〈总诀〉技术要领

【准备与搭箭】 凡是射箭，必须坐在席子的正中央。一只膝盖正对着箭靶（垛），另一只膝盖横顺着席子摆放。握弓时，手必须握在弓把的正中心，且要对准弓弦的中心点。将弓靠在左膝盖，前端竖立接触席子，稍微让下弓梢（下弰）向前突出，使上弓梢稍微向右倾斜。

接着取箭，手掌向下覆盖，手指微握成拳，使手指第三节齐平。用三根手指捏住箭的三分之一处，搭在弓上的位置也占箭身的三分之一。由左手食指引导搭箭，然後转动弓身，使弓弦稍微离开身体。接着用右手寻找箭羽，顺着向下摸到箭尾的扣弦处（阔），以手指第二节对准阔并扣住弦，缓缓送入。使手指参差交错如同凤凰的羽翼（凤翮），箭尾要正对着心窝，并让主羽朝上。

【引弓与体态】 弓弦离开身体后，就容易观察箭的高低，调整到平直的位置。然后抬弓离开席位，双眼注视靶心，手按在下颌下方，将弓拉满。持弓的手、拉弦的手指以及左手臂肘部要平得像水准仪一样，平整到肘部可以放置一杯水而不洒。

所以说：“身体要端正得像树干，手臂要平直得像树枝。”所谓手臂平直，并非一开始就僵直，而是在架好弦后开始引弓，直到拉满时，使手臂自然伸直。引弓时：不能过急，太急会失去威仪且箭力无法穿透靶皮；也不能太慢，太慢则体力难支且箭速迟缓。只有擅长的人能掌握这份分寸。

【发箭与心法】 箭头与弓把齐平称为“满”，力量达到均衡称为“盈”。这种境界虽然极美，但技术难以达成。要让大拇指感知到箭头的到达，然后才发射。所以说：“箭头不到达手指，一定射不中；手指感知不到箭头，就如同盲射。” 这是射箭的极致考验。如果有人用眼睛去看箭头，在马上或黑暗中就会出错，这是没有掌握真正的技术。所以箭搭在弓的右侧，而视线在弓的左侧。箭发射时，要顺势偏转弓梢（靡其弰），下压肘部（厌其肘），仰起手腕（仰其腕）。眼睛注视着箭靶，手指向它，心神趋向它，这样怎么会射不中呢？

General Principles of Archery 

[Preparation and Nocking] When practicing archery, one must sit in the center of the mat. One knee points directly toward the target, while the other knee is aligned horizontally with the mat. When gripping the bow, the hand must hold the exact center of the handle, aligning with the center of the string. Rest the bow against the left knee, standing it upright on the mat, with the lower tip (shao) slightly forward and the upper tip leaning slightly to the right.

Then, take an arrow (with right hand). Cover it with your hand in a slight fist, keeping the third joints of your fingers level. Pinch the arrow at the (front) one-third mark with three fingers (of right hand), and place the arrow on the bow also at the one-third mark. Guide it with your left index finger, then turn the bow so the string is slightly away from your body. Use your right hand to feel for the fletching, sliding down to the nock (kuo). Align the second joint of your finger with the nock, push it forward slowly, and fit the arrow nock to the string. Arrange your fingers in a staggered fashion like the feathers of a phoenix (feng-he), ensuring the nock is aligned with your heart and the index feather is facing up.

[The Draw and Posture] Once the string is clear of your body, it is easy to judge the elevation of the arrow. Level the arrow, stand up and lift the bow, then move away from the mat. Fix your gaze on the target, tuck your hand under your jaw, and draw the bow to reach full draw. The bow hand, the drawing fingers, and the left elbow must be as level as a spirit level —so steady that a cup of water could be placed on the elbow without spilling.

Thus it is said: "Your body should be upright like a tree trunk, and your arms straight like branches." Being "straight" does not mean being stiff from the start; rather, you draw the bow after nocking, and by the time you reach full draw, the arm naturally becomes straight. When drawing: do not be too hasty, as haste ruins your composure and prevents the arrow from piercing the target (not actually reaching full draw before release); do not be too slow, as slowness exhausts your strength and makes the arrow sluggish. Only the skillful can master this.

