The 5 C's of Traditional Archery

In this video I take a look at my 5 C's of Traditional Archey. I've been around the block a few time when it comes to shooting the old stick and string, and the one thing I found is that you can compartmentalise most of traditional archery into these five principles.
So hopefully this video will in some part help you, to understand that Archery and especially Traditional Archery doesn't have to be over complicated or over thought.
I'm not in any way saying this is gospel, traditional archery is all about finding out what works for you. There are some fantastic resources out there so drink up all the information you can and apply it to away suits you and the way that you want to shoot.
Please enjoy!
-Grizzly Jim
www.grizzlyjim.co.uk
/ archeryadventures
www.grizzlystrings.com
While you're down here looking at these likns and what not, why not check out the Grizzly Jim Signature series Bow from Striker?
strikerbows.com/product/grizz...
Contact:
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Also a big thank you to Simon Bode from www.bode-shop.de for the new recording equipment!
Music from
Inked Archer:
/ chriskurth

[@NUSensei]

Excellent video, Jim. Everything you said is honest and true.

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Thanks Nu! :)

[@jaybennett7242]

I’m a veteran Trad archer and I couldn’t agree with you more, you pretty much nailed it and I’ve shared this video with some young guys I’ve taken under my wing and I believe this will explain as plain as can be done. Very good 👍

[@robhewitt4665]

Hey man thank you for everything you have done for me not only have you got me into archery trough me watching at the time daft videos but because of you I've now bought my first bow but you have helped again trough emails over the past couple of days choosing a string and best arrows. thank my man Mr grizzly jim

[@stevenvanorsow22]

Jim --- I'm 77 years old and been shooting since 1963. You and Jeff and a few others on you tube have been my mentors since I sold my last compound and got back into traditional. Thanks for being there for me and probably countless others. At least, I hope "countless others'.

[@michaelholmes6152]

I saw this to the end ..... went over in the barn and let 30-40 arrows zip through the barn..... I hadn't shot for couple of weeks! Good on ya Jimbo

[@henrikdonschristensen9040]

Actually I forgot a "C" - Coffee! It is an important part of archery. All you englishmen have misunderstood something with your Tea-addiction/affinity 🧐😁😎

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Henrik Dons Christensen 😂

[@gcnphilly]

I'm a new archer and I've been devouring as much content as possible. This is among the best of all the things I've seen so far. Well done mate!

[@shedarcher3506]

Hi Jim - I have been shooting for three years, about 700 arrows a week - all in my back garden. The only archery "instruction" I have had is KZbin. You always put things in perspective and build my confidence. I would so love to have a shoot and a chat with you. Thank you for making videos and sharing your calm and helpful knowledge. Thank you once again;)

[@TheMercian01]

Great video and perfect timing. Now I am more determined to hang up the target recurve to concentrate on my trad bows.... they make me smile when I shoot them.

[@jakehenry9162]

I thank you so much for your wisdom my friend, i'm in my sixties and had the same shooting form since i started archery back in the sixties, even after 2 surgeries to repair my right arm, i still shoot my bow every chance i get, so i dont really listen to what the masses say, i just wanna shoot my bow n have a blast in doing so.shakyjake out.

[@ARANDOMGENT]

I always found It best to treat every arrow as my last. I might have a quiver full, but don’t tell my brain that.

[@alanbeaulier5783]

Jim, very informative video and well done. I am very glad you continue in this great sport as I do enjoy all the videos you have put out and hope you do as many as you did. Thank you.

[@Leeidas]

double bonus! new video from Jim and my new purple and black pro grizzly string arrived today! good all-round i would say.

[@rayjohn3946]

Thank you for this video. Excellent explanation. I like the 5-C's especially the last C.

[@kennethlunn8656]

Been thinking of this while I was shooting today it works as Long as I keep saying it thank you Jim

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Kenneth Lunn 😅

[@joycehollows6002]

Thanks Jim! I needed that! Having trouble getting going again. Always something getting in the way. On holiday until Saturday and using the rainy time to make some arrows. When I get back home I’ll have to go and practise those 5 Cs!!! 🏹 👍🏻

[@robertconard6621]

Thanks for putting a voice to what we non-video makers feel as well. Greetings from Pennsylvania.

[@l.k.1011]

Awesome video! Especially the first few words - simplicity.

