​ HALBERDS
戟​

Halberd training is an advanced weapon study taught at Imperial Combat Arts in Denver CO. The Chinese Halberd or Ge (Ji, 戟​) dates back over three thousand years in many varied forms, and was still a military issue weapon as recent as the early 1900's. Similar in design to European Halberds these long two handed pole-weapons are also know as pole-axes and some may feature a spear point. These weapons are often confused with Glaive weapons which have a similar look but are essentially swords on the end of a pole instead of an axe head, and are used differently.
Halberd training at a historically accurate combat level is a very different study than theatrical and acrobatic training seen in many modern Chinese martial arts schools. Our combat level spear training has direct lineage to the battlefield, and can hold its own with, or surpass any other weapon system in the world, and blends seamlessly with our hand to hand, ground systems, and chin na, as a complete study.

CRESCENT MOON
​​月牙戟​

YUEH I CHI | YUEYIJI
This classic Chinese pole-axe has a signature crescent moon shape. This shape that can almost be described as a reverse axe blade, uses less metal than standard axe blades and is therefore much lighter and faster in combat. This unique shape offers two striking points, a sharp inner blade and the ability to both hook other weapons, as well as push or hold opponents and their weapons away.    

MOON AND SPEAR
​​月牙戟​​槍

YUEH I CHI CH'IANG | YUEYIJIQIANG
This Spear and Crescent Axe hybrid is probably one of the most recognized Chinese Halberds. Here the Crescent helps serve the important function of a wing or stopper to keep the spear from over penetrating. This Halberd has attributes of Fork, Spear, Axe, Hook, and Wing as one of the most versatile and effective pole-arms ever created. This weapon earned its place in war for millennia, and is still trained in martial arts.

DOUBLE MOON
​​二月牙戟​

ERH YUEH I CHI CH'IANG | ERYUEYIJIQIANG
​An additional Crescent-Axe blade adds more weight and balance to the thrusting of this weapon. Like a Military Fork the upper points of this weapon can hold back a man or horse to keep them at spear distance why they die on the Spear point. Penetrating too deep can brings a swordsman into range to get their last revenge. This Halberd has two functional hooks for dismounting soldiers or hooking weapons.

POLE AXE
​长柯斧​​

CH'ANG K'EI FU
These Halberds feature a more common Axe head and more weight. There are several styles and types of Chinese pole-axes. Axe training itself is a big part of weapon study at Imperial Combat Arts. This high level weapon study includes the use of the Chinese Axe (Fu 斧), Battle Axe (Yue 钺), Broad Axe ( 板斧)​, Two handed Axe (雙手鉞​), Thrown Axes (飞斧​​), and Long Handled Axes (长柯斧)​​. Enter Page> Axe

DAGGER AXE
​​戈

KE | GE
​The Dagger-Axe is the oldest of Chinese Halberds that was prevalent in the time of Chariots before men of the world ever tried to ride on the back of a horse. This lethal downward blade is functional at hooking, downward strikes, and as a wing when a spearhead tops the shaft. Often used with a spear-tip this pole-weapon may have two or even three dagger-axe blades that line down a single shaft. 

SNAKE HALBERD
​​蛇戟​

SHE CHI | SHEJI
This traditional Halberd features a serpentine spear head that adds more damage in thrusting and slicing. This weapon belong to a class of Snake Weapons that are trained in Snake Kung Fu alongside the Snake Sword, Snake Spear, and Snake Fork. This style of blade is also know as Nine Curved Spear 九曲槍, or Nine Curved Sword 九曲刀, and is sometimes known as a Flame or Fire blade.

GLAIVES

Often mistaken for Halberds, Glaives are pole-arm weapons that are essentially single-edged swords on a long staff. Also known as sword-staves these weapons have been used the world about for ancient and medieval warfare. The Glaive or Fauchard is a European term for these weapons though there are several types of Chinese Glaives like the Assault Sword and Moon Blade. Enter Page> Chinese Glaives

POLE WEAPONS

Halberds are part of a family of Pole-Weapons that are trained at Imperial Combat Arts that also includes Spears, Glaives, Staves, and Two Handed Flails. These weapons share many of the same characteristics and each also have their own uniqueness. Proficiency in long arms is an important part of complete weapon mastery and even can offer a huge combat advantage over short weapons. Enter Page> Pole Weapons

HALBERD DRILLS

Weapon drills are an important part of training Halberds. These drills teach primary grips, stances, maneuvers, cuts, chops, slashes, blocks, parries, and thrusts, and build these important movements into the body as a second nature reflex. Weapon drills are done in the air, vs partners, dummies, and all types of specialized equipment. The intricate artwork on the floor of the school at Imperial Combat Arts is designed for students to drill against opponents in all directions. 

HALBERD FORMS

Spear forms are one of the primary ways Masters pass on the ancient knowledge of spear-fighting to the next generation of Warriors. These challenging forms teach dynamic flow, maneuvers, spear handling, and numerous proven and effective techniques. Every movement and technique in the spear forms at Imperial Combat Arts relate directly to combat, and are trained dynamically in sets, and matching. Several of the types of spears on this page share the same basic forms.

HALBERD SETS

Dynamic sets allow students to learn weapon techniques and applications that could never be used in sparring. Even with full pads a training Halberd can cause serious injury or death, therefore mastering these weapons requires a skilled and dedicated partner with focus and control. This repetitive partner interaction is one of the ways proven techniques are taught. At Imperial Combat Arts weapon sets are done vs multiple opponents with realistic training weapons.

HALBERD TARGETS

Throughout history target practice has been a crucial part of weapon development, as it still is today. In all parts of the world Straw Men, and Wooden Pell's of various types, have been the primary targets used to practice weapon attacks and maneuvers. Imperial Combat Arts indoor/outdoor school has a full array of traditional and modern training dummies, accuracy rings, cutting posts, and dynamically moving targets designed specifically for Halberd training.

HALBERD MATCHING

Aggressive matching with training weapons is an important part of preparing for the chaos and fray of battle. Most all matching done at our school, whether armed or unarmed, is done versus multiple opponents. These intense matching sessions are designed to be painful, yet safe, and push practitioners ever forward in skill. Aggressive matching can only be done safely with padded weapons and armor and still requires a degree on control.

HALBERD VS OTHER WEAPONS

There are numerous traditional sets to teach each weapons interaction with other weapons. Many schools only spar with like weapons when in actuality most fights are mismatched, and some of these pairings are legendary such as Halberd vs Spear. Imperial Combat Arts students are often involved in different areas of study from each other and many specialize in types of weapons, however they all come together to test their skills against all other styles and weapons.