Drawing from tradition

Chan (left) and Tang taking aim with their traditional bows.

TRADITIONAL archery, as old as the bow and arrow itself, continues to thrive globally due to its simplicity and low cost.

Numerous traditional archery groups organise monthly and yearly tournaments in the region to keep the ancient sport alive.

One standout group is led by Wong Woon Woon, a 36-year-old former multimedia designer who took up traditional Chinese archery several years ago.

Wong was initially part of a cultural society promoting ancient Chinese culture and tradition.

Wong and his archers setting up their shot.

Archery was a part of their practice, but his quest for better technique and accuracy led him to seek help from seasoned discipline masters.

“When I first joined local tournaments, I stuck out like a sore thumb because most traditional archers here are from the Malay community,” Wong recalled.

Encouraged by his Malay peers, who were impressed by his prowess with the Chinese bow, Wong excelled in the sport.

His success inspired his teammates to compete locally.

Wong (third from left) with his archers at the indoor range.

They often wore traditional Chinese archery robes and secured top positions in tournaments.

Wong runs an indoor archery range near Cheras, specialising in the Chinese traditional form.

He highlights the affordability of the sport: “You can get a bow for less than RM100 and a dozen arrows for about the same price,” he said.

In contrast, Olympic Recurve and Compound bow archers pay 10 times more to start.

Wong preparing to draw his bow using a thumb ring.

This low-cost factor makes traditional archery appealing to those who want to try the sport without breaking the bank.

Traditional Chinese archery differs from Olympic Recurve and Compound archery in terms of release technique.

“One must master drawing the bow and releasing the arrow using the thumb,” Wong said.

Though simple to learn, this technique can yield accuracy comparable to other archery disciplines.

Wong having a relaxed grip of the bow in full draw.

Besides training and reselling traditional Chinese bows, Wong crafts thumb rings as release tools, a passion project showcasing his skills.

With a surge in interest, Wong trains a diverse group of archers aged 7-50 at his indoor range.

Among them is Tang Boon Tong, who has won tournaments, influenced by Wong and peer pressure to excel.

“I was captivated by the simplicity and grace of traditional archery and the mastery required to land an accurate shot.”

Anchoring his arrow in full draw.

Teacher Chan Yoon Sze, who trains regularly at Wong’s range, took up the sport several years ago and found it a way to unwind.

“I find traditional archery relaxing and get great satisfaction when my arrow hits the mark,” she said.

Similarly, JC Hoo, a father of two, started archery recently to spend quality time with his children.

“I started two months ago. My children were at it much longer and got very good at it,” Hoo said.

After meeting Wong at a local fair, where visitors could try shooting a traditional Chinese bow and arrow, he enrolled his children and soon joined them in training.

Wong’s indoor range, On Archery, is located in Taman Shamelin Perkasa near Cheras and welcomes enthusiasts of all ages.