Holy splinter... For few years I was happily piercing target after target with budget-ish hunter, caring little about more advanced techniques. Recently I decided to treat myself with some pretty eastern bow. I red a bit about techniques, thumb release... but the outcome after few days was acceptable at 15m at best. Then I saw this video and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, the joy came back accompanied with dynamic of Korean design. Oh and I am a slav so win-win.
I started mediterranean, and only tried slavic once. My arrow shot way off to the right, so I didn't want to risk it again. After that I tried thumb release with improvised leather protection, which wore of quite quickly. So I decided to order a thumb ring. First one, way to big. Second, too small. After that I decided to give slavic release another try. After getting used to it, I find it to be the best of both worlds. I think I found the way of shooting that works best for me now. As simple as mediterranean, as fast as thumb release, and fun as hell 😁
In trying to do the same, but having shot from left side so long it's very awkward doing it, any tips for knocking the arrow or is it just something that improves over time
@@clear_image_photos5477 You mean slavic release? It gets easier with time. But it's still easier than loading from the left side. For me it's easiest to, sort of reverse engineer the draw. Nock the arrow and set your hand in the right position for shooting, then just take the arrow off the string with as little movement. You'll end up holding the arrow between your middle finger and thumb. And the index finger will be straight, pointing between two feathers. It all sounds confusing but I have some videos of me practicing this, check them out if you're unclear on the explanation.
The augmented pinch draw is a native American technique usually for shooting nockless arrows. Don't give up on the slav release its the fastest way i have found and I've experimented with many different draws .
funny thing is i found others who went through the exact same thing like i do, started with mediterranean, tried slavic a few times, and got comfortable with thumbs, order thumb ring twice (first one to big and the second was to small), and... found out that slavic realese is the best one 🤣
I experimented with speed shooting and found this style on my own. I didn't know there was a name for it. The advantage of it in speed shooting is by holding the knock between your thumb and first finger you can draw the bow before or at the same time you knock the arrow. You draw with the middle and ring and knock with first and thumb, release the thumb once knocked or move your thumb over the middle amd ring and switch to a thumb draw. With some practice I was able to get a shot off every 2 to 3 seconds with a 30 lb bow weight. I found it very effective in larping and surprised a lot of people on the other end of my arrows.
@@HistoricalWeapons I've seen your videos. There was more than I remember seeing the last time I visited so I went through your speed shooting list. Good stuff. You should do another with this slavic draw. I think you'd like it. I hold my arrows between the first and middle finger. Place the arrow you want to fire on the right side of the bow with the nock by the string. Doesnt have to be knocked yet. Bring the first finger over to right side of the arrow and place your thumb on the left side of the arrow. Draw the string with the middle and ring finger, simultaneously knock the arrow with thumb and first. Once knocked release the thumb amd straighten the pointer finger. Your now in a slavic draw. All this can be done in seconds.
@@thatoneguy2057 so far the Slavic draw has the most potential for speed shooting. Faster than thumb because you can hold arrows with a variation of Slavic draw and still pull heavy bows. The main problem is to pull heavy bows in quick succession ...it's been a challenge haha
@@HistoricalWeapons Totally agree. You need all three fingers for heavier draw weights. Thats why this draw works great in larping where the draw weight allowed tops at 30 lbs. You'd have to to work up the finger strength to make it work with heavier weights. Theres a huge risk of dry fire to since the string can be pulled before the arrow is knocked. I have had times where I've been at full draw with out knocking the arrow. If you can't hold the string well at that point you end up dry firing.
AH thanks for showing this, 'cause the Slavic release is what I've heard called the sassanid so I've been approaching it wrong. PHEW. Now maybe I can get some better shots in with three flights and not rely on two (like I thought I would have to)
I have been shooting with this style but did not know it was called a Slavic release until I watched this video . I didn't like shooting thumb style because it irritates a nerve in my thumb . So I used my index finger to keep the arrow tight against the bow when I draw to shoot Turkish or Eastern style . I have done a lot of weight lifting and I can pull a 70 # bow with the Slavic release .