[Release and Mindset] When the arrowhead reaches the bow handle, it is called "Full Draw" (man); when the forces (two hands drawing in opposite direction) are perfectly balanced, it is called "Abundant" (ying). This state is beautiful but difficult to master. You must let your thumb sense the arrival of the arrowhead (zhu) before releasing. As the saying goes: "If the arrowhead does not reach the finger, the shot will miss; if the finger cannot feel the arrowhead, it is as if you are shooting blindly." This is the ultimate test. Those who aim by relying on seeing the arrowhead (i.e., gap shooting) will fail when shooting on horseback or in the dark—this is a lack of true technique. The arrow should sit on the right side of the bow, while the line of sight should be on the left side of the bow (i.e., split vision shooting). Upon release, follow through by dropping the upper bow tip (mi-qi-shao), lowering the draw hand elbow (yan-qi-zhou), and turning the draw hand wrist upward (yang-qi-wan). With your eyes fixed on the target, your hand pointing to it, and your heart pursuing it—how could you possibly miss?

【身心调和】 又说：箭支要与弓的强度相匹配，弓的强度要与人的体力相匹配。射箭时面部表情不乱，神色不慌张，身体姿态和顺，呼吸调匀，意志专一，这叫做“楷式”（标准典范）。掌握了这五点，才是高尚的箭德。

【量力而行】 所以说：不要担心弓太软，只要动作顺服，箭也自然能射得远；如果担心体能不足，就应当经常练习引弓。只要人的力量能胜过弓的强度，容貌就会显得从容和顺，发射时也就无不中靶。因此初学者要先练习“持满”（保持拉满的状态），必须能掌控住弓，稳定住身体，之后才开始射击。

【循序渐进】 练习射靶必须从一丈的近距离开始，达到百发百中后，再一寸寸地增加距离，逐渐达到百步之外也能百发百中，这才算射术精通。之后可以尝试在高山或深谷中设置靶子，或者练习射击拖动、抛掷中的移动目标，使靶子纵横往来，这是为了实战中射击禽兽或敌人做准备。

【戒除弊病与威仪】 凡是射箭，最忌讳弓向右倾斜、箭发出的声音沉闷、下颌向一侧偏引、颈部向后低垂、胸部向前过度凸出、背部向后弯曲，这些都是射箭的大忌（骨髓之疾）。 因此，优秀的射姿应当是：身姿前倾矫健如同猛虎刚要跃起，前额微低如同犀牛准备搏斗，弓梢画出如同怀中吐出的明月，箭尾平正如弦上悬挂的平衡秤。这些都称之为有“威仪”的表现。

[Harmonizing Body and Mind] It is also said: The arrows must match the bow, and the bow must match your strength. Maintain a calm countenance and steady complexion. Harmonize your posture, regulate your breathing, and unify your focus—this is called the "Model Standard" (Kǎishì). Mastering these five elements is considered the highest virtue in archery.

[Mastering Strength] Thus, do not worry if the bow is "soft" (light draw weight); if your technique is correct, the arrow will naturally travel far. If you suffer from weak physical strength, you must practice drawing the bow constantly. When your strength exceeds that of the bow, your expression remains composed, and every shot will hit the mark. Beginners should first learn to "Hold the Full Draw" (Chímǎn), ensuring they can control the bow and stabilize their posture before attempting to shoot.

[Progressive Training] Training must begin at a close distance of one zhang (about 3 meters). Once you achieve a hundred hits out of a hundred shots, increase the distance inch by inch. Gradually progress until you can hit the target from a hundred paces (about 150 meters) with perfect accuracy—only then is the technique mastered. Afterward, one might place targets on high mountains or in deep valleys, or practice with moving targets that are dragged or thrown, simulating the dynamic movement of prey or enemies in the field.

[Faults and Dignified Form] In archery, several faults are seen as "ailments to the bone": the bow tilting to the right, a dull sound upon release (rú-yīn), the jaw pulling to the side, the neck drooping backward, the chest protruding excessively, or the back slouching. Conversely, a dignified posture is described as: The body leaning forward like a leaping tiger, the forehead slightly lowered like a fighting rhinoceros, the bow tips extending like a crescent moon emerging from one’s chest, and the arrow nock level like a balanced scale on the string. These are the hallmarks of a majestic presence.

【两种控弦法】 又说：拉弓控弦的方法有两种。

1. 中国法（汉法）：将无名指叠着小指，中指压住大指，食指（头指）对着弓弦直立。这是中原的技法。

2. 胡法：弯曲大指，用食指压在大指的勾指上。 除了这两种，其他的都不算正统技术。胡法力量小，利于在马背上射击；汉法力量大，利于步射。

【汉法的精妙之处】 汉法的奥妙在于食指。世人常犯的错误是用手指尖去挤压（齪）弓弦，这会导致箭身弯曲并损伤羽毛。只要让食指的指面随着弦的方向直竖，松弦时便干脆利落且容易中靶，射程能比平时远出数十步。古人将其视为秘技。此外，胡法中要求大指不超过食指头，也是其精妙之处。

