As a Korean guy, I have been learning the thumb draw techniques from Korean bow masters on UA-cam, but you have addressed all the questions I have had for a long time. I am surprised that no one else has addressed these issues as clearly, directly and simply as you have. Thank you Sir.
I've been shooting horse bow diligently for over a year. Even though I've gotten better I still couldn't account for some of the inconsistencies in my release and I've racked my brain and body trying to remedy it. You fixed my problem in 7 minutes. Vielen dank Armin!
I just started trying the thumb release with my horse bow and it is so much better. However, since I'm so new at this my thumb hurts and I have to switch back for a few shots. This video is so helpful, thanks!
Always a good idea to come back to some older videos, specially when I have some bad days with constant bad shooting and want to correct my style or check what I might do wrong. This one - again - made me realize what the problem was with my release: tried a thumb draw with my middle finger locking my thumb while the index finger was pointing out, resting on the arrow for support. My middle finger was loose, pointing downwards and was crossing the string and my wrist wasn't straight. So yeah, thanks again, as usual 👍
Excellent video to be able to continue fixing the release. Thank you Mr. Armin for taking your valuable time and teaching us with such determination.🎯✌
@Armin Hirmer. I just got a mongolian bow to learn how to shoot traditionally. It is a light draw bow to learn form as your video taught. Thanks for this video on how to troubleshoot thumb release.
Just wanted to say thanks for all your videos. Especially thanks for videos introducing me to the thumb draw. I had surgery for long term nerve damage to my draw arm about 5 years ago, the doctor cut from palm of my hand up to almost my shoulder joint in an attempt to find and redirect some nerves. Supposedly the surgery was to help with the nerve damage by putting the nerve in a new position but still, 5 years after the surgery I can still not draw a bow in any Western style without the substantial discomfort of feeling like I'm being electrically shocked from elbow to fingers.... Then, I saw one of your videos and tried to draw my 90 pound long bow with thumb draw a few times... Suprise, no pain at all! I have been hooked on thumb draw and your channel ever since. I just received my first Turkish Bow in 45# Today... with no thumb ring, I still have no problem pulling and holding a thumb draw! I am very happy to have found your channel and it has not only allowed me to reopen my hobby of archery but also opened up a whole new aspect of it as well. Thanks again, much appreciated.
Your best and most important video on this channel, and the best and complete one there is on UA-cam about thumb release. Your talent to teach is a gift.
Thank you I have been trying to learn how to the draw ,I was pinching the string instead of rapping my finger around my thum thank you for showing me Mark
An dieser Stelle möchte ich mich mal für Deine informativen Videos bedanken. Man findet ja vieles bei UA-cam, aber es gibt nur zwei Leute, bei denen ich wirklich viel übers Bogenschießen gelernt habe. Der eine ist NUSensei, der andere bist Du. Herzlichen Dank noch einmal dafür.
Thank you Armin, I’m a beginner to traditional archery. I have a compound bow that is so heavy to draw I gave it up . I’m 6’2” and after watching most of your reviews, I’m considering getting the long version of the Manchu Yarha from Ali bow. It looks like a great place to start. Thank you for your videos, I have learned so much from you already, and can’t wait to get back into archery 🏹 🙏
So glad I came across this video, I have plates on both sides of my forearm, and unable to turn my hand properly for three finger pull, but was unaware of the thumb pull, ....yes I'm very new to the sport, I thought I was going to have to learn with my non dominant side, thanks for this video and the others, they have been very helpful.
Thank you so much Armin for this and all your videos...I'm not new to trad bows at all yet am to my new love "horse bows".. been having a problem on thumb draw yet after this video I've found out where all my problems were.. thank you...also coming from shooting 55# plus recurves I purchased a 30# Tatar bow for learning thumb draw and it sure has improved my abilities.
I've been a longbow archer for some years now using a right handed Mediterranean draw on a 50lb bow and recently gifted myself a 15lb 'horsebow' as a trainer. I tried the thumb release and draw on the right of the bow for the first time this morning, shot 50 arrows without a thumb ring, and shot the last 20 whilst holding two more arrows in my draw hand, AND hit the target every time...a feat i thought only possible in films, and therefore kind of fantastical. Suddenly I have a whole new world of archery before me! Ordered a leather thumb ring ;-) . Thanks, Armin.
Kevin Maughan I bought something very cheap on Amazon, used it for one day and threw it in the bin. I have since ordered an Alibow “Shallow Hook” but it has a two month lead time, so just skin to string at the moment.
