5 Reasons Why Combat Archery is the Ultimate Activity in Archers Arena Toronto

Hey there, adrenaline junkies and action enthusiasts! 🏹 Are you on the hunt for the ultimate heart-pounding, bow-and-arrow extravaganza? Look no further than Combat Archery, the thrill-seeker's paradise! Here are five rock-solid reasons why Combat Archery is hands down the best activity for unleashing your inner warrior:

1. Heart-Pounding Action 💥

Combat Archery is not your grandma's archery session! It's a fast-paced, action-packed battle royale where you'll be dodging arrows and plotting strategy like a true warrior. The rush you'll get as you let that arrow fly and watch it soar towards your target is absolutely unbeatable. Get ready for heart-pounding action that'll leave you breathless!

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 🤝

In Combat Archery, it's not just about your individual skills; it's about working as a team to conquer your foes. Whether you're with friends, colleagues, or strangers-turned-comrades, you'll forge bonds and learn the true meaning of teamwork as you strategize, communicate, and, of course, dominate the battlefield together!

3. Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge 🤸‍♀️

Remember those five D's from the movie "Dodgeball"? Well, they apply here too! Combat Archery demands lightning-fast reflexes as you dodge incoming arrows, bob, weave, and dive for cover. It's like a real-life video game, and you're the hero dodging danger at every turn!

4. Stress Relief Extraordinaire 😁

Had a tough day at work or dealing with life's curveballs? Combat Archery is your stress relief prescription! Channel your frustrations into your shots, releasing pent-up energy and melting away worries with every arrow you launch. You'll leave the arena feeling lighter and more refreshed than ever.

5. All Skill Levels Welcome 🏹

Whether you're a seasoned archer or have never touched a bow in your life, Combat Archery is for everyone. No experience required! Our expert coaches will have you shooting like a pro in no time, ensuring a level playing field for all. It's the perfect blend of fun and challenge.

So, there you have it, folks! Combat Archery is the ultimate adventure that combines heart-pounding action, teamwork, agility, stress relief, and accessibility for all skill levels. Don't miss out on this epic experience that'll leave you craving more action! Gather your comrades, book your session, and let the games begin. Your inner warrior awaits! 🎯💥

Ready to embark on your Combat Archery journey? Book your session with us today and discover why it's the best activity around!

Highlights from the International Combat Archery Tournament 2023 at Archers Arena Toronto!

Hey all you archery aficionados from coast to coast! 🏹 If you missed out on the action last weekend, let us fill you in! On August 26, 2023, Archers Arena hosted its International Combat Archery Tournament, and oh boy, did it set the city on fire!

A Smackdown Like No Other🏹

Teams from Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, and, of course, our very own Toronto, took to the battlefield in a show of archery mastery that had us all at the edge of our seats! And the winners? Drum roll, please! 🥁

🥇 1st Place: "Casual Tease" from Ottawa

🥈2nd Place: “Tri-City Originals” from Montreal

🥉 3rd Place: "Untouchabows" from Toronto

Big props to the champs and all the teams who battled it out for glory! 🎯

Kudos to Our Coaches and Game Masters!👏

Could this event have been so smooth without our amazing coaches? We think not! Hats off to our refs Manny, Arian, Aravindan, Kelvin, and let's not forget our hype-man and games master Arshia. These guys were the oil in the machine, keeping everything flowing seamlessly. 🔥 👌🏻

One Big Archery Family ❤

What warmed our hearts the most was the archery community coming together. We had participants from all across Canada and the US, united by the love of hitting bullseyes and dodging arrows. Shoutout to all the teams for showing up and making it a memorable day! 🎉

The Excitement Continues...

Can't get enough? Neither can we! The excitement's only going to ramp up, folks. Stay tuned for the next epic showdown—we promise it's going to be even bigger, bolder, and more arrow-tastic! 🏆

So, Toronto and all you die-hard combat archers, are you ready for the next challenge? Keep those bows at the ready and quivers full; we're just getting started!

Till then, keep practicing those shots and may your arrows always find their mark! 🏹

Join the Fun at Archers Arena: Community Nights

Hey Toronto, guess what? It's time for our epic Archers Arena Community Night! Twice a month, we rally up the troops for some action-packed Combat Archery that's going to send your adrenaline levels soaring. Mark your calendars, because every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, it's time to channel your inner Katniss or Hawkeye and hit the arena for some arrow-flying fun!

We're rolling out the red carpet for both seasoned archers and curious newcomers alike, so whether you've got the precision of Legolas or you're picking up a bow for the first time, there's a place for you here. And the best part? You get two thrilling hours of Combat Archery for the price of one - just $39.82 per person. Double the action, double the fun, for the price of one!

The 1st Tuesday of the month is our regular session. This is where the pros come to play, and when we say play, we mean shoot hard, fast, and no mercy! But don't worry, if you're up for a challenge, we'd love to have you join us. Just remember - the competition is fierce!

On the 3rd Tuesday, we slow things down a notch. This is Beginner Night, perfect for those who are new to Combat Archery. Our experienced regulars are welcome, but only if they bring a newcomer along. It's a great way to get a taste of the action, learn the ropes, and have a blast. And who knows, you might just discover a new passion!

Here's how it goes down: If you're a first-timer, make sure you arrive before 7pm for a quick training session at 6:45pm. From 7pm - 9pm, it's all-out war in the arena with the Combat Games!

Check out these pics from our last Community Night. Looking good😎

But Community Night is not just about the games. It's about meeting our amazing community of regulars and coaches, and forming bonds that extend beyond the battlefield. We can't wait to welcome you into our family, Toronto. Get ready to let those arrows fly!

