Archers retrieving their arrows from a target face placed at a distance of 70m at the range.
The bowstring tenses. The archer exhales, his fingers grazing the arrow’s fletching. A deep breath steadies his stance.
Then, with a quiet thrum, the arrow slices through the humid Singapore air, striking the target with a satisfying thud.
For Mohamad Faiz Jamil, this isn’t just a sport; it’s a connection to history, and a test of patience, precision and perseverance.
The 31-year-old IT engineer’s journey into traditional archery began not in an ancient dojo but at a military sports event.
“I was taking part in an adventure race organised by the Singapore Armed Forces. One of the challenges involved throwing a javelin at a target,” he recalls with a laugh.
“Let’s just say my aim wasn’t exactly spot-on. I vowed then to work on my accuracy because practice makes perfect.”
An archery range making full use of urban space in Singapore.
That vow led him to a different kind of weapon: the traditional bow.
Unlike modern archery, which relies on precision engineering, instinctive shooting demands an archer to feel the shot – no sights, no stabilisers, just muscle memory and focus.
Mohamad Faiz soon found a community of like-minded enthusiasts, a group bound not just by the love of the sport but by a deep respect for its legacy.
A growing tradition
Nestled in the shadows of Singapore’s gleaming skyline, traditional archery has quietly flourished over the past two decades.
What began as a niche interest among history buffs has evolved into a thriving scene, drawing engineers, students, expats and weekend warriors.
On a recent weekend, beneath a viaduct on the West Coast, a diverse mix of archers gathered, their bows in hand, laughter and chatter filling the air between shots.
Faiz and his teammates were in prep mode for an upcoming indoor tournament.
A small area allotted for archers to prepare their equipment at the range.
“We’ve got about 60 archers competing, and our club – Salt and Light Archery – is fielding some promising young talent,” he said.
Among them is Jae Heon-choy, a South Korean expatriate who splits his time between Singapore and Thailand.
“I started archery to get fit and stay focused,” Jae says, adjusting his grip.
“When I’m in Bangkok, I train regularly at a local range and take part in competitions there.”
His talent extends beyond traditional Korean bows.
As a skilled Barebow archer, Jae helped clinch a team title for Singapore in 2022 alongside two local shooters.
From backyard to global arenas
For Singapore’s traditional archers, the sport isn’t just a hobby – it’s a passport to a global community.
Mohamad Faiz himself has taken his bow across the Causeway for competitions in Malaysia and beyond.
South Korean expatriate Choi is a well-respected archer in Thailand and Singapore.
His most unforgettable experience? Competing at the prestigious Conquest Cup in Turkiye.
“The organisers welcomed archers from all over the world,” Mohamad Faiz says.
“It was incredible to be part of something so deeply embedded in another country’s culture.
“People from every background were shooting side by side. It was humbling and inspiring.”
Despite the absence of official funding, Mohamad Faiz and his fellow archers pooled their resources, proving that for this tight-knit community, passion outweighs perks.
Practice, patience and perseverance, says Mohamad Faiz, is key to good archery.
More than a sport
Singapore’s traditional archery scene is now supported by at least five active clubs, each working to grow the sport through workshops, friendly tournaments and regional meetups.
But for Mohamad Faiz, the appeal of archery extends beyond competition.
“Archery isn’t just about hitting targets – it’s about community, mindfulness and learning from each other,” he said.
“The low start-up cost helps attract newcomers, but the camaraderie and mentorship keep them around.”
The signage of the Salt and Light archery range in Pasir Panjang.
While today’s archers aim for personal bests and tournament wins, they do so standing on the shoulders of pioneers – those who kept the tradition alive when it was just a handful of hobbyists.
“We owe a lot to them,” said Mohamad Faiz. “They laid the groundwork. We’re just carrying the torch forward.”
As long as bows are drawn and arrows fly, the spirit of traditional archery in Singapore will endure – one shot, one archer, and one generation at a time.