[@richmerlo2769]

Thanks for sharing some of your tips, I've been shooting traditional for about 3 years now , and just find it to be very rewarding when making your shots , it's so relaxing and enjoyable I absolutely love it. Great video , thanks again.

[@mattsurrey6138]

Great video Jim! Glad to see you back. 100% agree with the last C, only recently I lost an arrow (a nice one too) on the 3rd target at Wye Valley (awesome place) and it put me off for the next 3 targets. Like life its all about learning to pick yourself back up, which is a very useful skill to have.

[@shanedaniels5191]

Love all the great advice and it's the truth..I have been shooting traditional bows for 40+years and you've figured it out 😁

[@thearcheryapprentice8511]

Great video Jim, thanks! I have an other c to add, Camaraderie because that’s something I really treasure in my archery!

[@Artlioe]

Great video! And for another excellent KZbin reference for anyone who doesn’t know, definitely check out Clay Hayes. He has a ton of great information on mechanics, hunting, arrows, and bow making!

[@User-dc3zk]

Good video Jim! Ill keep these lessons in mind when I finally decide to try for world 3d archery myself.

[@guaraguaoarcherycustombows3843]

Thanks for sharing this Jim!

[@bowman321123]

I enjoy going out in the back and shooting each day weather permitting, some days just a few, sometimes maybe an hour or more. I enjoy my stick-flinging time, it is enjoyable and relaxing. If on some days the sticks (or the operator) aren't flinging as they should, I don't fight it, I wait for another day. Always glad to see your videos, Jim, your common sense approach to traditional archery is worth taking to heart and keeping it fun.

[@gilblue326]

Thankyou Jim. you keep getting better.

[@henrikdonschristensen9040]

Great film 🤘 I totally agree with your thoughts about confidence 🙂

[@Char-lp4de]

Great Video. I always try to remember that I do archery because its fun. Probably why I recently got a trad recurve bow to go with my compound, longbow, barebow and olympic recurve. :D You can get carried away going for the best score and having a go at yourself. relax and scores will come

[@skysurferboy]

I saw a slump in my archery when I had to shoot above a certain score to qualify at shoots. ..... Couldn t hit a cows arse with a banjo. It was like I woke up one day and I couldn't shoot anymore. My confidence expired. Form went down the drain, started snap shooting and it was feeling like my draw weight was a 1000lbs. I was in archery wilderness for about 3 months. Eventually I went back to basics, forgot about scoring and just enjoyed shooting tight groups on a boss and the fun came back. But i realise the archery life is a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs. Slumps and TP affect the top archers too. We're all in the same boat. Keep shooting, have fun.

[@callyboy5228]

So true,I've been there myself only just recently.

[@Ezzie0304]

skysurferboy Been in the exact same spot. Working my way out of it still.

[@lesterdumm6477]

Your "control" portion is right on. Great video!

[@DomaesBraber]

Great advise as always , buddy :) And yay for cameo´s ghehe

[@billcharlene1450]

Confidence is key, dont let your mind get in the way...Sometimes ill try to aim and miss. If i stare at the target like it owes me money ill nail it🎯👍👌. Great video again Jim!!!

[@callyboy5228]

Your best ever Jim,no more to be said.

[@PointOnArchery]

Great video. Thanks for this. I've been hitting it hard, and this video was exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, buddy! Much love to you and yours. -Brad

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Point On Archery cheers buddy!

[@Coste1072]

Good advice especially the confidence portion. Mine went to hell &my shooting never came back. Im trying to gain it back now with the help of a friend that coaches me along. Thank you

[@ianvanaperen8826]

Spot On! You hit the nail right on the head. Your correct, Traditional archery ant complicated. and the use of clickers is not traditional. You didn't need to name drop coz you have it in one. Excellent longwinded video. I am sure this video will help others. Congratulations!

[@kennethlunn8656]

I sent you a text today , then again I watched this 5c .and you are so right Jim confidence is so important .hopefully I can get it back .cheers mate .

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Awesome job on this video sir, Thanks again for sharing and I Hope you have a blessed week. I switched back to trad archery last year. Started out with a light bow, 45 pounds been shooting it for over a year now and thinking about going to bump the weight up. Should be fun, I have never used a clicker. I am soothingly looking at a striker bow, (that is how I found your channel) Thanks agian for taking the time to make this video, we appreciate you and your efforts. Keep up the fun videos, and I hope you have a blessed week. Dale

[@kennethlunn8656]

Great idea's Jim thanks

[@richardgredwulf-cronley3858]

Create a following, develop a theory, create a legacy (youre on your way). You got the formula, I hope you the best. I have enjoyed your videos and give them great weight in considering the quality of bows. Thanks!