Click here to join us!

Want to know more? Email us at info@archersarena.com or give us a call at (647)-992-7362. For more info, check out our website https://archersarena.com

Archers Assemble: Toronto's Epic Return to Combat Archery Tournament This August

We’re backkk… Ready for an archery showdown? Toronto's hosting the next Combat Archery Tournament this August, and it's going to be nothing short of epic. Yeah, you heard it right - the arrows will fly again from 7 pm until 11:30 pm, right here in The Six.

This time, the combat gets tougher, the battlefield more intense - the stakes? Well, they've never been higher. We've got four fierce teams ready to compete: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and for the first time ever, Boston! Yep, this isn't your run-of-the-mill Tri-City Tournament anymore - we're making room for our neighbors down south.

And for those of you who've been following us, you know it's been a hot minute since we had a tournament in Toronto due to COVID. But now, we're back in the game, and we're not just playing to participate; we're playing to bring that shiny cup back home!

Toronto team captain Josh had some choice words about the upcoming tournament.

“Hosting our first tournament since 2019 means a lot to us. After going to Ottawa this past May and winning, the energy in our community has spiked and the drive to defend our title for the first time since 2017 is alive and well. I think the recent impression our players made on the other cities is that for the first time since the pandemic, Toronto is a real threat and we want to make sure we show up in full force to meet the expectations our opponents have of us and the ones we have of ourselves”

Referencing their latest 1st place win during the Golden Acres Tournament in Ottawa as The Untouchabows last May 2023. But the anticipation doesn't stop there - did we mention that Toronto's own Team Captain Josh is not only a strategic mastermind on the field, but also a seasoned coach at Archers Arena? He's honed his skills through countless hours of training, not just for his own performance but also to help others unlock their potential in this adrenaline-pumping sport. So if you've ever thought about taking a shot at combat archery, remember, you might just be learning from a champ.

The Untouchabows and Captain/Coach Josh in action! 😱🔥

There's fighting spirit for you! Be sure to check out this highlight reel from last year's tournament that showcases the high-stakes action we've come to expect.

So, to the Montreal Originals, who won the last tournament back in 2019 by beating our pride and joy, The Untouchabows, with a 21-16 victory, we've got one thing to say: we've been counting down the days until our rematch. And Olivier, Montreal's team captain, we're especially looking forward to seeing you on the battlefield again. It's time to renew old rivalries and let the arrows do the talking.

Oh, and Boston, we haven't forgotten about you. We're eager to see what your A-team brings to the table. We're already training to face your best shot!

Now let's talk about the game format. We're gearing up for 5v5, a dynamic and thrilling style that brings out the best in each archer and amplifies team strategy.

As for the prizes? Hold onto your bows, folks - we're still working out the specifics. But we'll let you in on a little secret: we're talking about including Arena Bows in the prize pool. So, if you've been eyeing those sleek, swift bows we've got around here, this could be your chance to claim one.

As always, the rules of engagement will be announced closer to the tournament date, but you can expect the same exciting, adrenaline-pumping action that Combat Archery is known for.

And if you're one of our loyal fans, we invite you, with all the formality we can muster, to join us this August. Come cheer us on as we reclaim our title, right here in Toronto. Got any questions? Don't hesitate to hit us up at info@archersarena.com or call us at (647)-992-7362. We'll be posting updates, tournament rules, and venue details soon, so keep an eye on our social media channels - Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

"We're coming for the cup. We're bringing our best team, and we're ready to win," says Sam Lai, founder – CEO of Archers Arena. "So Montreal, Ottawa, and Boston teams, better watch out for us."

Toronto, it's time to bring it on. August, we're ready for you!

Try Combat Archery at Toronto’s Archers Arena!

Craving excitement? Join us at Archers Arena in Toronto for a unique adventure in Archery Tag. Here's a place to challenge yourself, have fun, and create lasting memories!

The Game
Step onto the battlefield armed with a foam-tipped arrow and bow. Experience the thrill of Combat Archery, a dodgeball-archery hybrid gaining popularity in Toronto. No matter your skill level, this interactive game demands strategy, skill, and teamwork. Let our coaches guide you more in this video. Let our coaches tell you more through this video (Want to stay 'in-tok' with all the archery action? Follow us on TikTok!)

Our Battlefield
Our battlefield is designed with numerous obstacles and hiding spots to test your strategy skills. Safety is our top priority, and we've taken steps to make sure our arena offers a safe and fun experience. We also have sniper towers for spectators. With all equipment provided from safety gear to our very own Archers Arena bow, you have all you need to bring out your inner Robin Hood!

Training
New to the sport? Our instructors will teach you basic archery techniques, and battle strategies to help even a beginner become a pro. Our coaches are amazing at what they do. Not only are they the talk of the arena from their amazing reviews on Google (click here to see our reviews), they also show their prowess as they hit the bulls-eye at winning 1st place at the Golden Acres Tournament in Ottawa as The Untouchabows (catchy eh?)

James (upper left), Tai (upper right), Lucas (lower left), Josh (middle), Sam (Lower Right)

See them in action as Toronto hosts the next Archery Tournament this August. Exact date and details will be announced soon

Group Events
Combat Archery is an exciting choice for birthdays or team-building events. At Archers Arena, anyone can shoot their shot at Combat Archery because we offer it for any group size you come with.

Have a fun game of Archery tag with just your buds with our Private Activity Packages, not only can you play a tactical game of archery tag, but you can try out other activities too. Prices start at $53.10 . Click here to know more.

