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Old weapons make a comeback
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Alfred Zhang
LONG before missiles and machine guns, we used to wage wars -- and bring down prey -- with bows and arrows. This ancient skill is still an Olympic sport, and is indeed difficult to master. Yet Shenzheners can give it their best shot on the 12th floor of the Xinghua Hotel in Futian District, home of the Yi Jian Zhong Qing Archery Court.
Sharp as the arrowhead is, it's the bowstring that gives the arrow its power. A skilled archer can drive the arrow so deeply into its target that ordinary people struggle to pull it out.
"That's the power of mental concentration," enthused archery fanatic Mr Wang, at the club, "not strength. A beginner should know how to use his strength skilfully."
"To gather your strength, you should banish distracting thoughts, keep your balance and concentrate on the target. Then, when you release the string, the arrow will definitely fly directly to hit the bull's eye."
Mr Wang, who has been addicted to the sport for three years, continued, "Another key is breath control, for you have to hold a breath when aiming. Finally, the way to become an excellent archer is through constant practice."
Having told me all his know-how, Mr Wang lifted his bow, stretching straight his left arm, pulled back the string, and let off an arrow with a swoosh -- hitting the bull's eye.
Another archer in his 40's said: "I think the sport is most suitable to people of my age. It does'n require too much energy, and the place is quiet and peaceful. I have made several archery friends here and we often gather to compete."
"We have an archery friend. We all call him 'arrow craze', for he can stay here and shoot nonstop. He even set a record by shooting 1,000 arrows a day more than a professional member of China's national team."
Blanketed with green carpet, the court offers 20 16-metre-long shooting ranges, practice bows, arrows and coaching. And the price is not outrageous, about 20 yuan to shoot 36 arrows.
Archery is an unusual hobby, and not to everyone's taste. Yet if you're looking for a fresh way to pass time, and are looking to get some exercise to boot, head on down to the Yi Jian Zhong Qing Archery Court.
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