【握弓与发力】 握弓时，要让弓把的前部嵌入虎口（扼），弓把后部抵住四指的根部关节。平放的大指用来承托箭镞，撤开食指使其不干扰箭身。这样发射时声音悦耳，箭速迅捷。到此为止，射箭之道就完备了！

【射艺五境（古称“五射”）】

• 井仪：指拉开弓后的形状，也就是所谓的“怀中吐月”。

• 襄尺：襄的意思是平，尺指曲尺。指肘部平整，即所谓的“肘上可放一杯水”。

• 白矢：指发箭时，白色的箭镞正好拉到指尖，这是拉满弓的标准。

• 剡注：注，指向。指发箭后上弓梢指向前，以护送箭支，也就是所谓的“靡其弰”。剡指锐利，也形容动作干脆。

• 参连：指箭行进的速度极快，出箭连贯而密集。

[Two Methods of Drawing the String] It is also said: There are two methods for thumb draw.

1. The Chinese Method (Han Method): Stack the ring finger next to the pinky, press the middle finger over the thumb, and keep the index finger standing straight along the string.

2. The Nomadic Method (Hu Method): Bend the thumb and use the index finger to press down on the hooked thumb. Any method other than these two is not considered proper technique. The Nomadic Method has less strength but is advantageous on horseback; the Chinese Method provides more strength and is ideal for standing archery.

[The Secret of the Index Finger] The subtlety of the Chinese Method lies in the index finger. Most people mistakenly squeeze the string with their index fingertip, which causes the arrow to bend and damages the fletching. If you simply let the index finger stand straight along the string, the release will be crisp, accurate, and the range will increase by dozens of paces. The ancients kept this as a divine secret. In the Nomadic Method, keeping the thumb from overextending past the index finger is also a key subtlety.

[Grip and Release] When holding the bow, let the front of the handle fit into the web of the hand, while the back of the handle rests against the base joints of the four fingers. Level the thumb to provide a platform for the arrowhead, and pull back the index finger so it does not interfere. This produces a clear, beautiful sound upon release and a swift flight. As such, the Way of Archery is complete!

[The Five States of Archery]

• Jǐng-yí (Well-Patterned Form): The shape of the drawn bow, described as "Holding the moon in one's chest."

• Xiāng-chǐ (Level Elbow): Xiang means level; Chi refers to a square. It means the elbow is so level that a cup of water can be placed upon it.

• Bái-shǐ (White Arrowhead): The moment the arrowhead reaches the thumb, indicating a full draw.

• Yǎn-zhù (Sharp Follow-through): Zhu means to point. It refers to the bow tip pointing forward after release to "escort" the arrow, also known as the "khatra" (Mi-qi-shao).

• Cān-lián (Consecutive Swiftness): Arrows flying with such extreme speed and frequency that they appear continuous.

【步法与站位】 左肩与胯部要正对着箭靶（垛）的中心。两脚先平稳地站成四方形，站定后，转动左脚，使大脚趾指向箭靶中心。这种站姿看起来既不像“丁”字，也不像“八”字（即非完全垂直也非完全平行，而是一种斜向的平衡）。

【左手动作与“靡其弰”】 左手虎口张开，微微松开下面两根手指（无名指和小指），转动弓把使其侧卧。这样在箭射出时，上弓梢能随着箭支的方向直指向靶心，下弓梢则能自然抵在肩胛骨下方。这就叫做“靡其弰”（随势偏转弓梢）。

【右手动作与“压肘仰腕”】 右手摘弦发箭时，要顺着力道将手翻向后方，使肩、臂与手腕保持在同一条平直线上。手掌向上翻起显露出掌纹，手指不能张开外露。这就叫做“压肘仰腕”。

【核心总结】 《射经》说：面部表情不要乱，神色不要慌张，手按在下颌下方，将弓引满，并调整到平直。所以说：“身体要端正得像树干，手臂要平直得像树枝。”箭发射后，必须配合“靡其弰、压肘、仰腕”这一套连贯动作。而胸部凸出或背部弯曲，都是射箭技术中最致命的弊病（骨髓疾）。

General Method of Standing Archery 

[Footwork and Stance] The left shoulder and hip must align with the center of the target. Initially, place both feet firmly in a square stance. Once stable, pivot the left foot so the big toe points directly at the target's center. This stance is described as "neither a T-shape nor a V-shape" (an asymmetrical, balanced diagonal stance).

[Left Hand Technique and "Mi-qi-shao"] Open the "tiger’s mouth" (web of the thumb) of the left hand. Slightly relax the bottom two fingers and rotate the bow handle so it lies on its side. Upon release, this allows the upper bow tip to follow the arrow and point directly at the target, while the lower tip rests naturally below the shoulder blade. This follow-through is called "Mi-qi-shao" (deflecting the bow tips).