We can also bring the unique archery battle experience to you because Archers Arena also does External Events to run at your location, indoor/outdoor, that suit any event you can think of. Company's Teambuilding event, Social Get-together, Picnic, Seminars, Brunch - you name it and we'll be there! We’ve brought Archers Arena to anywhere in Canada, from North York and even recently to Cambridge. Packages are available here

Make strangers into allies in under 1.5 hours at one of our Public Combat Archery games. All equipment and coach are included for $53.10. Better yet! Be part of the Archers Arena community by joining us at our Community Nights and Beginner Nights, 2 hours of combat archery for the affordable price of one.

Ready to try Combat Archery? Sign up today for a session of Combat Archery at Archers Arena. Get ready for a thrilling game! What are you waiting for? Join us now!

Click here to book. For more details give us a call at (647)-992-7362 or email us at info@archersarena.com.

We're Coming Back!

Hey everybody! As Ontario gets closer to step 3, we’re getting ready to re-open, and we’re now taking pre-bookings for mid July. We have all your favourite activities to choose from, such as Combat Archery, Nerf Wars, Bubble Soccer, Dodgeball or Saber Wars. We’ve also recently added basketball and a full weight gym! If all that isn’t enough for you, we even have Toronto’s only 100ft indoor Archery Range so you and your apocalypse team can train for the next “hunger games”. Or just practice your aim.

Here at Archers Arena, we’ve taken this time off to reflect on what worked best, and what needed improving. Especially focusing on how to deliver the same fun experience in a post COVID world. Our cleaning procedures were always top notch, but we’ve taken them to a whole new level by thoroughly cleaning and washing our gear with iso-propyl alcohol as well as sterilizing and deodorizing with UVC lights.

We’ve compartmentalized the Arena and all of our bookings now have their own separate entrances. When you come it, you’ll NEVER mix with another group. We’ve even made it easier to book online in case some of your friends bail on you (it’s sad but it happens). Now when you book online, it won’t charge you, and everyone can pay separately or in one lump sum on the day. The only way you would get charged is if nobody shows up. The no show fee is only for 4 people max. Even if you booked for 10 or more. This is to try to ensure the initial organizers of the fun don’t get penalized anymore if a few of their flakey friends are no shows.

One of the other big upgrades we’re in the process of getting ready for you is a brand new, MUCH bigger party room. Equip with a pool table, photo booth, foosball, with lots of extra space to social distance. It’s going to be the PERFECT place to hang out and celebrate with your friends and fam. In between pelting each other with foam arrows of course.

During the lockdowns we were also keeping quite busy on TikTok and went from 10K to over 250K followers. Be sure to follow us here to keep up to date with all things Archers Arena, and hopefully get entertained and learn something along the way. You can also check us out on Instagram or Facebook.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re so excited to see you guys again! Book your next birthday party now!

See you soon players!

-Team Arena

Toronto Has Gone Back To A Modified Stage 2 And We Are Limiting Our Services

Hello amazing customers and community of Archers Arena.   We regret to inform you that we’ll be limiting our services until at least mid November.   We were having fun starting up again with you all, but COVID cases are on the rise and new limitations have been put on indoor groups and recreational sports.  Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel Region are going back to a modified stage 2.   For the time being, we are limiting our services to only training sessions. That means either Target Archery, shooting on our range, or Archery Lessons. We based the decision to just stick to training on the guidelines below.

This way we can meet the requirements and keep everyone super safe in our 10,000 square foot facility. We hope you are all staying happy and healthy these uncertain times.  Our hearts go out to all those affected by COVID as well as those affected by the lockdowns.  Hang in there, stay strong, and know that we’ll get past this together.  As one of the last standing Combat Archery facilities in Toronto we’ve gone through pretty much everything by now. We know the road before us won’t be easy and may be more of a mountain, but we will figure out how to adapt and climb it, we always have.  

We’re passionate about all of our activities and giving people of all ages an extremely fun workout, and a place to play.  Really though, we’re passionate about you guys.  Whether it’s those who have just come once for a birthday, bachelor party, bar mitzvah, or those who are a part of our amazing and ever expanding Combat Archery Community. We’ve celebrated and played so much with you all, and we look forward to doing it again. Thanks for the good times, and trusting us with your days and nights of fun.  

We wish you all the absolute best. Take care of each other, stay kind, stay safe, and we’ll hopefully see you all very soon!

Much love!

-Team Archers Arena

To stay in the loop with all our latest updates, and see some of the fun content we have planned for this quiet month, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Tik Tok. We’ve got a bit of time on our hands and we’re going to be spending some of it entertaining and educating about all things Combat Archery and beyond.



Team Building For Your Business Is More Important Now Than Ever

It’s a strange time for business owners and employees alike.  Many more people are working from home due to COVID-19.  Everyone is adjusting to this in their own way, but the fact of the matter is that this kind of isolation and upheaval from the norm has caused many people stress, anxiety, and even depression.  These aren’t easy times by any means, and I think we all know that.

Team Building Can Help

This is why we want to make the case that team building for your business is more important now than ever.  It really is.  Those zoom meetings and digital cocktail hours are fine, but they don’t have the true human to human connection that we all crave.  Even more, if your employees or coworkers are in the customer service industry and are currently “essential” workers, they’re probably having a hard time too.  Many people are on edge and sadly, our amazing hospitality service staff and heroic front line workers sometimes take the brunt of it.  It’s time you have some good safe fun as a team, and build morale while pelting each other with foam arrows in an epic game of Combat Archery.

