Historic Mamluk Archery - Beginners Course (Intensive)

This course covers the following skills and objectives:

• 10 hours: An intensive and detailed exploration of Mamluk Archery through Master Archer Taybugha’s 1368CE manual

• A detailed exploration of the three schools of Mamluk Archery (Abu Hashim al-Mawardi, Tahir al- Balkhi & Ishaq al-Raqqi) and historic warrior techniques will also be taught over the weeks.

• There will also be a focus on Mamluk archery history and history of Islamic archery

Basics:

• Safety on the range, including retrieval of and carrying of arrows

• Basic equipment knowledge

• Archery etiquette on the range, and whilst shooting

• Shooting indoors at 15 yards.

Note: No Mediterranean method is taught, although it will be discussed

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Timing: 11:00am - 1:30pm

Session 1: Saturday 1st August 2026 (2.5 Hours)

Session 2: Saturday 8th August 2026 (2.5 Hours)

Session 3: Saturday 15th August 2026 (2.5 Hours)

Session 4: Saturday 22nd August 2026 (2.5 Hours) 

Location: Connaught School for Girls (Main Hall), FREE PARKING is available in the school playground, alternatively free parking on the streets:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Gi6K6BF8Eo4RS4S7

Where to go upon arrival: https://youtu.be/JNR_wgRHZiM?si=9O-wfmrFUjcI176H

Please watch this video and ensure you arrive at CONNAUGHT ROAD, not DYERS HALL ROAD, as some navigation systems may direct you there.

(All archers are expected to arrive for 10:45am to assist with range set up)

“We are sure that you will become
a real master in the Mamluk Archery System.”

This beginners intensive course presents the curriculum of the Culban class within our 5-week basic training program at Fatima Elizabeth Archery Club in association with Mamluk Academy. It will help you improve your overall shooting skills, Mamluk archery knowledge and performance. Your progress will be encouraged and rewarded by earning Mamluk Academy Tirazes.

After completing the 5-week basic Mamluk Archery program, you will be able to participate in the evaluation exams within the Mamluk Academy System. The Tiraz colors you will earn as a result of the evaluation exams will show your level within the Mamluk Academy family.

Mamluk Academy System

In this system, where we teach the war techniques and culture of the Mamluks who ruled over vast geographies for centuries, we aim to develop students not only in archery but also in their culture, history, terminology and physical knowledge. In this system, which we created based on the book bughyat al-maram wa ghayat al-gharam fi rami al-siham written by ‘Ala’uddin Taybugha al-Ashrafi al-Baklimishi al-Yunani who was the grandmaster of Mamluk Archery, there are 4 main classes and 5 levels within each class. Below is the class relevant to our beginners’ intensive course:

The system begins in the Culban (pronounced Julban) class, which is the class of newly Mamluk soldiers in history. This class applies to ground archery and only people who complete the “5 Week Basic Mamluk Archery Program”, can start to shoot in Culban class. Archers who successfully complete all 5 levels in this class are transferred to the Seyfiyye class. It is the class of master archers and also includes 5 levels.

For a more detailed understanding visit the following page on the Mamluk Academy website: https://www.mamlukacademy.com/grading-system