Thank you for posting Armin. I think I will practice this release more frequently now, since I now have unfortunately developed a bit of arthritis in the knuckle of my thumb. 😖🏹🏹😉👍
It can work both ways. Just as some people (Modern Mongols) make thumb draw work on both sides. You can make a good case for it either way. It may have been used both ways. The arrow flies better w the arrow on the L side of the bow w fingers, on the R side w thumb. The finger holds the arrow against the bow better if the arrow is on the R side and the finger along the R side of the arrow. With the arrow on the L side, the finger needs to be along the top of the arrow almost straight to hold the arrow down. Tempting to just do a normal med release then. Or you need to rotate the hand a little to get the top finger over more to the L side of the arrow (what Kassia does).
My way is to keep the index finger pressing lightly on a diagonal I find this keeps the arrow from lifting if pressed a little too hard and keeps the finger from sliding off . I also use the pinky finger placing the string down the middle of the very tip of the little finger and I keep my thumb on the left side of the nock in an almost pinch grip ...hooking deep at the second crease of the middle and ring fingers is the key . This release makes it alot easier to get the arrow to fly straight as opposed to thumb draw
I find this interesting. How about holding your two fingers slightly lower. Then your other finger pointing along the arrow. Almost like pointing where your shooting. Humans can point to things really quickly. No idea what it would be called, but would pinching the arrow between an outstretched finger and your thumb work?
You should write a book. Stand in the archer's position. Extend the bow arm.. Draw the other arm back as though you were drawing an arrow. Draw to the maximum distance possible. Feel your shoulder blades touch. You cannot draw any more. Is this not a more desired anchor point? It gives a bow and arrow designed for this draw length the maximum impetus for a given draw length. An anchor point on the corner of the mouth seems a waste of potential. This is what I want. A short 25lb bow with a very long drawlength, with a center arrow rest on the opposite side of the Olympic bow. Your comment please.
I did not invent the mediterranean shooting style for hunting. They simply anchor there and it makes sense for accuracy. Thumb release I agree, the further back the better :D
that's been my approach too, at least with this Slavic release; since it pulls back further to the jaw it turns my aim a little to the left, like this Slavic draw seems to demand. For consistency sake, wanna make sure I can keep the bow still @@ArminHirmer
Trying to shoot from the right side of the bow, from shooting always from left side, I'm not able to see the tip of the arrow to know exactly where it's pointing, do I need a longer arrow or how do you point the bow? These arrows shoot dead on accurate from left side Mediterranean
Unfortunately we can only guess and interpret old manuscripts' meaning, that's why we have so many misleading information on the internet. It's a pitty only kyudo and partially manchu, remain almost untouched and practiced as centuries ago, while all other forms are long forgotten :(
Yes, great example is Mihai Cozmei, who gathered many different historical methods and combined them into his own system. Just like Bruce Lee did :) Manchu is great, I badly want to have a set with folding bow from master Zhou, but my wife would kill me for its price :D
One question, With this style of release should, would or could you use a khatra? I am trying to teach a friend to shoot a bow and he was having a very hard time with Mediterranean style and thumb ring style but felt very comfortable with the slavic release. FYI there is no one within 200 miles that shoot with the arrow on the thumb. Thanks in advance.
I like the slavic release, feels very natural for me. And of course, when you have the arrow on the right side, what I prefer, you can perform a khatra. Works well :)
every time I try to shoot with three split on left, the arrow does a weird up down crazy nock flop. thumb does not do it on right, I will try with three on right with pointer slovic next time.