Not the solution you were expecting? 

Hear us out.  Combat Archery is the perfect socially distanced sport.  Staying 6 feet away from each other is not a problem at all in our spacious 10,000 square foot facility. You can launch marshmallow tipped foam arrows across the large court from your personal bubble. Plus, if someone gets too close for your liking, you’re holding a bow, and arrows are everywhere. Before COVID, we were used to hosting massive corporate team building events.  We’ve changed things up of course.  Even though the city of Toronto is currently allowing 50 people or less inside indoor businesses, we’re playing it safe and limiting our team building to 24 people for the time being.  That would make 4 teams, on 2 courts, with 6 people per team.  Combat Archery is essentially dodgeball with bows and foam tip arrows.  It’s exciting, a great workout, and lots of fun for people of all ages and skill sets.

Team Building At It’s Finest

Combat Archery is a perfect way to team build, and let off some steam while you do it.  With dozens of game modes led by our expert coaches, your teams will have to work together to come out on top.  While it’ll 100% be a joy for those with a competitive side, we also harness the community aspect of gaming, and make sure everyone feels included, safe, and gets something from their time in the arena.  Just stepping outside one’s comfort zone with your co-workers in a place like Archers Arena and can help build confidence, camaraderie, and spirit.   

We Keep Things Safe And Clean

If you’re at all worried about safety, we’ve been keeping things clean and safe since day 1 due to constantly hosting large group events.  We’ve always sterilized and deodorized all equipment between use. Now, post COVID, we’ve even added UVC lights to the mix to take things even further.   We love hosting team building events, and even though our group limit has gone down, we promise the same high energy, rewarding and exciting experience we’ve always given. Keep aiming!

—Team Archers Arena

If you’re interested, reach out to us at info@archersarena.com or call (647) 992-7362 to book your team a spot today!  ($35.00 per person, includes 30 minutes of training and 1 hour on the court. After that, you can add on an extra hour of gameplay for only $10.00 per person.)

Reopening Archers Arena

Private Party starting at 4 people 

Dear Archers,

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and keeping well.

We had closed the Arena gates on March 16 amid safety and health concerns for our employees and customers, we would like to announce that we would soon be reopening our facility following the strict recommendations and guidelines laid down by the government.

To ensure and practice the recommended physical distancing measures, we’ll be limiting the number of people to smaller groups and will only be allowing appointment-based bookings. The smaller groups would be private parties/sessions starting at 4 people with a maximum of 8 people per session keeping under the government group-size limit of 10 people.

We would like for our customers to understand, respect and welcome these new-standards during these unprecedented times until a vaccine can safeguard everyone from this deadly virus.

To make or book appointments you can visit www.archersarena.com or get in touch with us using Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram or simply call us at (647)-992-7362.

You can also make use of our rental packages and get book them online or give us a call or email us at info@archersarena.com.

As always, looking to see you at the Arena.

Thank you,

Team Arena

Guest appearance at Anime North 2017!

Anime North (May 26th to 28th) is right around the corner, and we are pleased to say that we have once again been invited to have our own space since we were such a huge success last year. Ours was indeed one of the biggest attractions at the event, and we intend to keep that status this year as well. Combat archery tag has been on a steady rise since it came to be a few years ago, and we are proud to be the top facility of the regions in and out of Toronto.

Some of you may be wondering: what on Earth is Anime North? Well, to give you a small idea, Anime North is in fact a convention that celebrates Japanese culture in close to every way, shape and form. Primarily, anime, manga, music, and games are most heavily featured, along with numerous guest appearances from people who are somewhat influential in that scene.

One of the best features in my opinion, at any convention, is the cosplaying. No matter your preference of genre, your ability at creating costumes (or simply buying one), or even how resembling you are to the actual character, none of that matters. There’s an implied understanding that any and all cosplay is awesome, and that’s the end of it. Some people take it even a step further, and actually want to learn the style of fighting different weapons require, or simply want to get absorbed in a world outside of their own. That’s where we come in.

Archers Arena offers not only the obvious bow-wielding experience through target shooting and combat archery tag, but we also have our own larping (live action role-playing) system through Champions Arena. We allow these people who want to explore new and exciting worlds a very real way to do just so. From bows and arrows, to dual-wielding swords, sword and shield, or even katanas (and maybe some lightsabers), we have what it takes to make your experience personable, memorable, and unique to you.

Everyone I know of has his or her own entry point to archery; whether it’s an actual person, a character, or even a game. Personally, The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time was my gateway to loving archery (and horseback riding, but that’s another story), as well as my huge crush for Legolas and the elves in The Lord of the Rings. Simply because they were just so damn cool. My point being that everything we see or watch influences our likes and dislikes, and the fact that archery is represented in such a bad-ass way through so many mediums only enhances one’s experience when they come and play at Archers Arena; seeing as regular people can let themselves become their own hero from their own story.

Mobile Archery, Nerf, and Bubble Soccer!

Having a big corporate outing and you would rather host it than moving everyone around in an attempt to keep things simple and organized? Archers Arena has the answer for you. Archers Arena has special packages prepared specifically for those who have the space and the will to receive our battle archery and/or nerf mobile kits. Our website offers additional information on all possible packages and deals, but here is exactly why you should entrust your event to us:

WE ARE EXPERIENCED AND HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL EVERYWHERE WE WENT.