I'm the same. Trying to build up the skin on my thumb. It was fine on the snake bow but I got the tar tar fibreglass bow from alibow a couple of weeks ago in 30 pound draw and my thumb is very sore now. Just thought a leather thumb ring might help
Thank you Sir - You have a beautiful way of transmitting your knowledge and I am grateful to you for sharing the wisdom of your experience - much love 🌞
Thanks for this video I think it will help me a lot. It's a long way from three fingers to thumb, but I will do my best to achieve it. I saw a video of a disciple of you and it opened me more the desire to learn. Again thanks for your time to make these videos so splendid and informative.
Rewatching this while thinking about something. I recently only discovered that how you shoot depends on how much you press the arrow to the bow. Something I was unaware of previously. 😁
Great video! I still force my release back and that's awful. Reason: lack of frequent practice and heavier poundages of my bows, thus 'struggling'. Started with 40lbs many years ago and still didn't correct my release. Would be also good for beginners to know they should start with lighter bow than 40lbs because difficult to correct imperfections later, also it should be done with coach . Cheers Armin and thank you for the tips!
Thanks for your videos and demonstrations. I'm new to Archery and have just started learning about thumb release! Very different from what I'm used to.. Your videos are very helpful and encouraging :) keep up the Great work !
This stuff is helpful if you're learning mostly on your own like me (In my entire country, there are very few thumbring shooters, let alone trainers/proper coaches) I really often make the mistake of 'forcing' the shot and also of keeping the hand level. The bit about the index finger being what takes the pressure really made something 'click' for me, also keeping the thumb 'down' will probably solve some issues with arrow flight I've been having. As always thanks for the great advice, good shooting to you!
I live in the Netherlands, specifically in the middle/center of it. I have only ever heard of other thumb shooters, never actually seen them shoot, only on the internet. There is a great guide to Manchu Archery/history, you might know it's called 'Fe-Doro Manchu Archery'. This is made by Peter Dekker, who I think is Dutch, but that's about it as far as I know.
Great video, i really like your new camera, its much better quality than before :) these videos are great help, but I have one problem while trying thumb release. I never know where to “put“ my bow hand, how to “aim“ basically (hope it makes any sence).
Thank you! Your videos are extremely educational and help full, I'm a self tought archer with a few tips along the way. I would love to ask you to pick apart my form so I review an impove. Reguardless I utilize your knowledge of archery to study an continue the Archers tradition a big thank you very much!
I waa recommended to your channel and now i can see why. You're very informative. I've just started shooting horse bow and I'm having two issues I'm not sure how to fix. First issue is if I don't use a thumb guard, when I release, my thumb starts to hurt pretty bad I assume from all the pressure being shoved to the tip of my thumb. Is there a way to fix this or do you just get used to it? Second issue is even with feather fletchings and heat shrink on the tip of my fletching I'm still cutting up my hand pretty badly. I've noticed that sometimes when I release, the fletchings don't seem to touch my hand at all and those actually tend to be my more accurate shots, I just have not the slightest clue what I'm doing differently on those shots to make it release differently. I don't really want to shoot with a glove or thumb guard because I to feel what I'm touching/doing, so I guess my second question is how can I release without shredding my hand?
Hi Armin, I've recently bought a Mongolian horsemans bow, about 58" long and 29" arrows. It still has the string for packing and transit on and wondered how to string a bow by watching videos like yours. That's how I found you and have seen a couple so far but will watch your channel from now on because the way you teach makes it very easy to follow. I'm right handed but have always held the bow in my right hand. I have tried with the left hand but find it awkward. I also would fist fight south paw, could this be why I shoot arrows left handed? Thanks again for your patience in showing us beginners how to be an archer correctly.
If you want an even cleaner release ;) Do not use the index finger to hold the lock closed. Instead the strength of the lock should come from pressing the tip of the thumb onto the knuckle of the clenched middle finger. The index finger then simply sits on the already formed lock with no tension. The rest of your info is good tho :)
Hi Armin, firstly thank you for your very informative videos. I watched two other videos you did on thumb release and I notice there are at least a couple of slightly different methods. For example one of the methods is that you lock your thumb against the clenched middle finger and another method is to have the index finger lock the thumb or the index and middle finger lock the thumb. Is there a difference in how clean the release is depending on how you lock the thumb release? I'm still new to the thumb release method and at the moment I find it a bit difficult to lock my thumb against the middle finger and somehow the string hits my index finger upon release even though its resting on my thumb and not crossed over. Somehow, for me the release seems smoother when I lock with my index finger or both index and middle fingers. Pleased to hear your advice and thank you in advance.
