First practice shooting a 143#@28.25" bow (99.7% of my body weight) with Ming-Chinese thumb draw technique (Gao Ying). https://youtu.be/iC2v_akhsAg
Bow: 143#@28.25" Tiron (55" model) by Misko Rovcanin
Practice arrow: 1855 grains by Albertus Wartono
Thumb ring: Vermil Lantern
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Why? Because we want to answer "What is possible?" with carefully selected technique.
It is absolutely unnecessary for most archers to shoot these draw weights in the modern era. However, when you see Chinese sources describe incredible draw weights from the Tang (93--168#), Song (104--160#), Ming (up to 120--130#), and Qing (80--133# and higher) dynasties, you wonder: "Are these for real, or are these exaggerations?"
My training schedule is quite minimal. It's certainly nothing compared to what a professional soldier in historical times would do. Yet, here I demonstrate shooting 143# (99.7% of my body weight) under these conditions. I am inclined to believe that, yes, the ancients were able to shoot those high draw weights. (What distribution of archers shot what poundages is an open question.)
By engaging in this kind of practical research, we hope to get a clearer answer, as well as to develop a deeper appreciation of what our ancestors (of any culture) were capable of.