Eagle and the Grasshopper
"Grasshopper." Yep that would be me, feeling like "grasshopper," like a youngster (newbie), learning the ways of the bow that does not know how to miss.
I found my way to Mike Javi Cooper's Saturday morning for my first lesson. I was determined to go there as a blank sheet of paper, to be taught, and to learn. There were few questions from me as I was soaking up the lesson. There were quite a few simple, but effective demonstrations by Mike on how the individual components of shooting come together. At this point, I was willing to try what was taught and requested of me. I had started shooting Eagle, my new bow, three under but I went ahead and tried split finger, finding it not so hard to shoot. That decision was left totally up to me. I thought, "What the heck, I'm in class and I'm just starting, why not try it and explore split finger."
Sometimes it takes some scratching of the surface to make an impression on me. Of course it wasn't Mike's fault, but there were three things that were the hardest for me to grasp: (1) Standing and addressing the target while "feeling" what "proper alignment" feels like. Mike demonstrated several ways to show me and help me "feel" the proper and not-so-proper alignment. Along with that, there were some demonstrations on gripping the bow (postitioning my hand) and how to "feel" the bow's grip. Again, all this contributing to proper alignment. (2) After that came drawing the bow in such a way that it automatically produced back tension. Back tension, I learned is no mystery and it can be "felt" once the archer's body is in alignment and he/she executes the draw correctly. (3) Finding the center of the center of the center of the target has never been the easiest thing for me. But it makes sense. All of us know it as "aim small, miss small." Only in this case, it's "aim very, very small and miss very, very small."
The brain will take care of putting the arrow where it should be.
I am extremely happy with my lesson and Mike's instruction. I certainly got more than my money's worth and my time with Mike. To me, it was worth every dime. I would do it again and plan to go again after I practice what has been given to me. Oh, I feel the blindfold/eyes closed and the three foot drill coming soon.
Although I am certain that there are quite a few very competent archers on the GS who could and would teach well, based on my experiences, I would recommend Mike to anyone who is willing to be a clean slate and be taught. Mike is very patient and especially for newbies willing to learn, he will be able to teach you well. I enjoyed the lesson very much.
P.S. Don't let Mike let you shoot his 66 inch Sarrels longbow and his custom wood arrows. The bow is a sweet shooter and the arrows will bury themselves about halfway into the target. I was very impressed. I want one now. 
Take care, ya'll. God bless.
I found my way to Mike Javi Cooper's Saturday morning for my first lesson. I was determined to go there as a blank sheet of paper, to be taught, and to learn. There were few questions from me as I was soaking up the lesson. There were quite a few simple, but effective demonstrations by Mike on how the individual components of shooting come together. At this point, I was willing to try what was taught and requested of me. I had started shooting Eagle, my new bow, three under but I went ahead and tried split finger, finding it not so hard to shoot. That decision was left totally up to me. I thought, "What the heck, I'm in class and I'm just starting, why not try it and explore split finger."
Sometimes it takes some scratching of the surface to make an impression on me. Of course it wasn't Mike's fault, but there were three things that were the hardest for me to grasp: (1) Standing and addressing the target while "feeling" what "proper alignment" feels like. Mike demonstrated several ways to show me and help me "feel" the proper and not-so-proper alignment. Along with that, there were some demonstrations on gripping the bow (postitioning my hand) and how to "feel" the bow's grip. Again, all this contributing to proper alignment. (2) After that came drawing the bow in such a way that it automatically produced back tension. Back tension, I learned is no mystery and it can be "felt" once the archer's body is in alignment and he/she executes the draw correctly. (3) Finding the center of the center of the center of the target has never been the easiest thing for me. But it makes sense. All of us know it as "aim small, miss small." Only in this case, it's "aim very, very small and miss very, very small."
The brain will take care of putting the arrow where it should be.I am extremely happy with my lesson and Mike's instruction. I certainly got more than my money's worth and my time with Mike. To me, it was worth every dime. I would do it again and plan to go again after I practice what has been given to me. Oh, I feel the blindfold/eyes closed and the three foot drill coming soon.
Although I am certain that there are quite a few very competent archers on the GS who could and would teach well, based on my experiences, I would recommend Mike to anyone who is willing to be a clean slate and be taught. Mike is very patient and especially for newbies willing to learn, he will be able to teach you well. I enjoyed the lesson very much.
P.S. Don't let Mike let you shoot his 66 inch Sarrels longbow and his custom wood arrows.
The bow is a sweet shooter and the arrows will bury themselves about halfway into the target. I was very impressed. I want one now. Take care, ya'll. God bless.
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