[Right Hand Technique and Posture] When the right hand releases the string, use the momentum to flip the hand backward, ensuring the shoulder, arm, and wrist are on a single, straight horizontal line. The palm should face upward, revealing the palm lines, while the fingers remain tucked and not splayed. This is known as "pressing down the elbow and flipping up the wrist" (ya-zhou yang-wan).

[Core Principles] As the Scripture of Archery states: Maintain a calm countenance and steady complexion. Place the hand beneath the jaw and draw the bow to its full, level extent. Thus, "The body must be upright like a trunk, and the arm straight like a branch." After the arrow is released, one must execute the rotation of the bow tips (so that the upper tip points towards the target), the pressing down of the elbow, and the flipping up of the wrist. Postural defects such as a protruding chest or a slumping back are considered "ailments to the bone" in the art of archery.

开弓勘手：指前手（持弓手）抬得太高，后手（拉弦手）太低，导致两手不平。

开弓提手：指前手太低，后手太高。

开弓偃弰：指身体虽然直立但头部后仰，且前手的初显仰腕动作。

两摘：指发箭时没有协调发力，导致前后手动作散乱分解，力量不集中。

不齐所弦：指箭射出时弓身不稳。原因是握把太死没有转腕动作；正确做法应是微松手指让弓把自然旋转（转弝）。

脱弝：指手握得太松，导致弓把在手中倒提或滑落。

［发刀］弰、弰子大二件：指下弓梢在发箭后由于动作失控撞击到了右肩胛。

后手约：指后手侧向使力，没有做到“仰腕”的跟进动作。

后手小：指发箭时手缩着不动，不敢放手延伸，动作过于拘谨。

后手偃：指发箭时动作不直、不果断，或者手指刮蹭弓弦（剪弦），导致出箭不顺。

Common Faults in Standing Archery

• Kān-shǒu (High Front Hand): Refers to the front hand being too high while the back hand is too low, creating an uneven plane.

• Tí-shǒu (High Back Hand): Refers to the front hand being too low while the back hand is raised too high.

• Yǎn-shāo (Tilted Bow Tip): Occurs when the body is upright but the head leans back, accompanied by an upward tilt of the front wrist.

• Liǎng-zhāi (Disconnected Release): Refers to a lack of unified power during release, causing the front and back hand movements to break apart or become uncoordinated.

• Bù-qí-suǒ-xián (Unstable Bow): Refers to the bow shaking during release because the grip is too tight without wrist rotation; one should slightly relax the hand to let the handle rotate (Zhuǎn-bà).

• Tuō-bà (Loose Grip): Occurs when the grip is so loose that the bow handle slips or tilts uncontrollably in the hand.

• [Fā-dāo] Shāo (Shoulder Strike): A fault where the lower tip of the bow strikes the right shoulder blade after the shot.

• Hòu-shǒu-yuē (Side Swinging of the Back Hand): Refers to the back hand swinging sideway during release rather than performing the "pressing down the elbow and flipping up the wrist" (Yǎng-wàn) follow-through.

• Hòu-shǒu-xiǎo (Timid Release): Refers to holding the hand stiffly and failing to release fully, resulting in a cramped movement (no follow-through).

• Hòu-shǒu-yǎn (Dragging Release): Occurs when the release is not straight or sharp, or when the fingers interfere with the string (clipping the string), causing a unclean shot.

〈前后手法·卢宗边太尉释〉

1. 摋（sà）——后手的平直力

• 解释：《说文》说：“侧着手击打物体叫做摋。”

• 要领：指撒放时，后手（拉弦手）要像侧手击物一样果断。后手甩出后使手臂与肩膀保持在同一条平直线上。

2. 捩（liè）——前后的扭转力

• 解释：《说文》说：“捩，就是拗转的意思。”

• 要领：指开弓时，前手推弓把，后手控弓弦，两手配合发力，如同用力折断、扭转物体（拗捩）的状态。

3. 𢲬（jué）——摘弦的断裂感（注：原文字形为“上绝下力”）

• 解释：《说文》说：“𢲬，就是断的意思。”

• 要领：指后手摘弦发射时，要像猛然挣断绳索一样干脆。发箭后手翻向后方，手掌向上，能看到掌纹。

4. 擿（zhì）——前手的投掷感（注：原文字形为“手窒”）

• 解释：《说文》说：“擿，就是投掷的意思。”

• 要领：指发射瞬间，前手点击弓梢的动作要像掷物一样。使上弓梢指向靶心，下弓梢抵在肩胛骨下方。

Explanations of Hand Techniques by Marshal Lu Zongbian (Song Dynasty)

1. Sà (Lateral Strike) — Alignment of the Release

• Etymology: Shuowen states: "Striking an object with the side of the hand is called Sà."