When it comes to combat archery tag, we have held numerous stations outside for all sorts of different events. We have ranged from being a top attraction at the TNT Night Market to being a fan favourite at multiple Frosh Weeks for Universities and Colleges, so you can imagine the scale at which we can function. Therefore, it becomes safe to say that Toronto already knows us as the specialists we are when it comes to battle archery, otherwise referred to as archery dodgeball. We bring along all the protection and equipment needed, as well as bunkers and huge inflatable walls to delimit the perimeter. Our games are tried and true, and our coaches know exactly how to handle all sorts of different groups.

As for Nerf, although it is our newest attraction here at Archers Arena, it is already becoming a major success. Our choice of weaponry along with the very low amount of jams and hiccups we have experienced is a direct result of learning from all the mistakes other branches of nerfing have had at different facilities. We’ve done our homework in order to bring the best out of Nerf at Archers Arena. We are ready to bring you nerfing in our own special way, with high quality weapons such as Rival and N-Strike, for ammo capacity, reload speed, low to no jamming systems, and overall precision. As for game modes? They mostly follow the general Nerf Wars guidelines, but we do add some combat archery tag game modes or twists, simply to make the games that much more interesting. An exciting twist on an already great system.

Lastly, we do offer to bring along our inflatable bubble soccer kit. We let you play with the huge bubbles as you want, or we can set up different games with them; whichever suits your needs best. Bubble soccer is an instant favorite as both a daily activity or something to do during a break from the main events: battle archery or nerf. The option is there for your consideration.

Summer is right around the corner, and everyone is starting to feel the urge to go outside and soak up the sun. Evidently, this will be done when the weather allows for it, just as combat archery tag and Nerf Wars played outside will both become viable options. Mobile archery and Nerf are both becoming very popular, so make sure to book online in advance to guarantee our services, or give us a call at 647-992-7362.

Tournament Results!

March 26th saw another combat archery tag tournament being held at Archers Arena, and once again, it proved to be a success. Our pool of competitive battle archery players keeps growing and the results of this tournament were extremely close. Our plan of splitting up old, dominating archery dodgeball teams (Blood Bath and Beyond, and Wetshots) ended up being an interesting factor for every team, but especially for the players that were always used to playing together. Facing their old teammates was “really cool and fascinating” as one of them later mentioned to me.

What was fascinating in my eyes was how differently they ended up playing among new players. Not only did they have to gage their new teams’ strengths and weaknesses, they also had to remember those of their buddies so they could exploit what information they had on them. It was a beautiful coming together of old and new discussing strategy and forging plays in order to win a match.

Furthermore, this time around we limited our archery dodgeball tournament to 6 teams, allowing rematches to better gage not only endurance, but how well players and teams evolve together. This new system was definitely a favourite for many players, along with a new twist changing team count from 6 to 5, creating a whole new level of intensity in gameplay. Each arrow fired had to count, and strategies were evolving with every round.

Some other highlights include:

- Shooting arrows at our brand new red ducks for target practice in our range to keep both mind and body warm and ready to go in between matches;

- each team had one coach to play with them, allowing balance to be had in this combat archery tag tournament while making it more interesting for every team coming in;

- retired coaches and members showed up for the tournament, and they had to acknowledge they were now out of practice and on a lower skill level than the new generation;

- an array of creative team names were had: The Lords of the Strings, Power Rangers, XxX, Shake’N’Bake, Strap-Ons, and Bowthoven’s 5th Stringphany;

- new players ended up doing great plays, wonderful headshots and fantastic catches;

- our archery-loving community keeps growing and expanding and that is awesome.

The victors were the cleverly named The Lords of the Strings (personal favourite pun), which was composed of 4 higher level players instead of the regulated 5, winning by only 1 point at 19. Second place was the less-cleverly named Strap-Ons with 18 points, a team that has been building itself from the ground up at Archers Arena with constant practice and coming out on Coach nights (every Tuesday). Goes to show that dedication really pays off. Third place ended up being a tie between XxX, and Power Rangers at 17 points.

Here’s to a next tournament just as successful! Keep a look out for it in upcoming blogs or through our Archers Arena facebook page.

18 Benefits of Playing Combat Archery Tag at Archers Arena!

Archery is widely known as being a therapeutic sport because of its calm, focused nature. However, combat archery tag (or archery dodgeball) is a much more active version of archery, which still encompases many of the same benefits, along with a few more of its own. The following are just some of the perks or skills you get out of playing combat archery tag here at Archers Arena.

1. Exercise

Combat archery tag is known as a workout; you will be leaving sweaty and satisfied.

2. Upper Body Strength

The constant, repetitive motions of drawing and firing a bow activates the major core muscle groups in the upper body.

3. Agility

Your reflexes and quick moves will be put to the test while playing archery dodgeball, allowing for constant improvement.

4. Instincts

At Archers Arena we encourage instinctive archery, which means less thinking and more feeling for more accurate results. Having a clear mind really does improve and sharpen your skills.

5. Balance

To successfully hit stationary targets, stillness is key, therefore control of your body is essential, and that develops one's balance.

6. Hand-Eye Coordination

Not only does it improve by shooting, it also improves with catching oncoming arrows.

7. Mental Focus

This is a big one. You have to both focus on hitting your target, while also keeping track of everything else going on in the game.

8. Analytical Skills

Because there is so much going on during a game, players eventually pick up prioritizing certain plays or tactics to either gain the advantage or survive an onslaught.

9. Teamwork/Communication

Lone wolves don't survive in the arena, no matter their potential. Working as a team always brings the best results as one player may see something others don't. Communicating is key to adapting to given circumstances.

