The Chinese Spear
(continued)The following are some of the traditional ways for using a spear (very similar to a straight sword):
- Piercing, thrusting upward
- Hacking, bringing downward
- Splitting, going right to left and then downward
- Jabbing
- Thrusting upward
- Chiseling, cutting the edge back
- Groping, holding the spear or sword parallel to the body
- Throwing, wielding the spear or the sword flatly right to left
- Rushing, holding the point upward
- Deflecting, by horizontal cross-cutting
- Hooking, with the point dangling downward
- Upholding, parrying with the spear or the sword crosswise
- Spinning, to and from maneuver
- Scraping, with the edge half cutting
- Stretching, by poking the point upward
- Whirling, with the point moving circularly
As a historical note, advanced Chinese straight sword and Chinese spear training included the targeting and striking of the nerve points on the opponent's body. This phase of lethal training is usually privately taught to advanced and loyal students.
Utilizing the Spear in Combat
In combat, the mastery of the spear is all about mastering the various techniques of thrusting. From an old marital arts classic, it has been said that "technique will get you through times of no muscle better than muscle will get you through times of no technique."
The combat strategy of the consummate spear player usually consists of a series of rapid and baffling turns and attacks. Fighting maneuvers and movements should be executed abruptly against the opponent. Often enough, the opponent would not be able to build a defense or mount an offense against it.
Conclusion
Currently, the spear exercises of most Chinese martial art systems feature both the "point-thrust" method and the various "baton twirling" techniques from single- and double-headed staff exercises. As mentioned before, research shows that during the Ming Dynasty most spear exercises contained more spear-like thrusting movements than twirling staff techniques.
Some of the systems that teach the Chinese spear are the Chinese internal marital arts systems (Ba Gua, Tai Ji, and Xing Yi) and most northern Chinese external martial art systems. However this usually depends whether the teachers of those systems teach that particular implement.
The following is a list of why the spear earned the name the "Emperor of Chinese Long Weapons:"
- A favorite implement for training one's concentration
- A favorite of many advanced martial artists
- Historically known for its remarkable effectiveness on the battlefield
- More weapon exercises for spears and straight swords than there are for sabers and staff
- Usually one of the two primary weapons used in most Chinese weapon sparring sets
To budding students of the Chinese spear, Six Harmonies Spear video training available at Wing Lam Enterprises (www.wle.com) is highly recommended. Wing Lam Enterprises also provides other spear training videos.
"To master any spear or straight sword thrust technique, one must merge the body and its function. Concentrate your eyes on a point without letting your eyes wander. Your ch'i and mind will sink, and your inside and outside will coordinate. Focusing your mind and eyes onto that one point is the most important thing when you begin to practice."
Anonymous Spear/Sword Player
About the Author
MEH is an amateur scholar who specializes in Asian military history. In his spare time, he studies Chinese internal martial arts, the Chinese spear, and the Chinese straight sword. His favorite spear quote is "Fear the Spear."
Other MEH articles published on our site:
