We will help you to become a competent longbow archer, you will be able to shoot consistently at target, field and roving mark archery. Beyond that and we will try and help you become an 'archer'.
By archer we mean more than a person who can shoot a bow and hit a target.
The Japanese practice Kyudo (Queue-do), the 'way of the bow'. This involves learning how to shoot a bow in a technically competent manner, Toteki, this is being able to shoot and hit the target, the only goal. The second stage is that which Samurai Archers sought, Kanteki, this is the way of the warrior who saw his target as his enemy and requires an ability that must come from deep within. Breath control and mind control using internal energy and meditation techniques.The third stage is Zaiteki when the target is neither goal or opponent but an honest reflection of self.

We will teach you Toteki, Kanteki must come from within yourself. You have to learn to let the 'archer' shoot the bow not the person (yourself). This will take you above the average archer. Using simple meditation techniques we can start you on the path of Kanteki. In times of war this would have let you, a Samurai Archer, wait until your opponents were 30 yards away and then shoot with deadly accuracy, with no fear... a state of mushin ( no-mind). This includes zazen ( sitting meditation) and Qi Gong (Chi Kung) internal and external energy ( ki ). Archery practice will include blindfold shooting to 'feel' the bow.

Unfortunately we cannot help with the third stage, Zaiteki, that must come from you alone.

In Plain English, we have to let the archer, not the person, shoot the bow. It takes a lot of time and practice to reach the point where the technique is learned enough to shoot without thinking, a little like riding a bike or driving a car, the actions become intrinsic. As soon as the person 'thinks' about the shot in terms of draw, aim and loose then the person is shooting not the archer. This is maybe what was meant in 'Zen in The Art of Archery' written by Eugen Herrigel when it is said," It (the bow) shoots itself".