is with hornbows. Some archers can go back and forth between carbon bows and hornbows, but I can't make the switch between the two. Forme, the differences in my form for shooting each type of bow are pronounced enough to have poor results with each. I love my hornbows more and get greater satisfaction shooting them. Anyway, enjoy the experience of shooting a Korean style bow. Just don't blow your body up with a bow that's just too strong. Best and many hits. 대이뱟 사직정.
@notapplicable531 Thank you for your comments and story. I am barely 2 years into shooting a Korean bow, and only now, I am starting to think that it's coming together. I wish I'd started 25 years ago 😉. I agree that every archer has his form. There is no true way for people to shoot. If you can shoot accurately without harming yourself, what else can you ask for? I have noticed that there is a difference between draw weight and draw length that suits me better than others. I have struggled with some of my earlier bows, and don't think I would have improved much, had I not experienced different weights and draw curves. Right now, the Daylite Majesty is probably the best fit for me, 64#@32", even though I wanted it to be the SMG 58#@32". For me it feels that I get more enjoyment when shooting is a whole body experience and it feels like an effort. I feel it more in my body, and think less about it in my head. Does that make sense? I would love to have a hornbow, but it's not possible right now where I live and the way I shoot. I personally want to see how strong a bow I can shoot as I have an interest in military archery, although I realise that KTBs are target bows. I don't want to injure myself. Thank you again and good shooting 🏹
@@notapplicable531 I am on my lunch break and reading Gao Ying's Way of Archery. Page 23. "Only when your joints are at their limit can you consider it full draw. That is why people with long arms should use long arrows.... Strong people should use heavier bows..." This makes sense to me now, in terms of what I said about enjoying the full body experience and finding better results with a heavier bow. Sorry, just wanted to share. Thanks for you thoughtful comment.
I'm with you on the long draw being natural, short chin setup is sooo awkward. Not into the formal Olympic target style, but that does then restrict you to being self taught. I like the Asiatic bow's as it's more about tuning the skills of the user rather than endlessly tuning the equipment which can get extremely expensive.
@@mrln247 I have done an archery beginner course and it felt that holding 20# at the chin was harder than pulling 50# to the ear with thumb. I can't explain why, probably different muscles. For me, long draw with thumb, similar to compound archers feels better biomechanically. I agree with your second point. Asiatic archery feels more like a martial art, where discipline and repetition practice build better form. As I step up through the higher draw weights, I've discovered that my form with the Black Shadow for example, is not good for the Cheonjigung. Once I get the right form on the Cheonjigung my form with all lighter bows will improve. This goes against conventional western archery wisdom that encourages form practice with low poundage bows. In terms of expense, I agree. A KTB can be cheaper than a compound bow sight or release. Even cheaper than a full set of competition arrows.
@@KTBIOM As for the Western and traditions think a good chunk of that is a modern construct it seems, might go back to 1920's 30's. What the Americans call tradition archery with a shelf goes back to Fred Bead in the 1950's, but he absolutely nailed the marketing! Back before all that they would pull a longbow to the Ear, that's why they made them so long. Need to get the bows back out some more, my Manchu Yarha started making unpleasant noises in the handle, and I've broken a bunch of the (correct weight) arrows for other bows.
Thank you for this particular video. Archery has made me a better person (i'd like to think). Korean bows may be would made a better archer of me. I love the bows. So beautiful and non forgiving. Always demanding discipline. ¡What an interesting learning curve! And the grip... Everything about KTB is really fantastic. Amen brother. Keep the good content.
@@K3NJ1K1 Thank you. Archery has helped me find myself. To trust my intuition and sense of feeling. I shoot instinctive and don't try to work out maths in my head. I was initially hesitant to share this video. Took it last week and sat on it. Wasn't sure if it was interesting or helpful. It's made me realise I want to talk archery with people and especially Asiatic/ Korean archery. Perhaps I should try to do an "interview" type thing on Zoom with people? Not necessarily "famous" people. Just people talking about their experiences.
