Recurve Bow
The versatile foundation of martial archery
The recurve bow represents thousands of years of archery evolution. Its distinctive curved limb tips store more energy than a straight bow of the same length, making it more powerful and efficient. This design appears across cultures from ancient Egypt to the steppes of Central Asia.
At Academie Duello, the recurve serves as an excellent starting point for developing fundamental archery skills that transfer to all bow types.
Why Start with Recurve?
- Forgiving of minor form errors while learning
- Available in low draw weights for beginners
- Skills transfer directly to other bow types
- Versatile for multiple shooting contexts
Anatomy of the Weapon
Understanding the recurve's efficient design
The recurve bow's defining feature is the curve at the end of each limb that bends away from the archer when unstrung. This design allows the limbs to store more energy during the draw and release it more efficiently than a straight-limbed bow.
Modern traditional recurves are often "takedown" designs where the limbs detach from the riser, allowing for easy transport and the ability to change limbs as your strength increases.
We shoot our recurves without sights or modern accessories—traditional barebow archery that develops the archer's intuitive connection with the weapon.
Key Components
- Riser: The central handle section of the bow
- Limbs: The curved sections that store and release energy
- Recurve Tips: The curved ends that define this bow type
- String: Modern Dacron or traditional materials
- Arrow Rest: Simple shelf or stick-on rest
Nature of the Art
Building foundational archery skills
The recurve bow rewards proper form with consistent accuracy. As a barebow archer, you'll develop instinctive aiming—learning to hit your target through practiced repetition rather than mechanical sights.
Consistency
Develop repeatable form—the same stance, draw, anchor, and release every time.
Instinctive Aim
Learn to aim without sights—your brain calculates the shot through practice.
Adaptability
Skills developed on the recurve transfer to every other bow type.
Training Progression
Building skills systematically
Foundation Phase
- Safe bow handling and range etiquette
- Proper stance and body alignment
- Mediterranean draw technique
- Anchor point and consistent release
Development Phase
- Back tension and proper muscle engagement
- Instinctive aiming development
- Distance variation and trajectory
- Speed shooting introduction
Begin Your Archery Journey
The recurve is often the first bow our students encounter. Start with our beginner archery course to build your foundation.