Depends which ring you shoot. Deep hook needs mostly the index around the thumb, shallow hook and Manchu rings don't. I prefer to have the thumb pressed on the side.of the middle finger and gently hook with index
I just got a 35#@28 AF Tatar Bow. I bought 29” arrows and 32” arrows. I was shooting the 29” arrows with Mediterranean draw very well. When I tried doing thumb draw with 32” arrows they fly horribly. At first I thought it was the arrows. Then I tried the longer arrows with a Med draw and they shot very nicely. What are some things I am possibly doing incorrectly? I’ve never shot thumb draw before.
Armin Hirmer, thanks for the reply. I figured that might be the issue. I watched 2 of your clean thumb release videos yesterday. Will try working on that next time I go out.
Hey Armin, you said to have the string in the groove of the thumb. Is the pressure actually placed directly on the joint or is it on the bone very close to the joint? I just started and used a thumb ring that I think is too tight. My thumb ended up a bit swollen and I'm still a little numb near my finger tip. I was shooting a 20# Tatar bow from alibow so nothing extreme. When I shoot again I think I'll try without the ring for a while but I want to make sure I get it right
Big thanks to your channel: your videos inspired me to try out thumb draw. After more than one year of shooting mediterranean feels fun and refreshing. And a bit painful, for now :) Dont quite get it: why rotate right wrist upon release?
Armin, when i shoot from the right side arrows always go to the right, not straight, please can you explain me what should I do with the bow hand to get tue arrows ro travel straight?
Sir great respect to you and a lot of thanks for the tips But i have a question here Is it okay to shoot using the thumb without wearing the thumbring (zihgir)?
@@HamzaAbid-kh1sr less poundage bow, use some tape around your finger. your thumb needs time to get used to. when you overdo it in the beginning, its not working :)
Thank you for another excellent video, Armin! Can I ask what a good poundage to start thumb release is? I currently use a 35lb bow, is it a good idea to start with this poundage?
@@b..3543 oh woops, well I have already ordered a Manchu bow with 37# at 35" so it is much lighter drawing at 30", but I guess it has the benefit of being able to shoot long draw Manchu arrows when I am ready!
I’ve been experimenting with using only my middle finger to cover the thumb and that lets my index finger more easily nock the arrow and stays above the arrow helping to keep the arrow on the thumb rest.
currently I'm shooting modern recurve bow and I'm good at it, but I want to try the traditional bow shooting. Should I be too cautious? cause it looks a lot harder.
Hello, Armin, great videos! I love your channel! One question about thumb release: My name is André and I'm an amateur archer, I've only practiced kyudo for some months while I was in Japan. Now I have a Turkish bow and, to be honest, since the only way I learned to release was the one I was taught in Japan, I am using it now. The question is that I had two teachers who taught me different methods of releasing an arrow: one was like you were saying, just letting the string go and the other was to actually release the arrow using the left arm, the arm holding the bow, by pushing the bow towards the target and then making the string naturally release from the fingers holding the string. As far as I could tell from your other videos, the Turkish - or Arabic - name of that movement is KHATRA. Is that correct? I think that I can get much more accuracy by using the khatra, releasing the string by moving the left arm (I'm right handed) instead of just let the string go. Intellectually, just letting string go would sound more natural, but, for some reason that I still do not understand well physically, using khatra is way more accurate! Could you be so kind and make a video about those different techniques together, comparing pros and cons? Thank you so much in advance! Cheers from Brazil!
Armin....I have been watching many Buhtan archery videos recently and have noticed something odd. Although I shoot with a Mediterranean release I have always accepted that right handed Asiatic style archers shoot with a thumb release with the arrow is on the right side of the bow...but I have noticed that many Butanes archers while using right hand thumb release are shooting off the left side of the bow. These archers are fantastically accurate over long distance but what is your take on this??
@@ArminHirmer Thanks for that..I missed that video. My guess is that they are adopting a partial western style so that they can sight closer to the arrow.
Hi @Armin, I find it easier to anticipate my arrow when I do Mediterranean draw then using thumb release. I have to confess that I prefer gap aiming technique with Mediterranean draw. Is there a similar technique to aim when using thumb release technique rather than just point and shoot, because the "instinct" method is very inconsistent? Using kathra is fun, but also inconsistent. Please help. Thanks in advance.