@@KTBIOM I really appreciate the passion you have. Saw you first being active on Facebook and was happy to stumble upon your TH-cam. Your content is valuable and appreciated! Thank you.
@@KTBIOM Yes, the instinctive, or "intuitive" way, gives a confident feeling that you even did'nt know that exist inside . I don't wan't to do maths either, nor compete, or use fancy stuff. Everybody in my club think that i'm crazy. Maybe they're right. But the peace that this path brings is amazing. Just a stick, a string, a few arrows, the silence and yourself. By the way, great idea the "korean archery" meetings. Thank you again.
@@K3NJ1K1 Good point. Archery for me is... for me. Nobody else, not for points, or scores. It's the act of drawing and the moment before the release, when everything feels right and nothing exists except yourself and the target. Followed by the release. It's like magic. It amazes me how I can make a stick fly so far and so accurately at something I am looking at.
The reason I stumbled upon KTBs was I was looking for a "horsebow" slightly longer draw than 29", and didn't want to pay EU import taxes. Went to search for EU shops, found the Dutch bow store, there was a bunch of White Feather bows there, KTBs included. Decided to try the longer version of Forever Carbon, and I am happy that I did! Now I think the handle is awesome, and the size of the bow is just right for me. I shoot both sides. On my less-preferred side, the arrow pass has been pretty much demolished, so I definitely need to improve technique. As you have obviously researched more about this style of shooting: do you know if the leather arrow pass (with good technique) should get any wear at all?
Yes. Arrow passes, chuljeonpi (출전피) are a consumable. My Cheonjigung arrived without an arrow pass but Ace added a handful of them in different colours. Any small peice of leather cut to shape can be glued on. Use basic glue, not super glue. I bought some shagreen (ray skin) on eBay and been using that. As you get better, they will last longer, but will wear out over time. A bit of shoe shine / polish / oil will help reduce friction.
Do you know how draw length is measured in traditional korean bows? Is it to the back or the belly? And is that of the arrow pass or the handle itself? I never could definitively find out.
@@Amaruzi It's measured using the arrow length. First you find your arrow length, and then the size of bow to match the arrow. I'll find a link for a video I've seen. I work out my draw length by the length of the arrows i use. I feel for the point between the end of the shaft and the field point on my index finger nail. This is my anchor point. Sometimes I also use it as a clicker. I draw then expand until I feel the joint on my fingernail. The Cheonjigung is different as it is much higher poundage and i think it has a shorter draw length than some of my arrows. But the Black Shadow and the Jeil are comfortable pulling 34/35 inches.
Thank you! That video was actually quite helpful! But now I have another question: are the measurements given for korean bows (Dan gung, jung gung etc) measured while strung or unstrung?
@@Amaruzi I think that that is the unstrung nock to nock length. For example. My 50 inch longbows, (Jangung 장궁) is about 128cm long but the string is about 122cm long. The Cheonjigung string is 119cm.
@@bildogaggins8196 Yes. I see many HMG on YT KTA channels. Lots of Kaya too. Some Daehan, a few YMG, a Mujin occasionally and the odd Jeil, few of anything else.
Have a look at some reviews. Kaya Black Cat. th-cam.com/video/d9ONRNL8n1E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vCcn0N0f8k1wBG2t Daylite Monarq th-cam.com/video/jyaXeKIx01I/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Z8KzjrmKsQgDDujm
@@meedaann234 I'm not sure yet. I have another two rounds of the shoot off to do, Majesty Vs SMG and then the winner against the Cheonjigung. Individually difficult to know.
Maybe for Win&Win bows 😄 There is an interesting documentary about an Olympic archer trying traditional archery and has a bow made for her. It's in Korean, but it tells the story in images. I'll try to find it and like it here.
@@MrRourk th-cam.com/video/yoFH1X4NQUk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qZJt1HS0gB_TFKSk I found this an interesting watch. A Korean Olympic archer trying a traditional Gakgung hornbow.