[@cedricathlan9399]

Wow, Jim... you put out fantastic content, really. I've been shooting trad for about 6 years and dived into korean and iranian archery a little while ago, and got mindblown by how different these archery forms are. Drastically different sight picture, body positionning, release, feeling... but your video is so focused on the essence of achery that I find it relevant for all the archery styles I'm practicing, no matter the techniques... Well done, Jim! Well done!

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Cèdric Athlan thank you buddy

[@biggamejim8216]

I love all archery and I also play video games. It is amazing the views and likes a 10 minute game play will have and how little attention a great archery vid gets. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@SuePZZ]

Love that vid Jim! Can I add another couple of my own C's which help me .... CLEMENCY - be gentle on yourself and don't give yourself a hard time when "that arrow" happens, or the shot wasn't exactly as you had hoped. It's the best way of not getting wound up with yourself and disheartened. CONNECTION - feel as one with your surroundings, immerse yourself in the nature around you and allow it to invigorate you. It heightens your senses and gives you the complete archery experience..... except in storms, don't do it in storms. 🌩⚡⛈

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Sue Kenworthy that’s beautiful Sue, thank you!

[@SuePZZ]

@@ArcheryAdventures 😘

[@thomasduffy3625]

Excellent. Just made my Thursdat. Cheers.

[@davemorris4241]

Agree with your take on the "surprise shot". As you say about the clicker, you control the clicker, not vice versa. Same without the clicker. I want to be in control of the shot. It goes off when I want it to.

[@JimKimTheIdeaHunters]

And let's not forget the 6th C: Crossbows! Just kidding, mate! Awesome video and I really like that "concise" breakdown on what it takes to dominate the #Tradlife archery game! SUBSCRIBED!

[@Aramenso]

Thanks for your video Jim couldn´t agree more to all the things you´ve said

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Aramenso you’re welcome 😇

[@regaeontop]

Confidence is really important at longer distance with instinctive archery.

[@kennethlunn8656]

Spot on Jim

[@jimwalkerarchery]

Well done. Thank you.

[@klickklack5580]

Great Video again. I like your way of bowshooting very much and I take a lot of good advice for my shooting. Greetings from Bavaria and sorry for my bad english.

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Its better than my German buddy ;)

[@thomaskallenbach8373]

Nice ! I totally agree.

[@davegilbert9000]

Another good Video Jim, funny thing, I learned so much from Jeff's videos but every time we talk, it's always about everything else, not archery lol. We do talk a lot about hunting though, Canadians EH, what can I tell ya, keep up the great vids, next time you talk to Jeff, tell him Dave from Edmonton said hi. He'll get a kick out of that.

[@brianlocal3]

Thanks for posting. I have been watching you for a long time (Wolfe too) and I haven’t shot much in the last 2 years due to a change in family dynamics (kids older and into sports and family time) AND I took my favorite pastime (archery) and turned it into a job and overthinking and over analyzing. My son is ten and we started shooting together and I’m just back to shooting like a kid, and having fun

[@ArcheryAdventures]

brianlocal3 the way it should be

[@Wingman115]

Good stuff brother.

[@mathijs175]

i fully agree on the confidence part. but being too confident can be dangerous as well. sometimes i am certain i'm going to nail that shot, and then fail completely(imagine a 50m shot and seeing your arrow hitting the floor at 35m), missing the other 2 shots as well. having put too much pressure on myself will make me fail

[@gordonallison1055]

good video Jim. Agree with all you say. Look at the video of deliverance for Burt Reynolds talking about confidence in s shot

[@mickruhdorf9916]

hi jim ive just started recurve archery ( always shot compound ) and ive decided to start at 20lb until i get my form down , cheers from OZ

[@williamhamer998]

No thanks for staying with you Jim, we never left you,

[@3DArchery]

Great Stuff, love the Moose Shot from Schosi3D in Austria.