I just can't get rid of the bend in my wrist. I don't feel the tention in it, but it's always bent. I feel like if I lower my elbow more I will loose the strength in my draw. I know what the problem is, but it feels impossible to correct. So annoying 😂
thank you for love and passion, it is contagious :D i am using a ring and theoretically it should fit, but it's hurting my thumb, my first shoot hits the target, but the next one misses due to tension because of pain. do you have any advice?
it always hurts a bit in the beginning. use a very low draw weight bow first, maybe not full draw in the beginning, until your thumb is getting used to it. good luck and have fun
Ah, I was hoping you’d cover aiming, maybe talk about what your sight picture looks like in relation to the bow and string. I’m fine with drawing and releasing, my main problem is the arrow comes off the bow so far to the right (as a right handed archer), aiming with the tip of the arrow is difficult. I’ve tried instinctive and while I can consistently hit the target (at 20 yards) I’m not getting many golds.
where you point the arrow and where it lands are two seperate things. this is due to the variables in teknique, the point of the arrow is just one refrencrene in the string picture like one point of a triangle,using your hand and riser as a vertical and horizontal "cross hairs " might work better .
In instinctive archery there is no conscious aiming. Your sight picture is only where you want the arrow to hit. You use nothing other than this to aim. Obviously this takes lots of practice and consistent technique. Instinctive archery is based upon natural eye-hand(body) coordination. Trying to consciously aim will just mess it all up! At least 100 arrows a day for 100 years!
so why do they say aim small miss small, maybe its time to stop believing in this superstition. you don't aim in archery period . you align and execute , sight pin or focus spot are just references in an equation . "Instinctive archery is based upon natural eye-hand(body) coordination." if you believe this see a neurosurgeon immediately. your brain can not coordinate the movements of the body without the reference of where the arrow hits to make the appropriate corrections .to do that you need memory and spacial recognition otherwise you be just shooting random arrows. the entorhinal cortex is always calculating hence no instinctive aiming , there is no aiming and btw a bad release trumps everything . since people still believe this myth we need a proper and decent scientific video on this and put it down for good
As a Korean guy, I have been learning the thumb draw techniques from Korean bow masters on UA-cam, but you have addressed all the questions I have had for a long time. I am surprised that no one else has addressed these issues as clearly, directly and simply as you have. Thank you Sir.
thank you
I've been shooting horse bow diligently for over a year. Even though I've gotten better I still couldn't account for some of the inconsistencies in my release and I've racked my brain and body trying to remedy it. You fixed my problem in 7 minutes. Vielen dank Armin!
I'm brand new to archery and have just discovered your channel. I really appreciate your knowledge and your videos are really easy to watch.
Thanks! This helped! Much Respect!
Me too
I just started trying the thumb release with my horse bow and it is so much better. However, since I'm so new at this my thumb hurts and I have to switch back for a few shots. This video is so helpful, thanks!
Always a good idea to come back to some older videos, specially when I have some bad days with constant bad shooting and want to correct my style or check what I might do wrong. This one - again - made me realize what the problem was with my release: tried a thumb draw with my middle finger locking my thumb while the index finger was pointing out, resting on the arrow for support. My middle finger was loose, pointing downwards and was crossing the string and my wrist wasn't straight. So yeah, thanks again, as usual 👍
I’m learning so much from you man. No fluff. Just pure technique.
You’re awesome. Cheers.
I really appreciate all your videos it's like having a personal trainer.
Excellent video to be able to continue fixing the release. Thank you Mr. Armin for taking your valuable time and teaching us with such determination.🎯✌
@Armin Hirmer. I just got a mongolian bow to learn how to shoot traditionally. It is a light draw bow to learn form as your video taught. Thanks for this video on how to troubleshoot thumb release.
Just wanted to say thanks for all your videos. Especially thanks for videos introducing me to the thumb draw.
I had surgery for long term nerve damage to my draw arm about 5 years ago, the doctor cut from palm of my hand up to almost my shoulder joint in an attempt to find and redirect some nerves.
Supposedly the surgery was to help with the nerve damage by putting the nerve in a new position but still, 5 years after the surgery I can still not draw a bow in any Western style without the substantial discomfort of feeling like I'm being electrically shocked from elbow to fingers....
Then, I saw one of your videos and tried to draw my 90 pound long bow with thumb draw a few times... Suprise, no pain at all!
I have been hooked on thumb draw and your channel ever since.
I just received my first Turkish Bow in 45# Today... with no thumb ring, I still have no problem pulling and holding a thumb draw!
I am very happy to have found your channel and it has not only allowed me to reopen my hobby of archery but also opened up a whole new aspect of it as well.
Thanks again, much appreciated.
dont you have pain without ring or guard? i just draw 35# horsebow with bare thumb and its hurt
Why is it that u explain stuff better than books that I have read. I mean the way u explain stuff is totally incredible. Your a true master
Thank you
You are the Mr Myagi of archery for me So much great explain and nice.
Wax on wax off :) merci
This is great, Wish i had found this video years back when i tried thumb release but gave up. Your video makes it so clear. Thank you
Your best and most important video on this channel, and the best and complete one there is on UA-cam about thumb release.
