One of the things I can finally cross off my bucket list is being able to try archery. Though it’s a sport that only a few people I know are into, I’ve always found it to be fascinating—especially with the bow and arrow being the weapon of choice of a favorite fictional character, Katniss Everdeen.
Last Friday, December 19, it was a pleasure to have received an invite from Kodanda Archery Range (located in Makati Cinema Square) to try out a basic archery class.
It was so convenient, since I had work but my office was just a few blocks away in Salcedo Street, Legazpi Village. The walk took only ten minutes, and my sister, who interned for us during the Christmas break, decided to tag along.In just an hour, we learned the basics such as the proper stance when shooting an arrow, how to hold your bow properly, and an archer’s etiquette. We also got to try shooting various distances. My sister was a natural! She easily hit the bull’s eye no matter how far the target was.
Kodanda Archery Range is a seven-lane, fully air-conditioned indoor archery range on the upper basement of Makati Cinema Square along Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo) in Makati. It’s very accessible if you live or work in Legazpi Village, Makati! They opened last July 2013 to provide an avenue for people who are interested in archery, without having to spend too much. The venue is open to all individuals seven years old and up.
The name Kodanda is Sanskrit for “he who has a bow.” It is also the name of the great bow and constant companion of Rama as he overcomes evil in the Hindu epic Ramayana (Mahabharata being the other epic). Kind of like how Thor calls his hammer Mjolnir.
The first time I shot an arrow, I was actually very nervous! I have a tendency to be clumsy, but at the same time, I can be very competitive—so I was so determined to hit that bull’s eye. However, thanks to our instructors who was very hands-on with us, we picked up the movement quickly and started shooting on our own.
You would think that archery is such an easy sport since it doesn’t involve running, but it’s quite exhausting after a while of shooting! Because of the repetitive movement, it really strengthens your arms, chest, back, and shoulders. It also develops your posture, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Some people would even find a sense of calmness when shooting.
The great thing about Kodanda Archery Range is that it’s the only fully air-conditioned (vs. open air) AND open to the public (vs. club membership required) archery range in Makati. They’re also the most affordable since their hourly fee of Php 550 already includes range rental, use of international-standard equipment and protective gear, and coaching on archery basics from expert instructors. An additional Php 30 is charged per target paper. If you already have your own equipment, rental fee of the archery range is just Php 200. Group reservations are very welcome as well! Wouldn’t it be cool to do this together with friends, or close the place down and have a unique birthday celebration?
Aside from the archery range itself, Kodanda offers lessons for only Php 6,000 (a total of ten sessions). The student will then be issued a Certificate of Completion after. If you’re looking to buy parts or equipment, they have a shop, too! Check out some of the pictures below!
For inquiries, group reservations, and more information, contact (02) 6219109 or (0932) 8436614. You can also e-mail them at [email protected] or visit their website at http://kodandaarchery.wix.com/range.