[@MrArthurGiles]

The author of that video missed out one thing, he was talking about FIELD ARCHERY - and was good - for Field Archers, Target Archers have slightly different objectives and the main one is "BASIC" - the style you were taught in your course. Archers develope variations from Basic, but only after testing the change and keeping to it only if it gives an improvement. I wish you Good Shooting, Maurice

[@skaramicke]

I now want to maximise and optimise being like Jim.

[@juanduque7983]

was shooting next to this youngster who had a modern recurve with almost everything (sights, weights, i think a balance rod, guard for his whole arm and hand) and couldnt hit the yellow

[@marksmallman4572]

Really helpfull Jim, I cannot see the point of flamboyant arrow hand movements after release, or placing fingers on the shoulder, once released the arrow has left the bow in milleseconds and I cannot see how anything you do after that can effect the flight of the arrow. I leave my hand locked in to my anchor point after release and it works for me, as you say every instinctive archer is different.

[@stevehunt4660]

Any follow through should be a reaction to the release of tension, never a concious action...

[@willderifaj225]

My brother always equated recurve archery to throwing darts at a pub. Need to double in? Concentrate and believe in yourself. Need a bird to notice you? Confidence and chuckery will find you there. Need a mate to shut his gob? Consistency is key. Need that same bird to desire to have your children? Be comfortable, have another pint and exercise your control over the situation! THAT AND LOOK COOL!

[@scottyoung6119]

Shot 3di in Italy 2005 the fifth c I totally understand was in the same place know exactly what your saying. But I'm back into it didn't give up

[@markdunbar8219]

Can understand keep things simple we have a house in Brittany I can shoot anything I want deer pheasant wild pig if I want but I mainly shoot stumps and a target 🙄 I can wander in the woods for days and not see anyone I shoot compound flat bows longbows enjoy the flat bows the most 🤔 enjoyed your vid 😁

[@brokenarrowarchery166]

Rob McElhenney is gonna sue someone 😂 Great video Jim!

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Broken Arrow Archery 😂

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Broken Arrow Archery well spotted!

[@Gronnth]

Great video, Jim! :D I have a small suggestion/request! Do you think you could do a video about breathing? It's a topic that I never see discussed in archery, but is such a huge thing in other sports/activities. :)

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Gronnth I was having an interesting conversation with someone about this on Monday.... 🤔

[@Gronnth]

@@ArcheryAdventures Nice! Hope you'll take the time to make a video about it. :D Been listening to the coaching moments episodes from The Push podcast on repeat at work, and they do mention making an episode about breathing in one of them, but so far, nothing. :( Have a great weekend Jim!

[@ThePirhi]

lol that ending :) 6th C is the best

[@notapplicable531]

I have one more c and a p. Have you considered concentration or did you include it as part of discussing one of the other c's? For me, if I'm not thinking intently about what I'm doing, I may as well not be doing it. As for the p, that's patience and I consider it to be paramount in properly doing all the others. Take the time to do it correctly! I throw these two points out for your consideration. I've never given your first two c's a lot of thought, but appreciate your bringing them to our attention. I see their value. I've noted this video as one I would want any person asking for my advice on the form of traditional archery I practise to view. Thank you for this video session.

[@kennethlunn8656]

I text you to day to day thank you .your so right .simple like me lol

[@FrankPace54]

I've been watching all of those guys in the past years. I miss Jeff Cavanaugh. I hope he's not sick again. Have you heard from him?

[@ArcheryAdventures]

FrankPace54 yeah, he’s fine :)

[@volgore1]

Great video, very interesting the 5th C is the most horrible in instintive archery... must work his mind to avoid it !

[@dace48]

I've been a traditional archer for many years now but seem to have hit a plateau recently and think that I have identified the main issues so would appreciate your input. I think it's because I do not have a beard or an acoustic guitar - should I just give up on archery?

[@ArcheryAdventures]

C B absolutely not! Just give up on shaving!👊🏻

[@ash210312]

Hi Jim, great words of archery wisdom, Have you ever thought about writing a book? I reckon it will be a best seller in the traditional archery world.

[@ArcheryAdventures]

ash210312 It wouldn’t be a very long book 😅

[@ash210312]

Grizzly Jim’s pocket book then.

[@reedmitchell6716]

Dave Canterbury would be proud. He also teaches the 5 c of bushcraft.