Your talent to teach is a gift.
You are truly a great instructor. You teach simplistically and precisely. Always short videos that go a long way in education
Thank you
Thank you I have been trying to learn how to the draw ,I was pinching the string instead of rapping my finger around my thum thank you for showing me Mark
An dieser Stelle möchte ich mich mal für Deine informativen Videos bedanken.
Man findet ja vieles bei UA-cam, aber es gibt nur zwei Leute, bei denen ich wirklich viel übers Bogenschießen gelernt habe.
Der eine ist NUSensei, der andere bist Du.
Herzlichen Dank noch einmal dafür.
Ich danke Dir
Thank you for your insight. I have the worst thumb draw release you've ever seen. I believe this lesson will help
Proper techniques equals best result another great video. You are my first bow and arrow 🏹 teacher.
Thank you Armin, I’m a beginner to traditional archery. I have a compound bow that is so heavy to draw I gave it up . I’m 6’2” and after watching most of your reviews, I’m considering getting the long version of the Manchu Yarha from Ali bow. It looks like a great place to start. Thank you for your videos, I have learned so much from you already, and can’t wait to get back into archery 🏹 🙏
Enjoy :)
Thanks for the insides. Nicely done video. With the fixed depth of field no detail is lost.
So glad I came across this video, I have plates on both sides of my forearm, and unable to turn my hand properly for three finger pull, but was unaware of the thumb pull, ....yes I'm very new to the sport, I thought I was going to have to learn with my non dominant side, thanks for this video and the others, they have been very helpful.
Thank you so much Armin for this and all your videos...I'm not new to trad bows at all yet am to my new love "horse bows".. been having a problem on thumb draw yet after this video I've found out where all my problems were.. thank you...also coming from shooting 55# plus recurves I purchased a 30# Tatar bow for learning thumb draw and it sure has improved my abilities.
I've been a longbow archer for some years now using a right handed Mediterranean draw on a 50lb bow and recently gifted myself a 15lb 'horsebow' as a trainer. I tried the thumb release and draw on the right of the bow for the first time this morning, shot 50 arrows without a thumb ring, and shot the last 20 whilst holding two more arrows in my draw hand, AND hit the target every time...a feat i thought only possible in films, and therefore kind of fantastical. Suddenly I have a whole new world of archery before me! Ordered a leather thumb ring ;-) . Thanks, Armin.
Hello. What thumb ring did you get and where? I've started thumb release with the snake bow last year and love it.
Kevin Maughan I bought something very cheap on Amazon, used it for one day and threw it in the bin. I have since ordered an Alibow “Shallow Hook” but it has a two month lead time, so just skin to string at the moment.
I'm the same. Trying to build up the skin on my thumb. It was fine on the snake bow but I got the tar tar fibreglass bow from alibow a couple of weeks ago in 30 pound draw and my thumb is very sore now. Just thought a leather thumb ring might help
its been a years since ive started thumb release, i watched this video so many time just to keep on track what to do what not
Good boy :)
Hahahaha, Ive nearly been doing it All Wrong!
Great pointers, a Refresher Course.
Thanks Armi.
Thanks coach.. i am your faraway student.. From indonesia
It all made sense once you explained the Phoenix eye - thank you!
This is probably more help than anything else for me
You're videos are very informative. Thanks.
Nice video Mr Armin. I believe the way you approach and explain archery’s topics is excellent ! thank you for the time and your effort
Love your channel, you deffinetley deserve a bigger audience! Thank you for your videos!
better the right audience :D thank you for watching
Just picked up a snake bow from my local archery shop. Excited to finally begin my thumb release journey!
wohoo, fan fun and enjoy your journey
Very informative, I still need a lot of practice but I’m learning thank you.
Thank you Sir - You have a beautiful way of transmitting your knowledge and I am grateful to you for sharing the wisdom of your experience - much love 🌞
Great video. I'm going to give thumb release a try. Thanks!
Thanks for this video I think it will help me a lot. It's a long way from three fingers to thumb, but I will do my best to achieve it. I saw a video of a disciple of you and it opened me more the desire to learn. Again thanks for your time to make these videos so splendid and informative.
Rewatching this while thinking about something. I recently only discovered that how you shoot depends on how much you press the arrow to the bow. Something I was unaware of previously. 😁
Great video! I still force my release back and that's awful. Reason: lack of frequent practice and heavier poundages of my bows, thus 'struggling'. Started with 40lbs many years ago and still didn't correct my release. Would be also good for beginners to know they should start with lighter bow than 40lbs because difficult to correct imperfections later, also it should be done with coach . Cheers Armin and thank you for the tips!
