Kudus Archery School

KUDUS – At the Supersoccer Arena archery field in Kudus, the sound of arrows striking targets is a weekly routine. Behind every shot lies a lengthy process undertaken by dozens of young children. They come not only to learn how to handle a bow, but also to cultivate discipline, patience, and self-control.

**Kudus Archery School** is prepared to develop the next generation of archery athletes. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

Many of these children arrive for practice still wearing their elementary school uniforms. While some were introduced to archery through extracurricular programs, others joined at the encouragement of their parents. Regardless, all participants begin at the same starting point. There are no shortcuts to success; every student must follow a structured, step-by-step training process.

This systematic approach forms the foundation of training at the Kudus Archery School. Under the auspices of the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani), Kudus branch, the club provides a space for children to grow both as athletes and as individuals, building a pipeline of talent through early, focused guidance.

Regeneration Begins on the Training Field

Early childhood archery training is essential because children need engaging activities. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

The Kudus Archery School was established to provide an official training platform under Perpani Kudus. Supported by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation with operations held at the Super Soccer Arena Kudus, the academy ensures young athletes have access to proper facilities and a sustainable development system.

Kudus Archery School administrator Vera Eka Wardhani explained that every local Perpani branch is required to maintain a club for athlete development. In Kudus, this objective was realized through a collaboration that integrates professional training facilities with centralized club management.

*Vera Eka Wardani, Administrator of Kudus Archery School. (Photo: ITN/mainkekudus)*

According to Vera, a club should be more than just a gathering place for practice. Central to its mission is a continuous development process that ensures an uninterrupted pipeline of young athletes. Consequently, beyond routine training, Kudus Archery School conducts an Archery Challenge twice a year, providing a competitive environment where young athletes can assess their progress.

Learning Archery, Mastering Self-Control

The archery academy in Kudus is deeply committed to producing future sports stars. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

This competition serves as a vital learning experience. Participants learn to manage match pressure, face opponents from various regions, and understand the tangible goals of their training. Interest in the sport has grown steadily, with an increasing number of participants joining Kudus Archery School each year. This enthusiasm was also evident during the 2026 MilkLife Archery Challenge National Junior Championship, which drew young competitors from across the country.

For Vera, early-age development is a long-term investment. Sustaining a child's interest requires a process that is both enjoyable and challenging. The goal is to cultivate athletes capable of progressing from regional and provincial levels to representing Indonesia on the international stage.

Mental Preparation as the Foundation

Coaching archery to children involves its own set of unique dynamics. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

However, the path to elite levels does not begin with picking up a bow.

Kudus Archery School coach, Rio Riswandha, notes that new students are first introduced to fundamental techniques without the use of archery equipment. They must master body positioning, balance, movement coordination, and proper posture before being permitted to handle bows and arrows.

Rio Riswandha, coach at Kudus Archery School. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

Following a three-month introductory period, participants are grouped according to their proficiency levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. During this phase, coaches identify each child's interest in archery, determining whether they view the sport as an enjoyable hobby or a path toward competitive achievement.

Rio notes that the most significant challenge in coaching young children is not technical instruction, but fostering focus. Because children's characters are often influenced by their moods, many find it difficult to maintain concentration or become easily distracted by play.

To address this, training sessions incorporate more than just physical conditioning; coaches utilize simple meditation methods to build focus. The goal is to help students remain calm when aiming, while simultaneously training them in patience, emotional regulation, and sustained attention.

This approach continues as athletes prepare for competition, where a coach's assessment extends well beyond the scores appearing on the board.

Rio explains that an athlete is only cleared for championship participation when their technical skills align with their mental readiness. Even high-scoring athletes may be withheld from competition if they struggle to manage the pressures of a live arena. Competitive mental fortitude is a critical component of training, as the environment of a tournament differs drastically from routine practices.

From Extracurriculars to National Championships

This is the path currently being forged by Deeva Earlyta Arsyfa.

A student from Purwosari Village, Kudus, Deeva first discovered archery through an extracurricular program in the second grade. Her interest grew steadily, eventually leading her to join the Kudus Archery School, where training became a fixture in her daily routine.

Deeva Earlyta Arsyfa, an athlete from Kudus Archery School. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

For Deeva, the greatest challenge often lies in uncontrollable factors. Strong winds can shift the trajectory of an arrow, requiring her to adjust her aim in real-time. This dynamic has taught her that archery proficiency is not defined by technique alone, but by the ability to read and react to changing conditions.

Deeva's experience has expanded through her participation in regional and national championships. During the 2026 MilkLife Archery Challenge National Junior Championship held at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, she was selected to represent the Central Java A contingent in the U-13 Compound category.

Though still in middle school, she is focused on her future. Deeva aspires to represent the Indonesian National Team and intends to continue honing her craft through every competitive opportunity.

Families Support the Athletic Journey

This journey is never taken alone. Behind the weekly training sessions, families provide the essential backbone for these young athletes. Parents manage study schedules, ensure nutritional needs are met, provide equipment, and provide unwavering support during tournaments.

This experience is shared by Prisca Rani Yusnita Dewi, Deeva's mother. She explained that archery was not a sport she initially selected for her daughter; rather, Deeva developed an interest after participating in an extracurricular school program. Seeing her daughter enjoy the process, the family sought a structured training facility to further develop her skills.

Deeva Earlyta Arsyfa and her mother, Prisca Rani Yusnita Dewi. (Photo: JMY/mainkekudus)

That decision led Deeva to join the Kudus Archery School during her second year of elementary school. After approximately six years of training, Rizka noted personal growth that extended well beyond archery.

According to her, Deeva has become more disciplined in her daily routine and has shown improved emotional regulation. Guidance from psychologists during tournaments has helped the young athletes manage competitive pressure and adapt to new environments.

These changes have also been evident in her academic life. Deeva is reportedly now better able to maintain focus on complex learning tasks, a benefit that Rizka considers just as valuable as the girl's competitive achievements.