Grand
Archery
One-on-one Olympic recurve lessons in Toronto with NCCP-certified coach John Zhang. For children from age 8, teens and adults, in English or Mandarin.
Stillness first. Accuracy follows.
John Zhang
NCCP-certified coach and Archery Ontario judge. John teaches Olympic recurve, from first-day fundamentals and range safety to technique for archers who want to compete. Every lesson is taught by John in person, in English or Mandarin.
Student achievements
Students are encouraged to compete in Archery Ontario events, and the coach prepares them for it.
IFAA Olympic Recurve, U18 Women
Where we train
Indoor ranges across North York and Markham, and an outdoor range for the competition season. If none is convenient, tell the coach your area and he will recommend another.
Quiet, well equipped, with a full wall of mirrors and a 10 m lane. A good place to build correct habits in a safe setting. Indoor sports shoes required.
Open in Google MapsBooked separately, with flexible scheduling. Students training with the coach can use the range outside store hours.
Open in Google MapsBooked separately, with flexible scheduling. Students training with the coach can use the range outside store hours. Indoor sports shoes required.
Open in Google MapsLocated south of the Ontario Science Centre. Used for outdoor training, especially during the outdoor competition season.
Open in Google MapsPrivate lessons
One hour per lesson. Coaching and equipment are included.
No packages and no commitment. Book one lesson at a time, and continue for as long as it helps. Most students train once or twice a week at a regular time. All equipment is provided at no extra cost.
Book a first lesson“The archery served to show the completeness of the archer's virtue.”
Our Chinese name, 觀德 (Guāndé), sounds like “Grand”. It comes from this line, written more than eight centuries ago by the Southern Song scholar Zhu Xi. We took it as our name in the hope that archers grow, through practice, into more complete people.
Children, teens and adults. Beginners start with safety and stance.
Private and small-group lessons, so the coach sees every shot.
Fitted to each archer. Lessons in English or Mandarin.
Four stages, in order.
Each stage has defined content, and the pace follows the archer. Training is quiet by design. Coaching happens between ends, while archers collect their arrows, so concentration stays unbroken.
Safety and equipment
Range rules, whistle commands and the shooting line. A bow and arrows matched to height and strength.
Foundations
Stance, nocking, set-up, draw, anchor and release. Each step done correctly before the next.
Consistency
Repeating one shot process until arrows land together. Using a sight and basic tuning.
Distance and competition
Longer distances, scoring and tournament rules, for archers who want to compete.
Social media
Articles and training notes are posted on social media.
Questions
How old does my child need to be?
Eight or older. The coach matches the bow to the archer's height and strength.
Is experience required?
No. The first lesson starts with safety, equipment and basic stance.
How often are lessons?
Most students come once or twice a week at a regular time. If you need to reschedule or pause, just let the coach know in advance.
What happens after I get in touch?
The coach sends a waiver, a registration form and some short reading to review before your first lesson. Once those are back, you confirm a time and begin.
Do we need to buy equipment?
No. Everything needed from first lesson to advanced training is provided. Buy your own only when you reach a level where fit matters, and the coach will advise.
Where are lessons held?
North York, Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. The venue is arranged with the coach.
Book a first lesson.
Email is the best way to reach the coach. Please include the archer's age, any experience, your preferred area and the number of archers.