Thanks for your videos and demonstrations. I'm new to Archery and have just started learning about thumb release! Very different from what I'm used to.. Your videos are very helpful and encouraging :) keep up the Great work !
As always, thank you. Great teaching, beautiful bow and nice neck knife.
Really nice video Armin, very clear explanations... and last but not least, beautiful image due to your (new?) camera.
new but used :D
Thank you for your work. You are great teacher.
This video can help me a lot. I am one bend the arm wrist. I'm going to practice thanks.
Thank you sir! I enjoy so much your tutorials!
Thumb release changed my life.
Much to do for me :)! Thank you Armin!
My thumb is always bruising until i saw this video, thank you
THANK YOU! This info made a huge difference on my accuracy!
After watching this video, a light bulb appeared over my head ;)
- Thank You Again, Sir.
hehe nice
Thanks for the information I appreciate you sharing
wusste gar nicht, dass du n channel hast! thumbs up!
Hehe
This stuff is helpful if you're learning mostly on your own like me (In my entire country, there are very few thumbring shooters, let alone trainers/proper coaches) I really often make the mistake of 'forcing' the shot and also of keeping the hand level. The bit about the index finger being what takes the pressure really made something 'click' for me, also keeping the thumb 'down' will probably solve some issues with arrow flight I've been having. As always thanks for the great advice, good shooting to you!
where do you live? thanks for watching and your kind words
I live in the Netherlands, specifically in the middle/center of it. I have only ever heard of other thumb shooters, never actually seen them shoot, only on the internet. There is a great guide to Manchu Archery/history, you might know it's called 'Fe-Doro Manchu Archery'. This is made by Peter Dekker, who I think is Dutch, but that's about it as far as I know.
of course I know Peter Dekker. We might organise a thumb release workshop in the Netherlands beginning of next year :D
Wow that would be awesome, just for advice about thumb draw, this would be ideal. Thanks a bunch in advance, wouldn't want to miss it!
Thank you, this is a real lesson.
Great video, i really like your new camera, its much better quality than before :) these videos are great help, but I have one problem while trying thumb release. I never know where to “put“ my bow hand, how to “aim“ basically (hope it makes any sence).
makes sense. I did a video about how to start thumb release, there I explain it - more or less. maybe it helps. Thanks for watching
Das war sehr hilfreich, danke dir Armin!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!!!
Thanks for your videos my dude, i love your channel and find them super helpful
Your channel is excellent and I love it. Happy new sub here.
Always held the arrow with the thumb grip never had a problem with accuracy or penetration
It's not to late for you Armin, with some practice , you could get good at this.
What a pretty necklace you have on today. 😂
Thanks alot for your info.... iam gonna start practicing with this guidance....👍👍👍
Thank you! Your videos are extremely educational and help full, I'm a self tought archer with a few tips along the way. I would love to ask you to pick apart my form so I review an impove. Reguardless I utilize your knowledge of archery to study an continue the Archers tradition a big thank you very much!
Thank you
Thanks, now i know what i will try to change in my technique during next week. :D
I waa recommended to your channel and now i can see why. You're very informative. I've just started shooting horse bow and I'm having two issues I'm not sure how to fix.
First issue is if I don't use a thumb guard, when I release, my thumb starts to hurt pretty bad I assume from all the pressure being shoved to the tip of my thumb. Is there a way to fix this or do you just get used to it?
Second issue is even with feather fletchings and heat shrink on the tip of my fletching I'm still cutting up my hand pretty badly. I've noticed that sometimes when I release, the fletchings don't seem to touch my hand at all and those actually tend to be my more accurate shots, I just have not the slightest clue what I'm doing differently on those shots to make it release differently. I don't really want to shoot with a glove or thumb guard because I to feel what I'm touching/doing, so I guess my second question is how can I release without shredding my hand?
Thank you for teaching so we’ll.
Hi Armin, I've recently bought a Mongolian horsemans bow, about 58" long and 29" arrows. It still has the string for packing and transit on and wondered how to string a bow by watching videos like yours. That's how I found you and have seen a couple so far but will watch your channel from now on because the way you teach makes it very easy to follow. I'm right handed but have always held the bow in my right hand. I have tried with the left hand but find it awkward. I also would fist fight south paw, could this be why I shoot arrows left handed? Thanks again for your patience in showing us beginners how to be an archer correctly.
The biggest problem I have is when I release I bruise my thumb. I don't know whether its my draw weight or technique
Very informational. Thank you
If you want an even cleaner release ;) Do not use the index finger to hold the lock closed.
