They call me "the Man Who Refuses to Die," though I prefer "the Guy Who Makes Death Roll Its Eyes" :-)
Former-elite commando, survived three near-death experiences and a guy who just voluntarily chopped off his leg to get back in the game.
Yeah, that's me - Erez Avramov.
But here's the thing - I'm just a regular guy who learned that true strength isn't about being bulletproof - it's about getting back up when life knocks you down and finding inner peace along the way.
One moment I'm an unstoppable force, fearless commando and living life at full throttle.
The next, I'm lying in a hospital bed after a devastating accident, unable to work, unable to be there for my kids, unable to live the life I knew.
And when my leg became more of a paperweight than a body part, I did what any reasonable person would do - I chopped it off and decided to become a competitive archer.
Here's what I've learned after I shot my first arrow:
In archery, there's no hiding from the truth.
You shoot an arrow, and BAM!
There it is, sticking out of the target (or the grass behind it, if you're having one of those days).
It's like the target is saying, "Hey buddy, this is how good you are. Deal with it."
In archery, you're the captain of your own ship. If you miss, it's on you.
If you hit the bullseye, well, time to strut like a peacock!
You think you've mastered it?
Ha! That's when the archery gods decide to throw you a curveball.
It's like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree - just when you think you've got it, it slips away. But you know what?
That's the beauty of it. Archery keeps you humble.
It teaches you patience.
And every time you nock an arrow, it's like the universe is saying, "Alright hotshot, show me what you've got".
This isn't your typical "how to shoot arrows" website.
Black Belt Archery is more than just hitting targets.
My intention is to share with you what I'm learning as I go, from shooting my first arrow and fumbling with bowstrings and equipment, all the way to Paralympic glory (hopefully).
Think of it as part training journal, part adventure log, and part proof that you're never too old (or too amputated) to chase ridiculous dreams.
When I started this journey, I discovered something frustrating:
Archery information online is scattered like arrows shot by a blindfolded rookie.
So I created the resource I wish I had when I started.
This journey isn't about winning in the traditional way (although a medal would be nice:-)) - it's about the journey of becoming an archer.
Whether I make it to LA in 2028 or not, this adventure serves as a vehicle of self discovery, developing mastery and letting go - no matter what age or circumstances.
I'd love you to join this journey, I promise I'll do may best to make more entertaining than watching paint dry, and we might learn something useful along the way.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with a bow and arrow.
Who knows? Maybe this time I'll hit the target instead of scaring the neighbour's cat.
I’m not alone on this journey to archery greatness.
I’ve got an all-star team backing me up, starting with Linda Price, the head coach of Canada’s Para Archery Team.
Linda’s not just about perfecting your form—she's about building mental toughness and resilience, the real game-changers.
Then there’s Susan and other elite archers, bringing top-tier experience and insight. This powerhouse team covers it all—from the basics to advanced techniques, mental strategies, and competition prep.
Every lesson I learn, every challenge I face, every triumph—I’m sharing it all with you.
Just like Daniel in "The Karate Kid," I’m starting at the white belt level, over 50, and aiming for black belt mastery at the 2028 Paralympics.