Die Ägypter hatten sicher auch nicht nur einen Release und wer weiss schon, wo der Ursprung von dem hier ist/war. Wenn man den Bogen nicht bewegt (khatra) den geht der Pfeil ein gutes Stück nach rechts
Hello. I know this is an old video but just something to add to discussion. This style originated in Bhutan and they still use this draw today - even with compound bows! Somewhere along history a few of the Tibetans and Tang Dynasty China started using it and it spread along the Silk Road (languages, ideas, culture, methods, etc products and wares weren’t the only things travelling along trade routes, kids! ). Eventually the technique made its way into Eastern Europe and some of the mercenaries from the Slavic nations started using it - hence “Slavic” release. However, it never really caught on and remained a rather obscure type of draw. But it was actually Bhutanese who originated it. Whoever invented it, I still think it’s cool. I like using it because my thumb take a break while my other fingers can still keep shooting. 🏹😎
Hi, Nice video. I need help -> with the slavic release on the horsebow (kaya windfighter) the arrow goes way of the right. I´ts so desperating... Do you point the arrow way of the left, to compensate this, or does your arrow hit the center where you point at? If the arrow goes where you point at - how do you achieve this? I could only achieve this, while rotating the bow to the left with the bow hand ( applying pressure to the left with the bow hand, which forces a rotation to the left while releasing the string - maybe some kind of side-kathra? ) But this doesnt feel right, and i need so much pressure to rotate the bow to the left (it bends while drawing). Thank you so much for help
I just start short distance until I adapt. I just look with two eyes at the target and point there. The same as you had to get used shooting 3 fingers. Of course the arrows should roughly match the bows draw weight
@@ArminHirmer Thank you for your response. I guess i figured out my mistake in the release technique while shooting slavic release from the rightside of the bow: 1. To much pressure from the index finger on the arrow. I solved it with loosen the pressure and apply a side kathra to the left side. Now the arrows go straight into the point from 15meters. Its a lot of fun! Thank you for your nice help
I started shooting Slavic release because my thumb release would kick the rear of the arrow up and to the right sending my arrow low and to the left when it reached the target. How would I improve my thumb release. I am shooting off a shelf.
I recently started to tryout the Slavic release but my arrows are flying off to the right. Does the type of bow affect the performance of the of the release? I'm using a long bow shooting off hand. Every video I see people using a horse bow when using Slavic release.
@@ArminHirmer Thank you for letting me know because I started thinking that I was using the wrong type of bow. By the way love your videos. They are very informative and helpful. You are actually the one that got me interested in the different styles of archery. Thank you again.
Bill, try this: - do not press arrow against the bow with your index finger, apply just enough pressure to keep the arrow on bow hand. - use dynamic release. - back tension (!)
I think the slavic release is a good back-up for thumb shooters in case of injury.
I think that the Slavic Release is very intuitive and feels very natural for me.
Holy splinter...
For few years I was happily piercing target after target with budget-ish hunter, caring little about more advanced techniques.
Recently I decided to treat myself with some pretty eastern bow.
I red a bit about techniques, thumb release... but the outcome after few days was acceptable at 15m at best.
Then I saw this video and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, the joy came back accompanied with dynamic of Korean design.
Oh and I am a slav so win-win.
Thank you
I started mediterranean, and only tried slavic once. My arrow shot way off to the right, so I didn't want to risk it again. After that I tried thumb release with improvised leather protection, which wore of quite quickly. So I decided to order a thumb ring. First one, way to big. Second, too small. After that I decided to give slavic release another try. After getting used to it, I find it to be the best of both worlds. I think I found the way of shooting that works best for me now. As simple as mediterranean, as fast as thumb release, and fun as hell 😁
In trying to do the same, but having shot from left side so long it's very awkward doing it, any tips for knocking the arrow or is it just something that improves over time
@@clear_image_photos5477 You mean slavic release? It gets easier with time. But it's still easier than loading from the left side. For me it's easiest to, sort of reverse engineer the draw. Nock the arrow and set your hand in the right position for shooting, then just take the arrow off the string with as little movement. You'll end up holding the arrow between your middle finger and thumb. And the index finger will be straight, pointing between two feathers. It all sounds confusing but I have some videos of me practicing this, check them out if you're unclear on the explanation.
Kinda like a pinch draw mixed with bottom three fingers doing Mediterranean
The augmented pinch draw is a native American technique usually for shooting nockless arrows. Don't give up on the slav release its the fastest way i have found and I've experimented with many different draws .
funny thing is i found others who went through the exact same thing like i do, started with mediterranean, tried slavic a few times, and got comfortable with thumbs, order thumb ring twice (first one to big and the second was to small), and... found out that slavic realese is the best one 🤣
Yes! Finally, a release i think i can go with!