• Technique: It means the back hand (drawing hand) should act as if striking an object during release. In follow through, draw hand travels straight. Draw hand, arm, and shoulder should align in a straight line in final position.

2. Liè (Twisting) — The Torque of the Draw

• Etymology: Shuowen states: " Liè means to twist or snap by force."

• Technique: It refers to the front hand pushing the handle and the back hand controlling the string, working together in a powerful twisting or snapping motion as if breaking a object.

3. Jué (Snapping) — The Crispness of Release

• Etymology: Shuowen states: " Jué means to break or sever."

• Technique: When the back hand releases the string, it should be like a sudden snap or break. The hand then flips backward with the palm facing up, revealing the palm lines.

4. Zhì (Throwing) — The Follow-through of the Bow Hand

• Etymology: Shuowen states: " Zhì means to throw or hurl."

• Technique: At the moment of release, the front hand's movement regarding the bow tips should be like throwing an object. The upper tip should point at the target, while the lower tip rests beneath the shoulder blade.

General Method of Mounted Archery

[Technique and Spirit] Your momentum should be as swift as the chasing wind, and your gaze as sharp as a flash of lightning. Draw the bow to its full extent and release the arrow with tight, decisive speed. Keep your eyes fixed on the target without a single blink. Do not sit stiffly or apathetically; instead, remain in perfect harmony with the horse’s gallop. Without losing the pace of the charge, let the release of the arrow be as powerful and inevitable as an armored-breaking blow.

【动作规范】 左手自然下垂，大拇指微弯扣住弓弝，食指和中指用力握住弓与箭，其余手指斜向笼握住弓弝下部，指向左脚面。右手弯曲放在胸前（当心），右臂紧贴肋部。用大拇指、食指和中指扣在弦的指节上，四指顺着弦的方向侧向提住弓梢，箭尾与手齐平。

【核心口诀】

“持弓审固事须知，垛在南时面向西。右手捉弓左当弝，仍令箭筈两相齐。” （注：这规定了练习时的方位：如果靶子在南面，人应面向西站立，确保身体与目标的几何关系正确。 右手握住弓弦（扣箭处），左手把持住弓弝，并使箭尾的扣弦处与弓箭的位置相互齐整。）

Holding the Bow at Pre-draw 

[Technical Standard] Let the left hand hang naturally, with the thumb slightly curved to grip the bow handle. Use the second and third fingers (index and middle) to firmly hold both the bow and the arrow. The remaining fingers should diagonally wrap around the lower part of the handle, pointing toward the top of the left foot. Bend the right hand in front of the heart, keeping the right arm close to the ribs. Use the thumb, index, and middle fingers on the joints to hook the string, lifting the bow tip while keeping the arrow nock level with the hand.

[The Mnemonics]

"To hold the bow firmly, one must know the rule: If the target is in the south, face the west. The right hand grasps the bow while the left holds the handle, ensuring the arrow and nock are perfectly aligned."

【动作规范】 身体稍微前倾（钦身），双眼紧紧注视着箭靶。左手手指参差环绕（轮指），手腕下压（坐腕）紧握弓把，使整张弓与箭呈现出如同“怀中吐月”般的弧形气势。随后，用左手的食指（第二指）与中指（第三指）靠近中心位置，斜向插入并拨动弓弦，使弓的上部传导并贴近右肩。接着抬起左脚，连续移动三步以调整位置并取箭。

【核心口诀】

“举弝拨弦横纵脚，轮指坐腕身微钦。指弰斜传右肩膊，左手持把横对心。” （注：口诀总结了要领：举弓拨弦时调整步法，手指环绕、下压手腕且身体微倾；弓梢斜向对准右肩，左手握弓把横向对准心口。）

Raising the Bow and Adjusting the String

[Technical Standard] Slightly lean the body forward (Qīn-shēn) and fix your gaze intently on the target. The fingers of the left hand should wrap around in a staggered fashion (Lún-zhǐ), with the wrist pressed down (Zuò-wàn) to grip the bow handle, creating a posture described as "Holding the moon in one's chest." Following this, use the index and middle fingers of the left hand to approach the center and diagonally insert them to pluck the string, allowing the upper part of the bow to lean toward the right shoulder. Then, lift the left foot and take three shifting steps to adjust your position and prepare the arrow.

[The Mnemonics]

"Raise the handle and pluck the string while adjusting your steps; wrap the fingers, press the wrist, and lean the body slightly. Let the finger and bow tip point diagonally toward the right shoulder, while the left hand holds the handle level with the heart."

