Javanese Archery Workshop

A Cultural Heritage That is Sure to Fascinate

Wishlist
$21.00 per guest
1 - 10 guests 3 hours 09:00 14:00
+1
15:00
Hosted by Pak Agus

Highlights

  • Learn more about the fascinating history and background of this rare Javanese heritage from local guardians of the craft
  • You will wear the traditionally required Javanese head gear and batik wrap (sarong) around your waist before beginning the workshop
  • Meet and interact with your host and his community - a group of passionate men who keep this 'almost-dying' heritage alive and thriving
  • Be surprised in understanding how Javanese archery involves meditation and philosophy
  • Learn techniques of Javanese archery and shoot arrows afterwards for a well rounded experience

Inclusive of:

  • All necessary equipments
  • Outdoor practice space in a safe environment
  • Safety briefing and basic techniques
  • English speaking host
  • Light refreshments
  • Traditional head gear and batik sarong (waist wrap)

Not Inclusive of:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off service
  • Lunch
$US 21.00 per guest
Instant confirmation
1 - 10 guests
3 hours
09:00 14:00
+1
15:00
Cancellation Policy: Moderate

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to booking start time.

More About This Experience

It's true if the guide books claim that Yogyakarta captivates the curious! Within the city is a world rich in history, culture and arts where deep traditional practices permeates almost every aspect of daily life. Once you get to know Yogyakarta from the inside, you'll soon find out that this is where ancient Javanese traditions that are on the brink of extinction come to thrive and flourish. Thus it is no surprise that the ancient Javanese art of Archery or locally know as Jemparingan, is still practiced by a small community of people who live in Langenastro, a small village bordering the walls of the Kraton - while outside of the community, Jemparingan is virtually unknown. Jemparingan, (jemparing literally meaning "arrow') is unlike any archery you might have come across. The first unique feature is the cross-legged seating position archers must adhere to. We believe Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games would have been just as surprised to learn this. Next is the target itself - measuring just 30-35 cm in length and about 5 cm in diameter is the Pendulum, a cylindrical shaped target. As you will notice in the picture, the red and white rod like shapes are the actual target, yes, no bulls eye here, you either hit or miss - aim small, miss small as they say. And finally, every archer must where the traditional Javanese attire before practicing Jemparingan. However, what defines Jemparingan most is that it is a uniquely passive form of the sport. Where you would otherwise imagine archery to be about hitting the target, being fiercely competitive and perhaps even war like, it is quite the opposite with Jemparingan. People who practice Jemparingan think of it as being a meditative activity where the process of sitting cross legged, taking aim and releasing the bow with the slightest flick of the finger helps one to be calm and focused. And so it is in life that this principle can be applied as Mr Wintoro, the president of the Lagenastro Jemparingan community puts it, 'Life's goals cannot merely be reached with physical abilities, it takes a clean and focused heart to live'. First practiced by knights and nobility of the kingdom, Jemparingan today is embraced by the local community of Langenastro with a lot of gusto and they're thrilled to be able to host guests from all over the world. Come and join us in this unique heritage where our host community will introduce you to Jemparingan and the philosophy behind it, followed by a meditation and warm up before you get introduced to the technique. Once familiar with how to shoot in the unique style of Jemparingan, you're all set to take aim and release some arrows - gently of course.

Additional Information:

  • Pick-up location: Exact pick-up location address along with map direction will be sent to your email instantly after booking
  • Be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the activity begins
  • Children below 12 years are required to be accompanied by adults
  • Comfortable clothes are recommended
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended
  • Pro sharp shooter tips from Katniss Everdeen ;)

Cancellation Policy: Moderate

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to booking start time.

Location

The pick-up location address will be sent to your email immediately upon booking.

Upcoming availability

Your Local Host

Pak Agus

We are a small but active community that wants to preserve and practice the traditional art of Jemparingan. We are driven by a sense of responsibility towards the preservation of such a uniquely Javanese tradition ...

More about the host
US$ 21.00 3 hrs 09:00 14:00
+1
15:00
20 Reviews
See Dates
Instant confirmation