Which route would you take?

[Klavenga]

Alright Tradgang, I would like your input on what you think would be the best route for me to take to improve in archery. I have been doing traditional archery for about a year now. I have had no type of archery experience prior to starting traditional. Yesterday, I started researching books, DVDs, and places to take lessons in order to learn and improve. Come to find out, I live about an hour from where the great Rod Jenkins holds private lessons. Now, I know that I want to take some lessons from Rod, I just don't know when I should. To clarify that, I got to wondering if it would be better to get some DVDs, like Masters of the Barebow, and try to develope a consistent form, anchor, release, etc. and then take lessons or if I should just take lessons asap. I can see the benefits of trying to improve first, but I can also see where it could hamper me with the possibility of grooving in bad habits more than they already are.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and I appreciate any and all input.

[moebow]

IF, I were at your level of experience and lived that close to Rod, I'd RUN, not walk to the nearest phone and get on his schedule.  I'd review Volume 3 of Masters of the Barebow so I knew the "plan" (what his approach is) before going.

Go with an open mind and a willingness to LEARN things that MAY not be what you believe and a willingness to change!  Hands on is always the best way to learn.  Do it SOON!

Arne

[McDave]

Originally posted by moebow:
IF, I were at your level of experience and lived that close to Rod, I'd RUN, not walk to the nearest phone and get on his schedule.  I'd review Volume 3 of Masters of the Barebow so I knew the "plan" (what his approach is) before going.

Go with an open mind and a willingness to LEARN things that MAY not be what you believe and a willingness to change!  Hands on is always the best way to learn.  Do it SOON!

Arne

+1.

It's always easier to learn the right way to do things if you don't have to unlearn the wrong way first.

There are other styles of archery than the one Rod teaches, and possibly you may find one you like better than the one Rod teaches.  However, the style Rod teaches is the one MOST successful traditional archers use, and you can't go wrong with that as a place to start.

[oops sorry]

I had a lot of arrows that were way too short after one of Rod's seminars. I don't recall them shrinking but they sure did. The other thing was the bows suddenly got a lot more quiet.