【动作规范】 用左手的中指托承，紧紧压住无名指和小指，形成“钩落上笼”的稳固结构。

动作开始时，先迈出右脚，随着步伐的移动，左手指尖顺势抵住弓弝。接着用食指（二指）按住箭身，中指（三指）斜向拨开箭支，无名指（四指）和小指（五指）向内侧斜向钩住。此时，左手的食指和中指配合，扣住弓身并迅速将箭向后引导直至箭头（簇）处。

【核心口诀】

“前当弓弝一般齐，三实两虚势渐离。小指取箭羁紧簇，抹羽入弦无暂迟。” （注：口诀要点：前端与弓弝保持齐平，手指要分清“三实两虚”的力度 *中指/无名指/小指实抓， 拇指/食指虚抓*。用小指取箭并辅助控制箭簇位置，顺势抹过箭羽将箭扣入弦中，整个动作必须一气呵成，不可有半点迟疑。）

Stroking the Fletching and Securing the Arrow

[Technical Standard] Use the middle finger of the left hand as a support, pressing firmly against the ring finger and pinky to form the "Hooked Cage" (Gōu-luò-shàng-lóng) grip.

Begin by raising the right foot; as you step, align the tips of the left fingers against the bow handle (Bà). Use the index finger (2nd) to press the arrow, the middle finger (3rd) to move the arrow diagonally, and the ring and pinky fingers (4th & 5th) to hook inward diagonally. The index and middle fingers of the left hand then work together to secure the bow frame, pulling the arrow back swiftly until it reaches the arrowhead (Cù).

[The Mnemonics]

"Align the front with the bow handle evenly; with three fingers firm and two relaxed (thumb and index finger relaxed), the posture gradually expands. Use the pinky to retrieve arrow and control the position of the arrow head, stroke the fletching, and nock the arrow tail into the string without a moment's delay."

（扣弦入槽）

【动作规范】 右手食指（第二指）緊緊控制住箭尾扣弦處（筈），大拇指捻住箭筈並對準心窩位置。前手（持弓手）配合後手（拉弦手）的力量，將箭桿推入並扣入弦中。此時左腳尖指向箭靶（垛），腳跟稍微向外偏出；右腳橫向站直，鞋口對準箭靶。輕巧地將箭扣在弦上。左手的食指與中指下壓手腕（坐腕），控制住前端，雙眼斜向注視著目標。

【核心口诀】

「右手二指抱箭垛，兩手相迎穩入弦。捻筈當心斜覷貼，緊膨兩膝直如衡。」 （注：口訣要點：右手食指抱住箭尾，兩手配合穩固地將箭扣入弦中。將箭尾對準心窩並斜向瞄準靶心，兩膝用力撐開，使下半身像秤桿一樣平直穩固。）

Nocking the Arrow at the Heart

[Technical Standard] Use the index finger (2nd finger) of the right hand to firmly control the arrow nock (Guò), with the thumb pinching the nock and aligning it with the center of your chest (the heart). The front hand should work in coordination with the back hand to push the arrow shaft forward and fit the nock onto the string. The toes of the left foot should point toward the target butt (Duǒ), with the heel slightly turned out; the right foot stands sideways and straight, with the shoe opening facing the target. Nock the arrow lightly onto the string. Use the index and middle fingers of the left hand to press the wrist downward (Zuò-wàn), securing the front of the arrow while gazing diagonally at the mark.

[The Mnemonics]

"The right index finger embraces the nock; both hands meet to fit it steadily onto the string. Pinch the nock at the heart/chest while gazing diagonally at the target; brace both knees firmly until they are as straight as a balance scale."

（展臂牵拉）

【动作规范】 手指環繞握住弓把（輪指把弝），向前伸出持弓的手，稍微調整上弓臂的受力（微合上怦）。兩支手臂應隨著弓弦的拉力保持自然的彎曲，不可僵直地完全伸展開。左手採用輪指握法，食指（第二指）空出並越過弓把的關節上方，大拇指指面緊貼弓把，彎曲起指節，其餘手指則實實地握屈。向下鋪平前臂，左右腳與雙膝的著力要保持均衡一致。

【核心口诀】

「前腳鋪下若推山，右指彎弓緊扣弦，兩臂梢曲不展盡，文牽須用緩投肩。」 （注：口訣要點：前腳踩實穩如推山，右手彎弓並緊扣住弦。兩臂保持微曲不要完全伸直，穩健地牽拉（文牽）時必須緩緩地沉下肩膀。）

Spreading the Arm and Drawing the String

[Technical Standard] Wrap your fingers around the handle (Lún-zhǐ bà-bà) and push out the front hand, slightly adjusting the tension of the upper limb (Shàng-pēng). Both arms should curve naturally with the string; do not extend them to their absolute limit. In the left hand's "wheel-grip," leave the index finger (2nd finger) free to pass over the joint of the bow handle; the surface of the thumb should press firmly against the handle with the joint bent, while the remaining fingers grip firmly. Flatten the forearm (Pù-xià qián-bó), ensuring that the force applied by both legs and knees is equal.