I experimented with speed shooting and found this style on my own. I didn't know there was a name for it. The advantage of it in speed shooting is by holding the knock between your thumb and first finger you can draw the bow before or at the same time you knock the arrow. You draw with the middle and ring and knock with first and thumb, release the thumb once knocked or move your thumb over the middle amd ring and switch to a thumb draw. With some practice I was able to get a shot off every 2 to 3 seconds with a 30 lb bow weight. I found it very effective in larping and surprised a lot of people on the other end of my arrows.
if you want speed shooting guides I got plenty
@@HistoricalWeapons I've seen your videos. There was more than I remember seeing the last time I visited so I went through your speed shooting list. Good stuff. You should do another with this slavic draw. I think you'd like it. I hold my arrows between the first and middle finger. Place the arrow you want to fire on the right side of the bow with the nock by the string. Doesnt have to be knocked yet. Bring the first finger over to right side of the arrow and place your thumb on the left side of the arrow. Draw the string with the middle and ring finger, simultaneously knock the arrow with thumb and first. Once knocked release the thumb amd straighten the pointer finger. Your now in a slavic draw. All this can be done in seconds.
@@thatoneguy2057 I'm currently working on speed shooting with 100lb-150lb warbows. It's so far impossible to do but I'm trying haha
@@thatoneguy2057 so far the Slavic draw has the most potential for speed shooting. Faster than thumb because you can hold arrows with a variation of Slavic draw and still pull heavy bows. The main problem is to pull heavy bows in quick succession
...it's been a challenge haha
@@HistoricalWeapons Totally agree. You need all three fingers for heavier draw weights. Thats why this draw works great in larping where the draw weight allowed tops at 30 lbs. You'd have to to work up the finger strength to make it work with heavier weights. Theres a huge risk of dry fire to since the string can be pulled before the arrow is knocked. I have had times where I've been at full draw with out knocking the arrow. If you can't hold the string well at that point you end up dry firing.
Nice presetation. Important thing is "for heavy" bows.
@Joseph Leon Gonzales Should do... some training will help.
AH thanks for showing this, 'cause the Slavic release is what I've heard called the sassanid so I've been approaching it wrong. PHEW. Now maybe I can get some better shots in with three flights and not rely on two (like I thought I would have to)
I have been shooting with this style but did not know it was called a Slavic release until I watched this video . I didn't like shooting thumb style because it irritates a nerve in my thumb . So I used my index finger to keep the arrow tight against the bow when I draw to shoot Turkish or Eastern style . I have done a lot of weight lifting and I can pull a 70 # bow with the Slavic release .
hehe one does not have to know the name, as long as it works. very good
Same here Mr Trump. I shoot dis style and i dindt know how dem call it.
Thank you for posting Armin. I think I will practice this release more frequently now, since I now have unfortunately developed a bit of arthritis in the knuckle of my thumb. 😖🏹🏹😉👍
All way love this kind of videos. And explain so nice. Using AF TATAR!!😀✌
It can work both ways. Just as some people (Modern Mongols) make thumb draw work on both sides. You can make a good case for it either way. It may have been used both ways. The arrow flies better w the arrow on the L side of the bow w fingers, on the R side w thumb. The finger holds the arrow against the bow better if the arrow is on the R side and the finger along the R side of the arrow. With the arrow on the L side, the finger needs to be along the top of the arrow almost straight to hold the arrow down. Tempting to just do a normal med release then. Or you need to rotate the hand a little to get the top finger over more to the L side of the arrow (what Kassia does).
My way is to keep the index finger pressing lightly on a diagonal I find this keeps the arrow from lifting if pressed a little too hard and keeps the finger from sliding off . I also use the pinky finger placing the string down the middle of the very tip of the little finger and I keep my thumb on the left side of the nock in an almost pinch grip ...hooking deep at the second crease of the middle and ring fingers is the key . This release makes it alot easier to get the arrow to fly straight as opposed to thumb draw
Thank you. I am doing mounted archery and just started the canter. My horse goes too fast and I don't have enough time in my set up
I shot this way when first learning bc it felt right.