I've seen the documentary. I need to learn Korean. So many interesting things in these videos, and I'm quite surprised how much I take from them without understanding the language. Thanks for the video bro! It's so crazy how similar our short archery path has been. I follow the same people learning asiatic and combat style archery. I also like Martin Sporri and Mack (all of archery). There are so many good archers on yt!
@@matthewvassar9686 Yes. Too many people to mention. I ad-libed this video. The most I have ever spoken on a subject in front of a camera. I didn't mention everything I should have but also wanted it short and sweet.
Personally, I really like Korean bows. I'm more into Tatar bows, but I don't know of a faster bow that can reach 145 to 185 meters away and hit as effectively as Korean bows. Korean bows are elegant, fast and so comfortable that you can hide and shoot from the trees without anyone noticing. I must say that your collection is impressive. Thank you for sharing your experience and being part of this community.👊😃🏹
@@miguelveratraditionalarche9374 Gracias hermano. 💪🏹👊🤘
Im curious where you learned to shoot. Your form is pretty authentic. One common theme of western archers with ktbs is they use them improperly and then complain about things like a wide arrow pass or awkward handle. KTBs are made to be use with KTA form, and KTA form is difficult to use with other types of bows.
@@Lost_Hwasal Thank you. That means a lot. I'm self taught but I watch many Korean KTA TH-cam channels. I see a wide variety of styles , from almost static Machigi, to arms wide. I've tried both and kind of finding what works best for me. Half the time, I think I'm just doing it wrong. I am also learning Korean with Duolingo and although I am still a few years from fluency, I've learnt enough to read some Hangul and search Google / Naver for articles, interviews and blog posts about KTA, using Google translate, which is surprising good.
@@KTBIOM I'm working on my 25th year of practicing tradidional Korean archery. One thing I learned early on watching other archers was archers just tend to end up with slight variations in their form even when they had the same instructor. I came up with this saying: "Every archer has an ideal form. They just have to find it." Those that do, do well. Those that don't, tend to leave the sport.
I've lost track of the number of times I've changed my form, usually due to injuries, most related to repeated shooting over time. None were because of using bows with poundage higher than my body could handle. That's one of my cardinal rules: "Less is more." Back to year one. I had a bow rated at 47 pounds and drew it to 52. My mentor/instructor suggested I use a lower poundage bow. I went to a bow rated 45 and drew it to 50. Not much of a change, but some. My results immediately improved. I have bows from 15 lbs. to that origional 47. My results with a 40 lb. bow are every bit as good as the 45. Results did drop off with the 35. As to the other lower poundages, those bow were bought so as to instruct kids and I've never done much shooting with them.
All my shooting now is with hornbows. Some archers can go back and forth between carbon bows and hornbows, but I can't make the switch between the two. Forme, the differences in my form for shooting each type of bow are pronounced enough to have poor results with each. I love my hornbows more and get greater satisfaction shooting them.
Anyway, enjoy the experience of shooting a Korean style bow. Just don't blow your body up with a bow that's just too strong.
Best and many hits. 대이뱟 사직정.
@notapplicable531 Thank you for your comments and story. I am barely 2 years into shooting a Korean bow, and only now, I am starting to think that it's coming together. I wish I'd started 25 years ago 😉.
I agree that every archer has his form. There is no true way for people to shoot. If you can shoot accurately without harming yourself, what else can you ask for?
I have noticed that there is a difference between draw weight and draw length that suits me better than others. I have struggled with some of my earlier bows, and don't think I would have improved much, had I not experienced different weights and draw curves. Right now, the Daylite Majesty is probably the best fit for me, 64#@32", even though I wanted it to be the SMG 58#@32".
For me it feels that I get more enjoyment when shooting is a whole body experience and it feels like an effort. I feel it more in my body, and think less about it in my head. Does that make sense?
I would love to have a hornbow, but it's not possible right now where I live and the way I shoot.
I personally want to see how strong a bow I can shoot as I have an interest in military archery, although I realise that KTBs are target bows. I don't want to injure myself.
