SPEAR THROWER
ATLATL

The spear-thrower is an ancient weapon taught at Imperial Combat Arts as a short sub-style of Spear Training, Traditional Archery, and of Wilderness Skills. Also known as an Atlatl, these spear throwing levers greatly increase the power and distance of a spear in flight. Spear throwers launch large darts or javelins up to 9 feet in length, at speeds of up to 95 mph, and distances of up to around 850 feet. These spears can be used to hunt large game and were historically used to pierce the thick skin of Woolly Mammoths. 

HISTORY OF ATLATL

The Atlatl is much older than the bow and arrow and dates back at least 30,000 years into human history. These ancient weapons likely came to the Americas with the first people to cross the Bering land bridge and were still being used alongside the bow by South American cultures when the Spanish arrived in the late 1400's. The Atlatl has recently reemerged for competitive sport as well as an important survival tool that can take large game and can be easily crafted in the bush. 

TARGET PRACTICE

Imperial Combat Arts Headquarter school has both indoor and outdoor target ranges for Archery, as well as thrown weapons such as the Atlatl, knives, and axes. Additionally there are several ranges used by the school in the nearby Rocky Mountains for the training of Archery and Firearms. Target ranges start with basic shooting then move into reactive targets, moving targets, barricades, flight archery targets, and challenging courses that involve moving and shooting.

ATLATL WEAPON

The Atlatl has long been used as a weapon of war and one the Spanish faced in their war against the Aztec Empire. While the Atlatl lacked the strength to pierce Spanish armor, these heavy darts could easily penetrate any exposed human or horse flesh. Aside from large darts these lever style throwers can throw from a cup and launch stones and grenades, or pretty much and like object. These types of Atlatl have become common today to throw balls a great distance for dogs to retrieve.

ATLATL HUNTING

Imperial Combat Arts member only hunting group focuses primarily on primitive hunting with Manchurian Bows, Slings, Spears, Throwing Clubs, and Spear Throwers. Hunting with a primitive spear thrower is a challenging aspect of primitive hunting that further tests our members stealth, stalking, and hunting skills. The Atlatl is a hunting tool that can be made in just a couple hours by one man in the bush and has great potential in many survival situations.

ATLATL FISHING

In addition to hunting the Atlatl is used for spear-fishing. Our hunting group fishes the Colorado waterways with hook as well as bow-fishing, fishing spears, and the Atlatl. All hunting and fishing at Imperial Combat Arts is done for consumption and in a manner to help conserve Colorado's natural resources and help control invasive species. Wilderness Skills, Survival, Hunting, and Fishing are traditional parts of developing the capability and grit of a warrior.

​WILDERNESS SKILLS

From ancient nomadic hunters, to our past Grandmaster who was a Vietnam era Special Forces Officer and instructor of evasion, survival, and combat, Imperial Combat Arts trains its students in both primitive and modern wilderness skills. These classes include Camouflage/Evasion, Tracking, Traps, Navigation, Hunting/Foraging, Rappelling, Knots, Fire Craft etc. These classes are held year round as part of our members standard classes. Enter Page> Wilderness Skills

ATLATL CRAFT

Making your own Atlatl is part of the bush craft taught at our schools. Students begin with oldest and most simple designs and from there can work into their own customs designs. This study also includes crafting of survival bows, arrows, spears, and all types of other important combat and survival gear. Many things used at Imperial Combat Arts cannot be store bought and are made by the school, this includes toughening equipment, liniments, specialized targets, and weaponry.

ATLATL TYPES

There are many unique types and adaptations of the Atlatl that have been made throughout history. This includes various hand grips, weighted stones for counter balance, shapes, and bridges that support the dart. Additionally there are different materials used in the lever itself and the darts including bone, stones, obsidian, and modern components. Mastering the Atlatl as a part of ranged weapons often comes down to how your unique weapon compliments your own body type.

ATLATL COMPETITIONS

With the rise of official Atlatl competitions Imperial Combat Arts students have the option to compete annually with their Atlatl. Our own inter-school champion Atlatlist is sponsored by the school to compete in these local and world competitions. Students also have the option to compete in other competitions of skill such as 3 Gun, Firearm Target Shooting, Traditional Archery, Knife Throwing, and Axe Throwing competitions.

​TRADITIONAL ARCHERY

Imperial Combat Arts teaches traditional Manchurian archery which has long been a significant part of our military history. This training includes mastery of straight bow, Manchurian recurve bow, and crossbow. Chinese archery varies from western archery, the bow is drawn with the thumb and the arrow is placed on the opposite side. This style of archery allows for fast and dynamic shooting with rapid reloading. Enter Page> Traditional Archery

THROWING WEAPONS

​Aside from the Atlatl there are other hand-thrown weapons are a traditional part of Chinese Weapon study. While some of these weapons had direct military applications, others are specialty weapons that were designed to deliver poisons, or were used to surprise and soften targets upon approach with a primary weapon. These thrown weapons include Knives, Axes, Spears, Throwing Clubs, Needles Thorns, and Darts. 
Enter Page> Throwing Weapons