SHORT SPEAR
AI CH’IANG - AIQIANG - 矮枪​

Short Spears are taught at Imperial Combat Arts as the primary pole-arm for Leopard Kung Fu. This fast and devastating weapon excels in close quarters combat for more confined spaces and for ease in carry, especially in todays world. The Short Spear blends seamlessly with Leopard's hand to hand combat training using the same speed, power development, and techniques already developed in this light, fast, style. Training of the Short Spear includes forms, sets, exercises, and matching against all other weapons types. This Spear is also trained in doubles and with a small shield.

SHORT SPEAR - FORMS
Short Spear forms at Imperial Combat Arts are not like the flashy performances you may see in modern form competitions. These combat forms are much more tightly guarded and transfer directly into sets and sparring. Forms are a key method to help develop the familiarity and flow of a weapon, and a way for Masters to pass their knowledge and techniques down to the next generation of practitioners.

EXCERCISES & DRILLS

Short Spears are end weighted without a counter balance, therefore their training requires strength development and specialized ways of holding the weapon to wield it effectively. Aside form the form which teaches weapon handling there are cutting and thrusting exercises practiced in the air, against weapon pells, and against opponents to truly develop the combat effectiveness of this weapon.

SHORT SPEAR - SETS

Sets are a huge part of training how these weapons engage with other weapons. These traditional sets teach all manner of interplay and are a crucial part of all weapon study. Sets lead into sparring, and sparring then into battle. In sets there are also all manner of combat techniques you could not practice on a partner in sparring as they are too aggressive. With good training however one can bring them to use in battle.

TARGET PRACTICE

Throughout all of history till today target practice has been a key part of training for combat. This is a fundamental part of most all arts and weapons, like punching a bag, accuracy mitts, breaking boards, kicking bats, shooting targets for both archery and firearms, cutting bottles or mats with a blade, and striking against weapon pells or dummies. Imperial Combat Arts has a large variety of weapon targets to hone battle skills.

DUAL WIELDING

Dual wielding short spears in combat is dangerous in itself. The exercise, form, sets, target practice, and sparring with these weapons trains the body how to fight with the second nature habits, that are key to not harming oneself in combat. Many of the same patterns and engagements of these weapons transfer directly into other paired weapons such as dual clubs, axes, combat knives, and larger swords.

SPARRING & MATCHING

Imperial Combat Arts has members with extensive training in both Buhurt and H.E.M.A. and we cross spar with these styles. Short Spear sparring is done vs. all other weapons such as Saber, Spear, Axe, and Shield. Sparring is not fighting however and is practiced with training weapons, protective gear, and control. Beyond sparring is our primary focus on true combat training with all manner of battlefield attacks. 

ANIMAL STYLES

Short Spears at Imperial Combat Arts are taught in the art of Leopard Kung Fu as they fit well with Leopard's fast and dynamic movements. The fierce speed of Leopard transfers directly to the weapon, and in return the weight of wielding the weapons makes Leopard faster and stronger when they return to the empty hand. These weapons are trained in Leopard alongside Deer Horn Knives and Butterfly Swords.
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