Thank you again and good shooting 🏹
@@notapplicable531 I am on my lunch break and reading Gao Ying's Way of Archery. Page 23. "Only when your joints are at their limit can you consider it full draw. That is why people with long arms should use long arrows.... Strong people should use heavier bows..." This makes sense to me now, in terms of what I said about enjoying the full body experience and finding better results with a heavier bow.
Sorry, just wanted to share. Thanks for you thoughtful comment.
I'm with you on the long draw being natural, short chin setup is sooo awkward. Not into the formal Olympic target style, but that does then restrict you to being self taught.
I like the Asiatic bow's as it's more about tuning the skills of the user rather than endlessly tuning the equipment which can get extremely expensive.
@@mrln247 I have done an archery beginner course and it felt that holding 20# at the chin was harder than pulling 50# to the ear with thumb. I can't explain why, probably different muscles. For me, long draw with thumb, similar to compound archers feels better biomechanically.
I agree with your second point. Asiatic archery feels more like a martial art, where discipline and repetition practice build better form. As I step up through the higher draw weights, I've discovered that my form with the Black Shadow for example, is not good for the Cheonjigung. Once I get the right form on the Cheonjigung my form with all lighter bows will improve. This goes against conventional western archery wisdom that encourages form practice with low poundage bows.
In terms of expense, I agree. A KTB can be cheaper than a compound bow sight or release. Even cheaper than a full set of competition arrows.
@@KTBIOM As for the Western and traditions think a good chunk of that is a modern construct it seems, might go back to 1920's 30's. What the Americans call tradition archery with a shelf goes back to Fred Bead in the 1950's, but he absolutely nailed the marketing!
Back before all that they would pull a longbow to the Ear, that's why they made them so long.
Need to get the bows back out some more, my Manchu Yarha started making unpleasant noises in the handle, and I've broken a bunch of the (correct weight) arrows for other bows.
im guessing when you eye does start to wonder the next step will be the Manchurian bow styles. Nice collection and thanks for sharing
@@benpriestman4015 Tbh I'm trying hard not to get distracted. Too much awesomeness in the world.
Thank you for this particular video. Archery has made me a better person (i'd like to think). Korean bows may be would made a better archer of me. I love the bows. So beautiful and non forgiving. Always demanding discipline. ¡What an interesting learning curve! And the grip... Everything about KTB is really fantastic. Amen brother. Keep the good content.
@@K3NJ1K1 Thank you.
Archery has helped me find myself. To trust my intuition and sense of feeling. I shoot instinctive and don't try to work out maths in my head.
I was initially hesitant to share this video. Took it last week and sat on it. Wasn't sure if it was interesting or helpful.
It's made me realise I want to talk archery with people and especially Asiatic/ Korean archery.
Perhaps I should try to do an "interview" type thing on Zoom with people? Not necessarily "famous" people. Just people talking about their experiences.
@@KTBIOM I really appreciate the passion you have. Saw you first being active on Facebook and was happy to stumble upon your TH-cam. Your content is valuable and appreciated! Thank you.
@@kaliz-kan Thank you. Appreciated 👍🙏
@@KTBIOM Yes, the instinctive, or "intuitive" way, gives a confident feeling that you even did'nt know that exist inside . I don't wan't to do maths either, nor compete, or use fancy stuff. Everybody in my club think that i'm crazy. Maybe they're right. But the peace that this path brings is amazing. Just a stick, a string, a few arrows, the silence and yourself. By the way, great idea the "korean archery" meetings. Thank you again.
@@K3NJ1K1 Good point. Archery for me is... for me. Nobody else, not for points, or scores. It's the act of drawing and the moment before the release, when everything feels right and nothing exists except yourself and the target. Followed by the release. It's like magic. It amazes me how I can make a stick fly so far and so accurately at something I am looking at.
The reason I stumbled upon KTBs was I was looking for a "horsebow" slightly longer draw than 29", and didn't want to pay EU import taxes.
