About the Academy
The Traditional Archery Academy is an independent, field-based training project. We approach the bow not simply as sporting equipment, but as a practical discipline combining skill, movement, attention, and the natural landscape.
The Founder
Founded by Jan Franko, the academy operates with a clear purpose: to study and practice traditional archery through real-world environments, disciplined training, and cultural exploration.
We are not a conventional sports club or a commercial shooting range. Instead, the academy is a focused initiative for individuals who want to master the bow as both a technical skill and a personal discipline.
Origins
Jan’s approach developed through years of independent training and the deep exploration of historical archery traditions.
Rather than limiting his practice to static, indoor target ranges, he took his training into forests, mountains, and varied terrains. In these settings, it became clear that attention, movement, and environmental awareness play a direct and critical role in instinctive shooting.
Evolution of the Academy
Over time, this personal discipline evolved into a structured training framework. What began as individual field practice grew into a complete training system.
Today, the academy organizes training sessions, field workshops, multi-day retreats, and cultural expeditions. All programs are conducted in small groups to maintain a calm training atmosphere and preserve the quality of personal instruction.
Training Environments
Traditional archery requires adaptability. The academy operates across several carefully selected natural environments in Central Europe and Mongolia, each offering different terrain and conditions:
- Slovakia (Zemiansky Vrbovok, Muránska planina, Košice, Podhájska): Ranging from quiet wilderness and mountain plateaus for extended outdoor training, to private gardens for technical practice and geothermal retreats for physical recovery.
- Austria (Ehrwald – Zugspitze Region): Alpine terrain providing access to mountain environments and archery parkour courses.
- Germany (Eisenbach – Black Forest): Forest parkour courses combined with archery infrastructure suitable for structured field practice.
These varied landscapes allow participants to train under changing weather and terrain conditions, moving far beyond the limitations of conventional archery ranges.
Training Philosophy
Traditional archery is often misunderstood as either sport shooting or historical reenactment. We approach it differently. It demands more than mechanical accuracy—it requires attention, stability, and the ability to remain composed under changing conditions.
Our training focuses on simple, consistent principles:
- Shoot with attention.
- Move with awareness.
- Practice regularly in real environments.
The goal is not just perfect technique, but consistent presence, mental stability, and physical control under pressure.
LEADERSHIP & INSTRUCTION
The academy is directed by Jan Franko, who unites two decades of therapeutic depth with traditional bow discipline to teach instinctive mastery through structure and safety.