Founding of the Association

Hello world, I am writing to you from Toronto. We are shooting out from ET Seton Park, Toronto, Canada.

It is January 2026, not too far from the upcoming year of the fire horse that some say mark a time of great change. Our world today also see many turmoils and unrests, and it is at this time that I have decided to propose an International Manchu Archery Association. Now is always the best time, and especially there is already a global presence of Manchu bow / Qing bow (清弓) enthusiasts.

The purpose of this association is to encourage the practice of Manchu Archery as a martial art for sports and self-cultivation. It was not only historically part of the elite identity of the Qing dynasty bannermen and civilian military exam but also many Qing archery texts talk about self cultivation through the practice of archery.

In order for us to be a martial art that utilizes the Manchu Bow, it is crucial to practice the art in standard manners. There are four aspects that the martial art can standardize so that we are practicing the same thing despite geographical differences:

• Equipment, 

• Techniques, 

• Facility, and 

• Culture. 

The existent of the association also serves as an “ecosystem” for archers who wish to practice the Manchu / Qing bow. This ecosystem refers to:

1. info on sellers / maker of standard equipment, 
2. info on standard techniques that majority of the association recognize, 
3. info on how to set up a range for Manchu / Qing practices
4. info on the cultural aspects. (Qing archery texts translate from Chinese to English or links to existing information on Manchu archery)

The association will serves as a hub to distribute these info online via a website, facebook, instagram, youtube channel, etc. Most importantly, it serves as a portal for new ethusiasts to connect with local chapters that can initiate them into the art!  The association wish for the formation of local chapters and enthusiasts practice regularly together and forming friendships as well.

Ultimately it would be awesome to see chapters hosting local events and even international events that focus on the Manchu / Qing archery.

Just imagine the fun of all Manchu archers testing our skills together in a tournament!

Your Humble Administrator

Stephen Tang

2026-01-17 Toronto