[The Mnemonics]

"Placing the front foot is like pushing a mountain; the right fingers bend the bow and hold the string tight. Keep both arms slightly curved and not fully extended; for a steady draw (Wén-qiān), one must slowly press down the shoulder."

（前倾开弓）

【动作规范】 用右手的食指（第二节）稳住箭支，目光从弓弝外侧（左侧）紧紧盯住靶心的红点（贴）。侧过手引箭向后拉，直到箭镞（簇）位置。大拇指应靠近锁骨处（血盆骨），这标志着引弓到位。凡是箭镞与弓弝齐平时称为“满”；若拉过弓弝一半的位置则称为“贯盈”。“贯盈”的境界确实极其精美，虽然有人能达到，但大体上身体的胁肋、两脚和双膝的着力感必须保持一致。

【核心口诀】

“开弓发矢要钦身，弝外分明认贴真。前肘上翻双膊耸，胁肋脚膝力须匀。” （注：口诀要点：开弓射箭时身体要微向前手倾。目光从弓弝外侧看清靶心。前手肘部上翻，双肩耸起发力，全身从胁肋到脚膝的力量必须分布均匀。）

Leaning Forward and Drawing the Bow

[Technical Standard] Use the right index finger to secure the arrow. Fix your gaze from the outside (left side) of the bow handle (Bà) onto the center of the target (Tiē). Draw the arrow back with a lateral hand motion until the arrowhead (Cù) is reached; the thumb should approach the supraclavicular fossa (Xuè-pén-gǔ) to mark the completion of the draw. When the arrowhead reaches the bow handle, it is called "Full Draw" (Mǎn); drawing it past the midpoint of the handle is called "Abundant" (Guàn-yíng). While the state of Guàn-yíng is truly beautiful and attainable by some, the internal force applied through the ribs, feet, and knees must remain consistently balanced.

[The Mnemonics]

"To draw the bow and release the arrow, one must lean slightly forward (towards the front hand); recognize the target clearly from outside the bow handle. Bend the front elbow upward and shrug both shoulders for power; ensure the force in your ribs, feet, and knees is perfectly even."

（全力发射）

【动作规范】 挺直腰部并顺势送出弓梢，使上弓梢划向地面，下弓梢传导至右臂。后手（拉弦手）(在撒放后）做出仰腕姿势，竭尽全力将后肘向后下方撑开并越过肋部，使后手顺势向后延伸；前手（持弓手）猛力张开虎口，用力向下急促按压并转动弓腕，用无名指和小指（第四、五节）紧紧钩住弓弝。此时双肩凸出发力，箭的力道会成倍增强。

【核心口诀】

“弰去犹如搦断把，箭发应同捻折弦。前弰画鞋后靠脊，极力遣出犹自然。” （注：口诀要点：弓梢甩出的劲道要像要把弓把捏断一样，箭发出的瞬间要像捻断琴弦般干脆。前弓梢下划靠近鞋面，后弓稍延伸贴近脊背，即便用尽全力发射，动作也要保持自然顺畅。）

Releasing the Arrow with Full Force

[Technical Standard] Straighten the waist and thrust out the bow tips (Shāo), allowing the upper tip to sweep toward the ground and the lower tip to align with the right arm. The back hand wrist should be flipped (after release) so that the palm faces upward (Yǎng-wàn); with maximum effort, drop down the back elbow past the ribs and extend the back hand backward. The front hand should forcefully widen the "tiger’s mouth" (web of the thumb), applying a sudden downward pressure while rotating the wrist, and use the ring and pinky fingers to firmly hook the bow handle (Bà). With the shoulders protruding to exert power, the force of the arrow will increase signficantly.

[The Mnemonics]

"The tips fly as if you were snapping the handle; the release should be as crisp as snapping a string. Let the front bow tip (upper tip) sweep by your shoe and the back bow tip (lower tip) reach toward your spine; even when releasing with maximum force, the movement should remain natural."