10. Patience

The key to winning in archery dodgeball is patience, along with timing. Mastering archery takes time and requires a certain softness, kind of like a bow itself.

11. Confidence

Another big one. Seeing yourself improve and your shots landing is always a great way to boost both your self-esteem and your confidence, along with our encouraging coaches.

12. Community

We at Archers Arena are building a community of players that simply love the sport, and we all support and push each other to get better. There is nothing but love here, and it really shines through.

13. Safety

We provide arm guards and helmets, as well as a training which shows you how to handle our equipment safely and effectively.

14. Stress-Relief

No better way to let off steam than by shooting other people and they still get to walk away unscathed.

15. Two Outlooks

Combat archery tag can be conducted both in and outdoors.

16. It's Fun for Everyone

Kids and adults alike always enjoy their experience with us, and who can blame them? Archery is already badass, and now you get to make an hero out of yourself on our courts.

17. New Sport

Combat archery tag is a relatively newly developed sport, meaning that there are still various techniques and tactics waiting to be discovered to enhance the game.

18. Easy to Learn

Literally anyone can pick up combat archery tag if they truly desire to. We provide in depth training to ensure every new person starts on the same level as everyone else, personal predispositions notwithstanding.

These are just a few of the reasons why both Archers Arena and combat archery tag have become such popular attractions for the people of Toronto, although archery dodgeball itself is making it's way worldwide. It really is a choice that you simply can't go wrong with because it appeals to everyone on different levels. Whether it's from the excitement of being a bow-wielding warrior to even just being a competitive person who enjoys pushing their own limits, there really is no bad reason to want to play the game.

March 26th Tournament, With a Twist!

                On the 5th of February, Archers Arena hosted the 1st ever Eastern Canadian combat archery tag tournament. This article tells you all you need to know about how the event went down. Therefore, you know that walking away, our teams were a little disappointed, yet filled with the desire to win when the next tournament opportunity arises.

                We have been dedicating every past Tuesday (Coach Nights) and Thursday (Training Nights) working at fine-tuning skills that push our limits and allow us to grow as better players. The loss to the Montreal team has only added fuel to the fire, and it’s with renewed, burning motivation that we will be taking on our next combat archery tag tournament, on the 26th of March.

                Here is the twist! We are disbanding all our veteran teams to introduce mixed teams of old and new players. Stronger players are now separated instead of all playing together, allowing this tournament’s victor to really be in a position to fight for the title. With the right strategy, a whole team of less experienced players may create an upset and get away with the victory! You can believe however that everyone is training and aiming at bringing their best, so if you are interested in trying it out, I would highly recommend you set aside some time to come practice your aim, your catches, and your team if you have one. What happens if you don’t? Talk to one of our coaches and we will get you in on the action!

                What makes this tournament so different and exciting is that we really don’t know who is going to come out on top since there is a varied and contrasting pool of talent in every team signed up so far. Literally everyone has a chance at winning, and victory will rely mostly on effective teamwork and communication.

                The challenge has been issued! Any and all who want to have a try at competitive combat archery tag, otherwise known as archery dodgeball, may come out and give it a try. Make sure you sign your team up ahead of time online, or give us a call and we’ll make sure you have a spot reserved.

See you soon!

Your Break from your Kid's March Break!

March break is coming up, and you don’t know what to do with your kids? Want to able to go to work worry free, knowing that they will be taken care of properly? Archers Arena has the perfect solution for you! We are going to hold a day camp filled with great activities to keep your kids busy all day, while spending all of their energy keeping healthy, active, and fit.

From the 13th to the 17th, for only 75$/day or 295$/week, the camp is open to kids aged from 8 to 13 years, with the possibility of signing up for one day, or to come in for the full week; hours going from 10am to 5pm. At this point, you may be wondering what exactly IS your child going to be doing throughout the day? Let’s have a quick look at what our daily schedule entails:

9:30am Drop-Off

10am-12pm: Combat Archery Tag

12pm-1pm: Lunch and Board/Card Games

1pm-2pm: Supervised Nerf Wars

2pm-3:45pm: Movie Screening

3:45pm-5pm: Ninja Academy (Training/Fitness)

Because we always put safety first, Archers Arena guarantees that every activity will be completely safe and secure, not only with all the equipment we provide, but also with the excellent staff and coaches we employ.

Everybody knows that kids have excess energy, and we’re very well suited to handle and guide how to use said energy. We are fitness enthusiasts who know that being active is part of a healthy lifestyle, and who also know that the best way to grow healthy is to start young to build and develop the habit. Archery is also a very disciplined and calm art, and we hope to instill in them some of that quietude.

Getting your kid into this camp is a great way to insure yourself peace of mind at work as well as some quiet time when you come home, knowing your child will be spent energy-wise while being taken care of properly. It also becomes a place where they can learn and try new things, in a positive environment. You can rest assured that your child will be having so much fun they won’t want to leave!

Popular Archery Icons and How They’ve Affected Today’s Archery

Archery has come and gone from the front interest line due to its growing and receding popularity on-screen with either movies or TV series, and even in video games. It becomes super trendy, and cool, and hip when viewers see their heroes handling a bow, and then when the movie or show dies down, or the game gets old, so does the archery trend before it comes right back strong as ever. So here is a tribute to the various inspirations and forms that archery has shown through to make its place in our culture throughout the times.

First off, I am going to start off with one of the classics of our culture; Robin Hood. There have been multiple takes on this very old tale, from the Disney animated movie featuring foxes as the main characters, to the very funny spoof Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and even the more serious feel the 2010 movie featuring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett gave it. In all of them, Robin’s talents went uncontested and he managed some very impressive tricks with his bow and arrows, which no doubt have fueled the imagination of many a youth.

