Reviving traditional Chinese archery

Zheng's students salute to each other before starting practice.Ju Chuanjiang / China Daily

"But textbooks I read noted that Japanese archery originated from rites developed in the Zhou Dynasties (c.11th century-256 BC), so I thought 'why not revive traditional Chinese archery as well?'"

With that, Zheng closed his business and began learning all he could about China's archery tradition.

He summarized the procedures required and invited a professional costume designer to create the Han Dynasty-style costumes.

His efforts paid off - thousands have since come to learn from him and a junior middle school in Jinan has even included ceremonial archery in its curriculum.

Zhu Feng, whose son has been learning ceremonial archery for two years, said he had noticed a number of positive changes in the 11-year-old boy.

"The greatest change in him has been a renewed ability to concentrate. He is now more patient and listens to us," Zhu said.

Zheng's only real concern for the future of ceremonial archery is that there are not currently any nationwide standards, due to competing schools of thought on the sport.

"Although nationwide standards have not yet been formed, all of us who promote ceremonial archery agree that it should emphasize the sport's ceremonial and virtuous aspects, rather than developing it into a competitive event," Zheng said.