Went to search for EU shops, found the Dutch bow store, there was a bunch of White Feather bows there, KTBs included. Decided to try the longer version of Forever Carbon, and I am happy that I did! Now I think the handle is awesome, and the size of the bow is just right for me.
I shoot both sides. On my less-preferred side, the arrow pass has been pretty much demolished, so I definitely need to improve technique.
As you have obviously researched more about this style of shooting: do you know if the leather arrow pass (with good technique) should get any wear at all?
Yes. Arrow passes, chuljeonpi (출전피) are a consumable. My Cheonjigung arrived without an arrow pass but Ace added a handful of them in different colours. Any small peice of leather cut to shape can be glued on. Use basic glue, not super glue. I bought some shagreen (ray skin) on eBay and been using that.
As you get better, they will last longer, but will wear out over time. A bit of shoe shine / polish / oil will help reduce friction.
Do you know how draw length is measured in traditional korean bows? Is it to the back or the belly? And is that of the arrow pass or the handle itself? I never could definitively find out.
@@Amaruzi It's measured using the arrow length.
First you find your arrow length, and then the size of bow to match the arrow. I'll find a link for a video I've seen.
I work out my draw length by the length of the arrows i use. I feel for the point between the end of the shaft and the field point on my index finger nail. This is my anchor point. Sometimes I also use it as a clicker. I draw then expand until I feel the joint on my fingernail.
The Cheonjigung is different as it is much higher poundage and i think it has a shorter draw length than some of my arrows. But the Black Shadow and the Jeil are comfortable pulling 34/35 inches.
th-cam.com/video/6cGkKZM9CmM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MW7KohVmDOwDLyRI
This video explains how to choose arrows and bow.
Thank you! That video was actually quite helpful!
But now I have another question: are the measurements given for korean bows (Dan gung, jung gung etc) measured while strung or unstrung?
@@Amaruzi I think that that is the unstrung nock to nock length. For example. My 50 inch longbows, (Jangung 장궁) is about 128cm long but the string is about 122cm long. The Cheonjigung string is 119cm.
talking about domestic market, i think HMG and Kaya bows are probably the most common at the moment. at least in my range in korea.
@@bildogaggins8196 Yes. I see many HMG on YT KTA channels. Lots of Kaya too. Some Daehan, a few YMG, a Mujin occasionally and the odd Jeil, few of anything else.
Between the kaya black cat and daylite monarq which one would you recommend??? Thanks
@@rudra2099 I have not tried Kaya Black Cat or Daylite Monarq. I would say pick the one you like best.
Have a look at some reviews.
Kaya Black Cat. th-cam.com/video/d9ONRNL8n1E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vCcn0N0f8k1wBG2t
Daylite Monarq th-cam.com/video/jyaXeKIx01I/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Z8KzjrmKsQgDDujm
which bow is the best?
@@meedaann234 I'm not sure yet. I have another two rounds of the shoot off to do, Majesty Vs SMG and then the winner against the Cheonjigung. Individually difficult to know.
The Korean Olympic team is certainly credible for a lot of sales.
Maybe for Win&Win bows 😄
There is an interesting documentary about an Olympic archer trying traditional archery and has a bow made for her. It's in Korean, but it tells the story in images. I'll try to find it and like it here.
@@MrRourk th-cam.com/video/yoFH1X4NQUk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qZJt1HS0gB_TFKSk
I found this an interesting watch. A Korean Olympic archer trying a traditional Gakgung hornbow.
@@KTBIOM Nice! Thank You.
I've seen the documentary. I need to learn Korean. So many interesting things in these videos, and I'm quite surprised how much I take from them without understanding the language.
Thanks for the video bro! It's so crazy how similar our short archery path has been. I follow the same people learning asiatic and combat style archery. I also like Martin Sporri and Mack (all of archery). There are so many good archers on yt!
@@matthewvassar9686 Yes. Too many people to mention. I ad-libed this video. The most I have ever spoken on a subject in front of a camera. I didn't mention everything I should have but also wanted it short and sweet.