Malta Archery points to good and bad of Hollywood bow shooting at Malta Comics Expo 2014
Malta Archery led a panel discussion in the art and science of archery as it was related to movies and real life. Armin Hirmer teaches an instinctive method of shooting arrows where the archer doesn’t aim. Rather he or she points the arrow toward its destination. The result is a quick release with a high degree of accuracy and the ability to shoot arrows more quickly.
Among the stars in Hollywood who shoot right are Russell Crowe and Sylvester Stallone. Errol Flynn had to learn how to shoot in order to play Robin Hood. His trainer was the one to shoot the arrow that split another arrow. Hirmer also praises Pixar’s Brave.
“This animation shows really how to shoot,” says Hirmer.
It is clear that Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence learned to shoot from an Olympic archer. According to Hirmer, this isn’t necessarily bad, having to aim when shooting at a target that will move is a detriment to the actual accuracy of the arrow hit. There would be no time to aim when hunting.
Orlando Bloom’s Legolas doesn’t make the cut when it comes to using a bow. Because his arrows are in a quiver on his back, he would never be able to draw them out the way that he does in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The arrows wouldn't clear the quiver. However, it is possible to shoot while sliding down steps on a shield or standing on one foot, and using three arrows at once though hitting three different targets with those arrows is a different question.
There are several techniques that Hirmer and his fellow panelist Francesco demonstrated at the show including:
Archers should always draw with the back muscles, which makes arm position critical, and they should use bows that match their strength, starting with a bow that has a smaller weight to pull.
“When you can’t manage the bow, the bow will manage you,” says Hirmer, who has 30 years’ experience and only draws a 55-pound bow.
Hirmer says that archery is good for the mind, body and soul. He recounts the story of an autistic boy who, according to his teachers, never laughed. Within five minutes of shooting arrows. He was jumping and laughing.
“It’s [archery] something really beneficial,” says Hirmer.
Check out these archery videos from Malta Comics Expo 2014 on YouTube:
Malta Archery shoots from behind the head at Malta Comics Expo 2014
Malta Archery demonstrating three arrows at once at Malta Comics Expo 2014
Malta Archery at Malta Comics Expo 2014 debunks Legolas' arrow technique
Among the stars in Hollywood who shoot right are Russell Crowe and Sylvester Stallone. Errol Flynn had to learn how to shoot in order to play Robin Hood. His trainer was the one to shoot the arrow that split another arrow. Hirmer also praises Pixar’s Brave.
“This animation shows really how to shoot,” says Hirmer.
It is clear that Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence learned to shoot from an Olympic archer. According to Hirmer, this isn’t necessarily bad, having to aim when shooting at a target that will move is a detriment to the actual accuracy of the arrow hit. There would be no time to aim when hunting.
Orlando Bloom’s Legolas doesn’t make the cut when it comes to using a bow. Because his arrows are in a quiver on his back, he would never be able to draw them out the way that he does in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The arrows wouldn't clear the quiver. However, it is possible to shoot while sliding down steps on a shield or standing on one foot, and using three arrows at once though hitting three different targets with those arrows is a different question.
There are several techniques that Hirmer and his fellow panelist Francesco demonstrated at the show including:
- The Turkish nine arrow technique – where the archer holds nine arrows always looking at the enemy while firing one at a time
- Asian style shooting – which draws with the thumb
- Shooting from behind the head – this posture allowed archers to remain covered while shooting enemies below them
Archers should always draw with the back muscles, which makes arm position critical, and they should use bows that match their strength, starting with a bow that has a smaller weight to pull.
“When you can’t manage the bow, the bow will manage you,” says Hirmer, who has 30 years’ experience and only draws a 55-pound bow.
Hirmer says that archery is good for the mind, body and soul. He recounts the story of an autistic boy who, according to his teachers, never laughed. Within five minutes of shooting arrows. He was jumping and laughing.
“It’s [archery] something really beneficial,” says Hirmer.
Check out these archery videos from Malta Comics Expo 2014 on YouTube:
Malta Archery shoots from behind the head at Malta Comics Expo 2014
Malta Archery demonstrating three arrows at once at Malta Comics Expo 2014
Malta Archery at Malta Comics Expo 2014 debunks Legolas' arrow technique