Instead the strength of the lock should come from pressing the tip of the thumb onto the knuckle of the clenched middle finger. The index finger then simply sits on the already formed lock with no tension.
The rest of your info is good tho :)
That's how I personally shoot :)
Mr Hirmer. Can You add a film with correct an incorrect thumb release with zoom in slow motion? It would be verry helpful.
Great video. Thanks Armin! 👍🏼👏🏼🏹
Thanks for this great video. Which bow are you using there please?
thank you. short turkish bow by Alibow
learning much from you, thank you!
Un grand merci Armin pour cette video très utile pour moi 🙏😊🙏
Meilleurs voeux pour 2019!!!🍾💥🌞🍰🏹
Richard
it seems like the orientation of the feathers doesn't matter? I am used to compound bow where you always point the odd color out.
In this way of shooting not does not matter, at least for me
Thanks for the video! Great pointers.
At 3.10, is he saying you can use forefinger to push on the string or no? Trying to save my thumb which is perpetually numb at the moment.
Hi Armin, firstly thank you for your very informative videos.
I watched two other videos you did on thumb release and I notice there are at least a couple of slightly different methods.
For example one of the methods is that you lock your thumb against the clenched middle finger and another method is to have the index finger lock the thumb or the index and middle finger lock the thumb.
Is there a difference in how clean the release is depending on how you lock the thumb release?
I'm still new to the thumb release method and at the moment I find it a bit difficult to lock my thumb against the middle finger and somehow the string hits my index finger upon release even though its resting on my thumb and not crossed over.
Somehow, for me the release seems smoother when I lock with my index finger or both index and middle fingers.
Pleased to hear your advice and thank you in advance.
Depends which ring you shoot. Deep hook needs mostly the index around the thumb, shallow hook and Manchu rings don't. I prefer to have the thumb pressed on the side.of the middle finger and gently hook with index
@@ArminHirmer Thank you for the feedback Armin, much appreciated 🙂
Please can you do a video on how to teach beginners about aiming with thumb draw?
I just got a 35#@28 AF Tatar Bow. I bought 29” arrows and 32” arrows. I was shooting the 29” arrows with Mediterranean draw very well.
When I tried doing thumb draw with 32” arrows they fly horribly. At first I thought it was the arrows. Then I tried the longer arrows with a Med draw and they shot very nicely.
What are some things I am possibly doing incorrectly? I’ve never shot thumb draw before.
Can have different reasons, mostly it is because of not clean release
Armin Hirmer, thanks for the reply. I figured that might be the issue. I watched 2 of your clean thumb release videos yesterday. Will try working on that next time I go out.
Hey Armin, you said to have the string in the groove of the thumb. Is the pressure actually placed directly on the joint or is it on the bone very close to the joint? I just started and used a thumb ring that I think is too tight. My thumb ended up a bit swollen and I'm still a little numb near my finger tip. I was shooting a 20# Tatar bow from alibow so nothing extreme. When I shoot again I think I'll try without the ring for a while but I want to make sure I get it right
Big thanks to your channel: your videos inspired me to try out thumb draw. After more than one year of shooting mediterranean feels fun and refreshing. And a bit painful, for now :)
Dont quite get it: why rotate right wrist upon release?
Hehe thank you
Great video - thank you!
Armin, when i shoot from the right side arrows always go to the right, not straight, please can you explain me what should I do with the bow hand to get tue arrows ro travel straight?
Start very short distance just look with both eyes to the target and adapt
Sir great respect to you and a lot of thanks for the tips
But i have a question here
Is it okay to shoot using the thumb without wearing the thumbring (zihgir)?
I do most of the time :)
@@ArminHirmer oh great!
So what should I do when thumb starts hurting (almost after 30~40 shots)?
@@HamzaAbid-kh1sr less poundage bow, use some tape around your finger. your thumb needs time to get used to. when you overdo it in the beginning, its not working :)
awesome video man, loved it
Thank you for another excellent video, Armin!
Can I ask what a good poundage to start thumb release is? I currently use a 35lb bow, is it a good idea to start with this poundage?
I would go with max 30#
bro if you can find "kepaze" bows, use them. they're for teaching the tecnique.
@@b..3543 oh woops, well I have already ordered a Manchu bow with 37# at 35" so it is much lighter drawing at 30", but I guess it has the benefit of being able to shoot long draw Manchu arrows when I am ready!
@@BibtheChib yeah it should be ideal i guess. after you learn technique, you can always order heavier bows
I’ve been experimenting with using only my middle finger to cover the thumb and that lets my index finger more easily nock the arrow and stays above the arrow helping to keep the arrow on the thumb rest.