Great information ℹ️ ✅
Merci !!
Vos videos sont excellentes!!
🙏😊🙏
Richard
ill give you a thumb ring up
I find this interesting. How about holding your two fingers slightly lower. Then your other finger pointing along the arrow. Almost like pointing where your shooting. Humans can point to things really quickly.
No idea what it would be called, but would pinching the arrow between an outstretched finger and your thumb work?
You should write a book.
Stand in the archer's position. Extend the bow arm.. Draw the other arm back as though you were drawing an arrow.
Draw to the maximum distance possible.
Feel your shoulder blades touch.
You cannot draw any more.
Is this not a more desired anchor point?
It gives a bow and arrow designed for this draw length the maximum impetus for a given draw length.
An anchor point on the corner of the mouth seems a waste of potential.
This is what I want.
A short 25lb bow with a very long drawlength, with a center arrow rest on the opposite side of the Olympic bow.
Your comment please.
I did not invent the mediterranean shooting style for hunting. They simply anchor there and it makes sense for accuracy. Thumb release I agree, the further back the better :D
that's been my approach too, at least with this Slavic release; since it pulls back further to the jaw it turns my aim a little to the left, like this Slavic draw seems to demand. For consistency sake, wanna make sure I can keep the bow still @@ArminHirmer
Trying to shoot from the right side of the bow, from shooting always from left side, I'm not able to see the tip of the arrow to know exactly where it's pointing, do I need a longer arrow or how do you point the bow? These arrows shoot dead on accurate from left side Mediterranean
Armin, what bow are you shooting in this video? I really like the looks of it!
It's called Sassanid release and is described in Adam Swoboda's book. Can be also used as thumb release.
I know his book, but there are still a few other opinions out there :) thanks for watching
Unfortunately we can only guess and interpret old manuscripts' meaning, that's why we have so many misleading information on the internet.
It's a pitty only kyudo and partially manchu, remain almost untouched and practiced as centuries ago, while all other forms are long forgotten :(
but still one can try different versions and what works will be fine :) btw I love the manchu way of shooting hehe
Yes, great example is Mihai Cozmei, who gathered many different historical methods and combined them into his own system. Just like Bruce Lee did :)
Manchu is great, I badly want to have a set with folding bow from master Zhou, but my wife would kill me for its price :D
hehe
interresting
One question, With this style of release should, would or could you use a khatra? I am trying to teach a friend to shoot a bow and he was having a very hard time with Mediterranean style and thumb ring style but felt very comfortable with the slavic release. FYI there is no one within 200 miles that shoot with the arrow on the thumb. Thanks in advance.
I like the slavic release, feels very natural for me. And of course, when you have the arrow on the right side, what I prefer, you can perform a khatra. Works well :)
Slavic release DOES work on the right side of a bow (for a right-handed archer). Just takes some adjusting and focusing on the back tension.
works well, agree 110 %
Yuh right man
How can improve how straight the arrow flies while using this style?
bit tricky, but as with all thumb release techniques - flip the bow slightly out (like khatra) while you release. needs good timing though :)
Watch my Video, str8 Arrow flight wit dis tekknique
Khatra works great with this release ,forward Khatra is easier but I use forward side Khatra and I can shoot bare shafts very straight.
I am curious to know what it was about the video that THREE people didn't like. They are probably envious RUclips competitors. Kia Mihi
every time I try to shoot with three split on left, the arrow does a weird up down crazy nock flop. thumb does not do it on right, I will try with three on right with pointer slovic next time.
Is this similar to Mamluk release? (Do we know how Mamluks shot - fingers vs. thumb, which side?)
good question, I really do not know. I am not a historian. I guess they shot with thumb release
Intressant, Mihai Cozei sagte dass das der Egyptische Release sei. Wie siehts aus mit dem graden Pfeilflug aus?