In the world of video games, I can go all the way back to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for inspiration. Playing as Link and shooting everything with the bow and winning challenges and competitions always gave me such a feeling of satisfaction that my own personal love for the art came from there. In more recent years, the reboot of Tomb Raider in 2013 had Lara survive with only a bow and arrows to start off her adventure, which obviously got me hooked, but so did a lot of other players from all the positive reviews the game received.

Probably one the most iconic bow-wielding characters in my opinion comes from the Lord of the Rings franchise. Being a personal favourite of mine, Legolas has all the moves down in the series and just flat-out makes archery look so damn good, and not just because of his looks. His elven efficiency and accuracy just change the name of the game, and he comes up with tactics that we can’t even begin to replicate (lack of having elephants handy being a main one), although when we play, some of us do come out with bruises from time to time, just as he will always sport one of his forehead after a battle.

There have been a lot of popular icons in the recent years popping up on screen, such as Katniss from The Hunger Games, Hawkeye in The Avengers, Merida in Disney and Pixar’s Brave and even Oliver Queen in the Green Arrow TV series, which have all fueled a different wave of archery love. People want to try it out and see how they fare at it, and generally, when archery is picked up, it’s rather hard to put back down. That being said, here at Archers Arena, we want people to find their true potential not only at archery, but at the new sport that has been created from it: combat archery tag. It brings out a whole new dimension reminiscent of video games and medieval combat. This new trend is definitely here to stay.

First Eastern Canadian Tournament. The Results are IN!

            For those of you that might have missed all our original posts on the subject, on the 5th of February 2017, Archers Arena has hosted the first eastern Canadian combat archery tag tournament! From far in wide, Toronto has received a team from Ottawa, one from Windsor, two from Montreal, and we had five teams representing us. With intense gameplays fought, ridiculous turnabouts, quick moves and quick thinking, there is only one word we can use to describe this event: epic.

            On the eve of the battle, both Ottawa and Montreal teams came to practice at the Arena, leading to the first contact between the various people who were going to play each other the next day. The comradery was frank and forthcoming, although you could tell that no one would go easy on the others the following day. It was great to see so many passionate people that just love the game of archery dodgeball, and who work at bettering themselves all the time.

            When the morning came, coffee and breakfast were awaiting all the players, but the hype was already alive and going. The atmosphere was unreal, the anticipation crackled in the air as all awaited to take each other on. The game was on. Bows at the ready, getting the stretches in, focus was all on strategy and gameplay. Friendly banter in the air, with the underlying current of rivalry made it even more intense, yet still fun.

            Throughout the morning, the plays were non-stop. Teams were learning how to face each other and strategies had to be changed and adapted to who was playing who. Evaluating the other players and understand how they play combat archery tag, and how to counter them was not an easy task, but it had to be done in order to win the tournament! After the first few rounds that comprised Round Robin style of play, Toronto came out on top with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, while Montreal took 4th and 5th.

            However, in a complete change of pace during the finals, Montreal worked together for an epic comeback to win the tournament, and won against the newly reformed team Kyron’s Angels, known previously as Wetshots, which did end up winning our 7th local tournament. As prizes, Montreal Originals ended up going home with six of our beautiful, hand-painted 26 pound bows.

            All there is left to say is that it was truly our pleasure to host such great teams from all over. All we can hope for is to have an even broader turnout from more Canadian cities in the next major tournament, which will be hosted sometime during the summer. We will be working out, and standardizing, Canadian rules so we can all train and play in the same frame of mind. Looking forward to the next epic combat archery tag Canadian tournament!

Teams at the 1st Ever Eastern Canadian Combat Archery Tournament

As we have been posting about for the last few weeks, our first ever Eastern Canadian combat archery tournament is coming up in just a few days! Teams from all over are coming to our Archers Arena facility to play each other in what promises to be the most exciting tournament we have hosted thus far. From far and wide, here is a quick look at the different establishments and where they hail from.

For Toronto, represented by yours truly, come our two champion teams: Wetshots, and Bloodbath and Beyond. Both these teams are used to playing each other in our local tournament, and perhaps that will offer them an advantage during play, already knowing previous applied tactics. Although Bloodbath is the older team, having more experience playing together by coming to multiple tourneys we have held over time, Wetshots is comprised of younger talent that keeps growing and surprising everyone. Both teams always end up meeting each other in the final rounds and always offer quite the spectacle when confronting each other.

Coming in from Ottawa, we are happy to present to you Archery Games. This establishment has been open since the 21st of August 2015, meaning it opened its doors pretty much at the beginning of the new trend wave that would bring combat archery tag (also referred to as archery dodgeball) at the top of the new and fun things to do around the city. They also have managed to branch out all the way to Calgary, in a real testament to both the increased love for combat archery tag and the potential for growth this new sport really has. The capital of Canada will be represented by two teams.

Representing Montreal, Combat d’archers are sending two (or three) teams, which will add a little bit of French spice in this mix. Perhaps they will even be using their language to communicate without any other team necessarily understanding them, which would evidently provide an advantage, and perhaps push other players to come up with a strategy to counter this. Having been there myself, I can attest that they offer completely bilingual services, and are very pleasant people to deal with.

Next up, from London (Ontario obviously, for now), we are receiving two teams from Hood Archery Games. Looking up their website, reading “You’re not going to have quite this much fun anywhere else in London, Ontario, that much we can guarantee” made me definitely want to go check out their location. Their whole website gives off a very friendly yet professional vibe that induces a sentiment of trust that a good time will be had.

