Much of the core business, says Adib, is derived from junior archers from schools around Kuala Lumpur.
On the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the rhythmic twang of bowstrings cuts through the air at Archer’s Studio.
Inside, rows of bows line the walls, arrows are neatly bundled, and young archers – some barely teenagers – practise with quiet focus.
At the centre of it all is Adib Abdullah, a man whose life has been shaped by a love for archery and a passion for youth development.
Adib (right) is seen giving a briefing at one of the outdoor archery events organised by Archer’s Studio.
Adib’s journey began in 2016 with a dream of reviving traditional archery for beginners.
He founded Archer’s Studio, a modest setup dedicated to serving traditional archers in Kuala Lumpur.
“I sold traditional equipment and partnered with a local company called Arrouha,” he recalls.
His mission was clear: to promote local bowyers and nurture a culture that valued Malaysia’s archery heritage.
But Adib was never one to stand still. Alongside his schoolmates, Khairol Redzwan Sidak and Syafiq Salamuddin, he dove deeper into the sport.
Adib working on a bow string serving jig.
The trio became regular faces at traditional archery meets across the country, their friendship forged by shared passion and long hours on the range.
Their turning point came in late 2017 at an indoor tournament at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, where they discovered Barebow archery – a stripped-down, raw, and fast-rising discipline.
“Barebow changed the pace,” says Adib with a smile.
“We travelled to Thailand and Indonesia, experienced the game first-hand and even organised our own events, like the Liga Memanah Kuala Lumpur. The reception was overwhelming.”
Opportunity soon knocked.
Arrow-cutting services are provided at the pro shop.
Archer’s Studio became the Malaysian representative for Gillo, an esteemed Italian Barebow brand.
With European brands in their arsenal, Adib and his partners brought fresh energy to the local scene.
Yet, just as momentum built, the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
For six months, silence filled their indoor range.
“We had no revenue. Time stood still and I felt abandoned,” Adib admits.
The pandemic tested their resilience, but like a true archer steadying his aim, Adib adapted.
As Barebow’s popularity waned, a new demand emerged: Olympic Recurve Archery, especially among juniors.
Seizing the moment, Adib and his partners enrolled in an instructor programme under the National Archery Association.
“As one door closed, another opened. We embraced Olympic Recurve and began training young archers in schools.”
Their efforts bore fruit: several juniors under their guidance went on to represent the Federal Territory.
Today, Archer’s Studio is much more than a pro shop. It’s a community hub where arrows are fletched, strings are crafted and young athletes are shaped.
“We retail Olympic Recurve bows for all levels and focus on holistic youth development,” Adib explains.
The studio’s growth reflects its impact.
Thanks to the unwavering support of parents, Archer’s Studio has expanded beyond its original base to three outlets – in Kuala Lumpur, Taman Melawati (Selangor) and Seremban.
A team of eight certified coaches, all affiliated with the National Archery Association, now guides training programmes for both beginners and seasoned archers.
Adib also proudly manages one of the largest indoor archery ranges in Kuala Lumpur, a space where novices take their first shot and competitive archers sharpen their craft.
Standing there, watching arrows thud into targets, Adib sees more than just a sport.
He sees discipline, resilience, and opportunity – values he hopes young archers will carry with them, whether on the range or in life.
“Archery has given me so much,” he says, glancing around the range.
“Now, it’s about giving back – helping the next generation find their target.”