Thank you Armin
currently I'm shooting modern recurve bow and I'm good at it, but I want to try the traditional bow shooting. Should I be too cautious? cause it looks a lot harder.
Hello, Armin, great videos! I love your channel!
One question about thumb release:
My name is André and I'm an amateur archer, I've only practiced kyudo for some months while I was in Japan. Now I have a Turkish bow and, to be honest, since the only way I learned to release was the one I was taught in Japan, I am using it now.
The question is that I had two teachers who taught me different methods of releasing an arrow: one was like you were saying, just letting the string go and the other was to actually release the arrow using the left arm, the arm holding the bow, by pushing the bow towards the target and then making the string naturally release from the fingers holding the string.
As far as I could tell from your other videos, the Turkish - or Arabic - name of that movement is KHATRA.
Is that correct?
I think that I can get much more accuracy by using the khatra, releasing the string by moving the left arm (I'm right handed) instead of just let the string go. Intellectually, just letting string go would sound more natural, but, for some reason that I still do not understand well physically, using khatra is way more accurate!
Could you be so kind and make a video about those different techniques together, comparing pros and cons?
Thank you so much in advance!
Cheers from Brazil!
Armin....I have been watching many Buhtan archery videos recently and have noticed something odd. Although I shoot with a Mediterranean release I have always accepted that right handed Asiatic style archers shoot with a thumb release with the arrow is on the right side of the bow...but I have noticed that many Butanes archers while using right hand thumb release are shooting off the left side of the bow. These archers are fantastically accurate over long distance but what is your take on this??
not only Buthan, even in Mongolia:
ua-cam.com/video/JvBTh9kddbI/v-deo.html
my kind of take on this :D
@@ArminHirmer Thanks for that..I missed that video. My guess is that they are adopting a partial western style so that they can sight closer to the arrow.
Hi @Armin, I find it easier to anticipate my arrow when I do Mediterranean draw then using thumb release. I have to confess that I prefer gap aiming technique with Mediterranean draw. Is there a similar technique to aim when using thumb release technique rather than just point and shoot, because the "instinct" method is very inconsistent? Using kathra is fun, but also inconsistent. Please help. Thanks in advance.
I just can't get rid of the bend in my wrist. I don't feel the tention in it, but it's always bent. I feel like if I lower my elbow more I will loose the strength in my draw. I know what the problem is, but it feels impossible to correct. So annoying 😂
I know nothing about archery but what is the metal thing he wears around his neck?
thank you for love and passion, it is contagious :D
i am using a ring and theoretically it should fit, but it's hurting my thumb, my first shoot hits the target, but the next one misses due to tension because of pain. do you have any advice?
it always hurts a bit in the beginning. use a very low draw weight bow first, maybe not full draw in the beginning, until your thumb is getting used to it. good luck and have fun
@@ArminHirmer
Thank you ^_^
Very nice and helpful! Question: shouldn't the thumb be on a lower spot on the string around 1 inch away from the arrow?
There are more ways, the more traditional one is this one
Thank you for your good video. Do you know what is Korean thumb ring? (Gac-ji)
Thank you. Yes I think so
Ah, I was hoping you’d cover aiming, maybe talk about what your sight picture looks like in relation to the bow and string. I’m fine with drawing and releasing, my main problem is the arrow comes off the bow so far to the right (as a right handed archer), aiming with the tip of the arrow is difficult.
I’ve tried instinctive and while I can consistently hit the target (at 20 yards) I’m not getting many golds.
where you point the arrow and where it lands are two seperate things. this is due to the variables in teknique, the point of the arrow is just one refrencrene in the string picture like one point of a triangle,using your hand and riser as a vertical and horizontal "cross hairs " might work better .
I cannot cover all in one video. this was dedicated to the draw hand. maybe I do another one about aiming
In instinctive archery there is no conscious aiming. Your sight picture is only where you want the arrow to hit. You use nothing other than this to aim. Obviously this takes lots of practice and consistent technique. Instinctive archery is based upon natural eye-hand(body) coordination. Trying to consciously aim will just mess it all up! At least 100 arrows a day for 100 years!
so why do they say aim small miss small, maybe its time to stop believing in this superstition. you don't aim in archery period . you align and execute , sight pin or focus spot are just references in an equation . "Instinctive archery is based upon natural eye-hand(body) coordination." if you believe this see a neurosurgeon immediately. your brain can not coordinate the movements of the body without the reference of where the arrow hits to make the appropriate corrections .to do that you need memory and spacial recognition otherwise you be just shooting random arrows. the entorhinal cortex is always calculating hence no instinctive aiming , there is no aiming and btw a bad release trumps everything . since people still believe this myth we need a proper and decent scientific video on this and put it down for good