Last, but not least, Clever Archery in Waterloo is still in decision about sending in a team. What is really cool about them is that they can move around and bring their setup to you if you want to host an event say at your school, or at your workplace. They can accommodate any kind of venue, but details will have to be worked out through them.

In total, we are looking at eight to ten teams to represent eastern Canada in our tournament, all of which have really good setups in their respective town. This promises to be a very intense, competitive field laid out for the tournament. It is a huge step forward in the history of combat archery tag. Perhaps in a near future, we will be able to expand even further out and reach the higher goal of eventually getting a national championship, with teams hailing all the way from Vancouver. Until then, we will keep you posted on the results of this event, which takes place on the 5th of February. 

Larping at Archers Arena – Champions Arena

Larping, as some of you may already know, stands for live action role-playing. You may wonder, what does that have to do with Archers Arena? Well, here we are introducing a whole new concept of roleplaying named the Champions Arena; which does not focus on the storyline, but on the peoples own abilities. This is where you can come test out how well you can actually do with our legitimate, high quality larping weapons, by trying out different classes that have different perks during play. Champions Arena allows for full-out, yet completely safe, medieval combat the likes of which has never been seen in an archery facility.

The concept of Champions Arena was created by larpers, for larpers, old and new, with a twist. Here, you get your pick from 5 different classes that have all been calibrated to have at least one other class that can compensate against the given advantage each individual class brings to your team as a whole. However, it will ultimately rest on teamwork, cooperation and skill to determine the winner. That being said, some players may show prowess as one class, and be terrible at another, so mixing things up is always an interesting option.

Our five current classes offer a variety of opportunities to act out varied yet interesting characters that all have a lot to offer both strategically and physically, so you can play to your strong suit, or choose you want to get good at something new. Wither you wish to claim as your own the nobility of the knight with sword and shield, or go crazy as the berserker with two swords, or perhaps even defend your teams’ honor as the katana-wielding samurai, each class has perks that allow for either strong offensive or solid defensive. If you prefer not to be part of the front line and play the game from a distance, then you could give the sneaky rogue with throwing axes a go, or even shoot from afar with precision as the archer.

With such distinct classes, we had to come up with some pretty awesome games to play which all give a different, yet always satisfying, goal to accomplish. From hack and slash, to Tower Defense, different game types allow for different strategies, and teamwork is a must if you want to come out victorious! Jedi Master also guarantees a unique, killer workout, just as fun as defeating hordes of foes with a lightsaber sounds like it would be.

In conclusion, Champions Arena is a new, fun, and unique way to live intense combat in an environment that can only be experienced at Archers Arena. As different an experience as it is from combat archery tag, it is its own challenge and demands completely different sets of skills to master. If you’re looking for an even better workout than archery dodgeball, or even just an excuse to wack your buddies, you should really give these games a try.

Archers Arena for Kids Birthdays: Safe and Fun for Everyone

Being a kid, everybody always went off and played their own little stories where they were always the hero, regardless of if it was a romantic princess story, fighting off robots, riding dinosaurs, or even surviving in the wilderness with animal companions. At some point in time, every child has heard the tales of archery icons such as Robin Hood, Legolas, or even Katniss Everdeen. Archery has effectively grown into an activity numerous kids crave to try their hand at. What better way to give them an awesome birthday present than by allowing them to let loose their inner archer? Here at Archers Arena, we are always more than happy to oblige, and here are a few of the reasons why you should bring your child here to come try out his skills at archery dodgeball.

Safety First

We are completely aware of the fact that bows and arrows are still, in fact, weapons. In regards to that, we ensure that our training along with the equipment we provide allow for safety for and from players. Our staff is knowledgeable and patient, and have quite the knack to deal with hordes of kids who cannot wait to start shooting arrows. Although we do have a set program on how to teach newcomers, we always adapt to every situation, and kids are no exception. We know the attention span is small, so we focus on the important parts of the teachings and guarantee that they can effectively shoot arrows at each other, all the while being safe about it. We also have smaller bows to accommodate our small friends.

Private Group/Fun for Everyone

Because we want to make sure that everyone is getting the most out of their session as possible, we tend to ensure that kid bookings are private, even if it isn’t necessarily asked for. Let’s be honest here, we don’t want adults to overpower the children, and on the other hand, it’s simply not as fun playing with kids that can barely shoot straight. That being said, if there is a situation where we have no other choice but to combine bookings, we limit the draw strength of bows for the adults that will play along with the kids, therefore ensuring that no one gets hurt. This also applies to adults who are part of the booking who want to play with their kids.

Party Room

Another strong reason why you should bring your kids’ group of friends here is because we do have a party room where all the festivities can take place after the combat archery tag session. Depending on the booking you make, there will be warm pizza delivered just as the kids are done playing, and we have a large fridge that can accommodate a birthday cake. There is also the option of bringing in your own food, and arrive early to decorate the room as you like; it’s yours for a whole 45 minutes after your hour and a half session, to relax in and enjoy as you please.

In the end, wither you are still a kid at heart or not, there is always a nice sentiment of joy that comes along when you see a child truly having fun. The innocence, the wonder, and the brightness in their faces when they are handed bows and arrows always adds a little something extra to the experience. Furthermore, I can attest that every single session I’ve held with a group of kids, wither it was for a birthday party or just for fun, everyone always left with a huge smile on their face, and that includes the parents that were there to accompany and supervise, regardless of if they played combat archery tag with them or not.