[@Jml5447]

Had the same/ similar comment lol

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Reed Mitchell well for the past 10 years it’s actually only been 3’c 😅 The last 2 are more of a recent introduction

[@pfalky2k]

i'm definitely a natural overthinker. but archery, especially traditional/barebow, I find balances that. it's the one place where I simply just "be". draw, aim, loose. there it is. sometimes I shoot well, sometimes not so much, but just draw, aim, loose, over & over, repeat, repeat, repeat & more shots go where I want them. draw, aim, loose. I love archery as a whole, be it my compound with long rod & sights & various arrow rests, my takedown recurve (which I shoot barebow) or my Far Favourite trad one piece flatbow - which doesn't have holes for any modern fancies & whatsits. basic primal simplicity itself.

[@udoseglihoma2746]

I like your natural approach on matters. Keep it up! By the way, can you not get your strings being tried out by yourself or some friends on a Video. You could be mentioning how the different ones feel like/ behave while shooting. How they sound noise- wise and showing some different colors. Just an idea...

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Thank you Udo, definitely something to think about? :)

[@DobromirManchev]

It's sad how little attention these videos get

[@ArcheryAdventures]

I guess so, But I don't make em for attention, just as long as they help someone :)

[@rosehep3301]

What, no crib note listing all the names you dropped? ;) I'm a newb, will have to rewatch and hope phonetics help me find all those guys...

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Rose Hep I’m sorry Rose! 😅

[@rosehep3301]

@@ArcheryAdventures No worries, I rewatched and figured most of them out except one... 1. Jeff Kavanagh 2. “Art of Repetition” - book 3. Jeff (again, lol) 4. Joel Turner 5. Jeff (again, rofl) 6. Wolford Hughes (spelling, please) 7. Tom Clum Sr. 8. Guys from “The Push” 9. Joel (again) 10. Gregory Richards 11. Jeff Krug Off to watch more videos... Thank you!

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

Great video!

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

Hah. The last part. May i have anotha sir 😂

[@timbyrne2573]

Hey it s me max your sons friend from school

[@rwgoodship3653]

My release is both concise and consistently ugly, but it works for me😆. Does it count as using a ‘clicker’ if you just make the sound with your tongue?🤔 I once farted at full draw and hit the ten spot at 30 metres! I think that counts as loss of control though.🤔 all that being said, every time I raise my bow for the first shot, I’m confident I’m going to have fun.😎 Great vid Jim. Cheers eh👍

[@ArcheryAdventures]

2 out of 5 ain’t bad 😅 But that’s perfect, having fun is the most important thing! Take care buddy!

[@WestwoodArcher]

Good stuff!

[@InkraggablKrunk]

Awesome video as always! Really inspired me to get back out there and keep shooting You may also enjoy the 7 P's: Prior planning & preparation prevents piss poor performance

[@northwind9505]

Thank you about making archery about me. I need not say anymore. All the lower comments say it for me.

[@michaelmcelhinney691]

Ummm... Jim, plaid doesnt start with a C. As soon as you mentioned the push guys all I could think of was the spoof video on old vs new where the guy says "that grizzly Jim doesnt use no clicker. Why should I? "

[@Ezzie0304]

Michael McElhinney But chequered does 😂

[@michaelmcelhinney691]

@@Ezzie0304 you got me there.

[@DarxusC]

Have we been doing archery long enough to effect our evolution?

[@nextlevelarchery9903]

hello internet!! wellcome

[@Zackenberg]

Good point Mate :] Sub You have.. :P Cheers

[@iaincope5531]

A new Grizzly Jim vid and I missed it by 2 days! I must do better, slightly ashamed of myself here...

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Iain Cope I forgive you.... This time!

[@lubossoltes321]

So is this The Solution ?

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Lubos Soltes lol no just something to think about

[@shcmoly]

Hello internet...

[@jimmybamber4378]

Jeff

[@twintwo1429]

5 C A,IT WORKS FOR ME. AT LEAST 50 SHOTS EVERY 3 DAYS MINIMUM. WORKS GREAT, 50 SHOTS EVERY 2 DAYS MINIMUM,WORKS WONDERS.5C BECOMES INSTINCTIVE, JUST LIKE YOUR AIM.

[@SolidSnakeFPV]

6 Cs!!!

[@ArcheryAdventures]

SolidSnakeArchery you got that one covered buddy! ;)

[@karhawk97]

First!