Die Ägypter hatten sicher auch nicht nur einen Release und wer weiss schon, wo der Ursprung von dem hier ist/war. Wenn man den Bogen nicht bewegt (khatra) den geht der Pfeil ein gutes Stück nach rechts
Omg, my finger is trembling with my current bow when i tried slavic guess i need to get used to it xD
Hello. I know this is an old video but just something to add to discussion. This style originated in Bhutan and they still use this draw today - even with compound bows! Somewhere along history a few of the Tibetans and Tang Dynasty China started using it and it spread along the Silk Road (languages, ideas, culture, methods, etc products and wares weren’t the only things travelling along trade routes, kids! ). Eventually the technique made its way into Eastern Europe and some of the mercenaries from the Slavic nations started using it - hence “Slavic” release. However, it never really caught on and remained a rather obscure type of draw. But it was actually Bhutanese who originated it.
Whoever invented it, I still think it’s cool. I like using it because my thumb take a break while my other fingers can still keep shooting. 🏹😎
Hi,
Nice video. I need help -> with the slavic release on the horsebow (kaya windfighter) the arrow goes way of the right.
I´ts so desperating... Do you point the arrow way of the left, to compensate this, or does your arrow hit the center where you point at?
If the arrow goes where you point at - how do you achieve this?
I could only achieve this, while rotating the bow to the left with the bow hand ( applying pressure to the left with the bow hand, which forces a rotation to the left while releasing the string - maybe some kind of side-kathra? ) But this doesnt feel right, and i need so much pressure to rotate the bow to the left (it bends while drawing).
Thank you so much for help
I just start short distance until I adapt. I just look with two eyes at the target and point there. The same as you had to get used shooting 3 fingers. Of course the arrows should roughly match the bows draw weight
@@ArminHirmer Thank you for your response. I guess i figured out my mistake in the release technique while shooting slavic release from the rightside of the bow: 1. To much pressure from the index finger on the arrow. I solved it with loosen the pressure and apply a side kathra to the left side.
Now the arrows go straight into the point from 15meters. Its a lot of fun! Thank you for your nice help
I started shooting Slavic release because my thumb release would kick the rear of the arrow up and to the right sending my arrow low and to the left when it reached the target. How would I improve my thumb release. I am shooting off a shelf.
Get some good groupings? (since we don't see a target)
Sometimes yes, sometimes even better ;)
what bow is that?
Bow have to be slanted to the left, and then arrow will lay on the top.
slavic is 3 finger released right???
I recently started to tryout the Slavic release but my arrows are flying off to the right. Does the type of bow affect the performance of the of the release? I'm using a long bow shooting off hand. Every video I see people using a horse bow when using Slavic release.
Start short distance and then adapt. It’s fine with your bow, takes some practice
@@ArminHirmer Thank you for letting me know because I started thinking that I was using the wrong type of bow. By the way love your videos. They are very informative and helpful. You are actually the one that got me interested in the different styles of archery. Thank you again.
I dont believe this would work with my bow due to the arrow rest being on the left side of the bow.
Nope unless you shoot left hand :)
@armin how do you shoot with no glove on your draw hand !? tried it with my 37lb bow and within 10 minutes it sore !
Practice... Build up callus
@@ArminHirmer I currently have a huge blood blister on my thumb forcing me to rest for a few weeks trying to “practice” 😂
Can you wear a mic next time you record indoors?
will do my very best
when I do slavic it goes way to the right.
That's normal
Sources on this type of release?
I saw a photo of a Facebook friend who did it and called it slavic release.... and then a whole discussion started :)
The only historical reference I have found of it is in Arab Archery, and it doesn’t go into much depth. Chapter XV if you want to find it
@@datGuy0309 thanks mate! Gotta check it out, I've never read this particular treaty
I personally test it but the arrows go far on the right
yes same here in the beginning, needs practice :) thanks for watching
Bill, try this: - do not press arrow against the bow with your index finger, apply just enough pressure to keep the arrow on bow hand. - use dynamic release. - back tension (!)