Mamluk Archery - 7 week Beginner Course

Registration - Fee and capacity

Course fee is $180 per person for members of Austin Archery Club, or $220 for non-member.

  • Class size is limited to 12 students only

Register

📘 Overview

Journey into the world of a Mamluk warrior-archer. Modeled after the historical training of the Culban(newly recruited Mamluk soldiers), this course is the official entry point into the Mamluk Academy System.

Over seven immersive sessions, you will move beyond simple sport to master the historical techniques, refined form, and spiritual mindset of the Mamluk tradition. The instructional content is drawn directly from the 1368 CE manual Bughyat al-maram wa ghayat al-gharam fi rami al-siham by Grandmaster Taybugha Al-Ashrafi Al-Baklamishi Al-Yunani. This course bridges the gap between ancient manuscript and modern practice.

🏹 What you will learn

Each week introduces new material that builds on the last, so no two sessions are alike. At a high level you will learn:

  • The three schools (Imams): A deep dive into the foundational techniques of the masters: Abu Hashim al-Mawardi, Tahir al-Balkhi, and Ishaq al-Raqqi.

  • Historical theory: Explore the rich history of archery and the warrior culture of the Mamluk Sultanate.

  • Technical mastery: Thumb draw techniques, traditional nocking styles, and the sophisticated Khatra and Iflat release methods.

  • Range fundamentals: Essential safety, etiquette, and equipment knowledge.

🏹 Tiraz exams

Every archer who completes the Mamluk Archery Beginner Course will take their Tiraz exams during session 7. Archers' performances, techniques and knowledge are evaluated.

Culban class

The Culban class, which was the unit of recruits in Mamluk history, forms the basis of Mamluk archery. Each archer who passes their exams are presented with a badge representing that level by their coach.

An archer can test up to Yellow Tiraz after competing this course.

Cuban - Brown Tiraz

Cuban - Yellow Tiraz

What do bring

  • Any style of asiatic bow between 25 and 40 lbs

  • 6-12 arrows with feather fletchings

  • Thumb ring

  • Notebook to take notes

  • Water

  • Bug spray/sunscreen

Do you need equipment?

We have a limited stock of bows, arrows, and quivers for students to use during the dedicated class time. Equipment includes a 25# bow, 6 arrows, a traditional quiver, and a thumb ring.

 

📍Location

  • Austin Archery Club - 4095 City Park Rd, Austin TX, 78730

  • Sessions will be held in the lower static range

🗓️ Schedule

Duration: 7 x 2-hour sessions
Time: 9am - 11am

  • Session 1: Sunday, September 20th

  • Session 2: Sunday, September 27th

  • Session 3:Sunday, October 4th

  • Session 4: Sunday, October 11th

  • Session 5: Sunday, October 18th

  • Session 6: Sunday, October 25th

  • Session 7 - Tiraz Assessment: Sunday, November 1st

☀️ Weather

The courses will be held outdoors in September to November. Texas is hot, so hydrate and dress appropriately. The range is located in a cedar grove, so those sensitive to allergens, please be aware of the active allergy seasons.

Meet your coaches

Kristie Bocanegra

Co-founder of Texas Asiatic Archery
Coach of Mamluk Academy USA

“I have a deep appreciation for all styles of Asiatic archery, but I’m especially drawn to Mamluk archery and how thoughtfully and holistically its system of practice was developed and preserved. My connection to this tradition begins with a love of archery that include the technique, discipline, and history behind it. That appreciation has also given me the opportunity to learn more about the people and cultures connected to its past and present. I enjoy not only practicing these techniques myself, but sharing them with others and creating opportunities for people to experience and appreciate this tradition of archery both in practice and in competition.”

Dieter Galvan

Co-founder of Texas Asiatic Archery
Head Coach of Mamluk Academy USA

“My curiosity for Eastern martial arts drew me into Asiatic archery, but Mamluk techniques became my true passion. What makes this art so special to me is training alongside Academy coaches who share a direct cultural and historical heritage connected to the original military manuscripts. Learning from mentors who naturally understand the authentic nuances of these texts turns every practice into a living art. As a coach, my focus is building a friendly and inclusive community where archers of any experience level feel empowered to connect with this rich legacy, grow their craft, and passionately carry on the tradition.”

Ready to start your journey as a Mamluk warrior?

Register

FAQ

  • Mamluk Academy was founded in 2017 by Alperen Alkan with a passionate commitment to revive historical heritage and bring a fresh perspective to traditional archery in the evolving world. Rooted in the historical Mamluk culture, the academy takes pride in being one of the largest communities globally, offering education in archery and mounted archery.

  • Texas Asiatic Archery acts the headquarters of Mamluk Academy USA. We are the only club in the United States offering Mamluk Academy courses.

  • We strongly recommend that you make all class sessions. Each week introduces new material that builds on the last, so no two sessions are alike. This is important for Tiraz exams, as you will be tested on your knowledge of the materials and evaluated on your technique.

  • Parking is readily available at the lower static range, where classes will be held. Note that the facility has unpaved, rocky, and steep driving paths.

  • Classes are held rain or shine, unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe (such as lightning, or severe winter weather storms)

    • In the event of a weather-related cancellation, classes will be conducted virtually and cover the teachings online.

  • Refunds for events, or archery classes hosted by Texas Asiatic Archery, LLC will be accepted before the start of the event or class within 24 hours of the start time of the first session.

    After acourse has started, no refunds will be accepted.