Archery:
from War to Peace

by Lorenzo Carrara

Archery is a practice as ancient as mankind, derived from war and hunting techniques and therefore closely linked with the vital needs of survival much more than other arts and disciplines.

Today, after many centuries of bloody and violent use, archery has been reborn in a new form. No longer used as a lethal weapon, the bow becomes an instrument that can be used for personal introspection and renewal of body, mind and soul.

Archery can help a person get in touch with his own deep center within. Through this practice, one can develop an improved inner balance, become aware of the body’s potentials, develop deeper concentration, increase perception of spatial and sensorial relationships between inner and outer reality, and realize greater integration of the mind and body. 

Focused archery is a non-competitive practice and a “soft” discipline that is easy on the body. Both young and old can easily learn this method of centering taught through archery.

Lorenzo Carrara, national director of the Archery department within UISP (the most important Italian sports association) has completed in 1984 his studies in western-style archery (FITA archery), and since then has devoted himself to the study and practice of eastern and ancient archery techniques.