【动作规范】 准备下一支箭时，两手要相互配合衔接。伸直右手横过胸前，弯曲左手使弓弦顺势卷动。用右手的食指（第二指）取箭，此时左脚跟踩实地面，耸起身体并稍微收敛气息，双眼紧盯着靶心。弯曲右手让肘部紧贴，用左手的食指和中指侧向稳住弓身；随后伸直右手上臂并翻转手腕（仰腕），横过胸前取箭。

【核心口诀】

“右指羁箭当胸出，左手卷弦弰靠肩。箭已中时无动手，抹羽入筈法如前。” （注：口诀要点：右手食指控箭从胸前带出，左手卷动弓弦使弓梢靠近肩膀。箭射中目标时，身体和手不要乱动，保持定力。随后的抹羽、扣弦入筈等动作，都和前面教过的方法一样。）

Rolling the String and Re-nocking

[Technical Standard] For the subsequent arrow, both hands must meet in coordination. Straighten the right hand across the chest and bend the left hand to roll the string. Use the right index finger (2nd finger) to take the arrow. At this moment, keep the left heel firmly on the ground, lift the body slightly while gathering your breath, and keep both eyes fixed on the target. Bend the right hand and sequeeze the elbow, use the left index and middle fingers to secure the bow handle; then, straighten the right upper arm and flip the wrist upward(Yǎng-wàn), reaching across the chest to fetch the next arrow.

[The Mnemonics]

"The right finger secures the arrow as it comes from the chest; the left hand rolls the string until the tip rests near the shoulder. When the arrow hits the mark, remain still without unnecessary movement; the methods for stroking the fletching and nocking remain as before."

（良弓的六大标准）

【六大标准】 一把好弓必须具备六个优点：

1. 性体少而劲：弓身轻巧（自重小）但回弹力强劲。

2. 太和而有力：拉开过程顺滑（和）且蓄能巨大。

3. 久射力不屈：长时间连续射击，弓的拉力不会衰减。

4. 寒暑力一：无论严寒还是酷暑，弓的弹力保持一致。

5. 弦声清实：放箭时弦声清脆悦耳，不沉闷。

6. 张便正：拉开时弓身端正，不歪斜、不蹩扭。

【工艺解析：筋、胶、材】

• 筋（筋的预处理）：凡是弓身轻巧就容易拉开，并且使用寿命长，但是毛病在于它不够劲。要让弓强劲，妙处在于处理动物筋。筋干透后长度会缩减一半，需用胶汤浸泡拉伸后再使用，使其弹力发挥到极致，不再受力变形。

• 节（木材比例）：通过反向弯曲弓胎，预先赋予木材一个应力，使其在后续粘贴角、筋并最终上弦后，能够形成完美的合力。弓臂的木节分布决定了手感。节短则拉感柔和但力虚；节长则刚健但生硬；唯有比例适中，才能做到既柔顺又强劲，且弦声清脆。

• 胶（抗气候性）：胶受环境的影响。如果胶层太厚，天冷会僵硬难拉，天热会绵软无力。因此胶层要薄，让弹力主要由筋承担而非依赖胶，这样才能做到久射不累，寒暑如一。

• 材（木材选型）：弓身是否端正取决于选材。要观察木纹理，不靠人工揉校就能自然中绳（笔直）的材料，做出的弓才不会出现“跛弓”（左右受力不均）。

The Six Excellences of a Bow - added by Shen Kuo (Song Dynasty)

[The Six Standards] A superior bow must possess six qualities:

1. Lightweight yet Powerful: The bow's physical weight is light but has a forceful snapback.

2. Smooth yet Energetic: The draw is smooth and fluid, yet contains great stored energy.

3. Consistent Strength: The draw weight does not sag even after prolonged shooting.

4. Stable in All Climates: The draw weight remains consistent between summer and winter.

5. Clear and Solid Sound: The string produces a crisp, clean tone upon release.

6. Proper Alignment: The bow remains perfectly aligned without twist when drawn.

[Technical Analysis: Sinew, Glue, and Wood]

• Sinew (The Secret of Power): If the bow body is light and handy, it is easy to draw and has a long lifespan, but its drawback is that it lacks power. To make a bow powerful, the secret lies in treating the sinew. Since dried sinew shrinks by half, it must be soaked in glue and stretched to its limit before use so it won't lose tension later.

• Sections of wood (Proportions): By reversely bending the bow stave, a prestress is applied to the wood in advance, so that after the subsequent attachment of horn and sinew and the final stringing, it can form a perfect synergy of forces. Short sections make the draw soft but weak; long sections make it stiff and stubborn. Only a balanced proportion ensures a smooth, powerful draw and a clear sound.

• Glue (Weather Resistance): Glue characteristic is deeply influenced by weather. Glue becomes stiff in winter and soft in summer. Therefore, one should use a thin layer of glue so the strength relies on the sinew rather than the glue. This ensures consistent performance regardless of temperature.

• Wood (Structural Integrity): The straightness of a bow depends on the natural grain of the wood. A bow maker must select wood that is naturally straight without needing heat-shaping, then when the bow is drawn it will not warp.