SPEAR TRAINING
枪 - ​矛 - ​厹

Battlefield Spear training is an advanced weapon study taught at Imperial Combat Arts in Denver CO. To the Ancient Chinese the Spear was known as the "King of all Weapons", and to this day the Spear is still the most common and effective of all long weapons.
​Aside from combat the Spear also plays a crucial role in survival, having been used for some hundreds of thousands of years for hunting, fishing, and defense.
The length and superior reach of the spear can even contend with aggressive animals such as Bear, Boar, and Tigers, much less a man with a shorter weapon.
​Chinese Spear Training at a historically accurate combat level is a very different study than the theatrical and acrobatic spear training seen in many modern Chinese martial arts schools or Shaolin. These schools often use very short tipped Mao spears that have a blunt point and flimsy shaft. These theatrical weapons do not even begin to compare with the true Chinese battlefield spears listed below. 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.

WILLOW LEAF SPEAR
柳葉枪

LIU YE CH'IANG | LIUYEQIANG
The Willow Leaf Spear is the primary Spear trained at Imperial Combat Arts. This Spear features a classic long blade that is effective in thrusting, slashing, cutting, slicing, and chopping. These devastating spearheads usually measure 12-15 inches and are long enough to bring down even the largest game. This spear design was shared by many other cultures such as the Viking's, Zulu's, and Europeans.

SHORT LEAF SPEAR
​​矮葉枪

AI YE CH'IANG | AIYEQIANG
Second to the Willow Leaf is the Short Leaf Spear. This style of spear was also used the world about, with many different shapes, though all relatively the same size and function. These smaller blades make the Short Leaf Spear lighter and faster in combat and allow the weapon to be thrown further than a heavy spear. Additionally the Short Leaf Spear required less metal to outfit large numbers of troops.

BROAD SPEAR
铍​

P'I | PI
​The Chinese Heavy Spear or Broad Spear dates to the Qin Era. This powerful weapon is essentially an ancient Chien sword blade on a pole. Today these spears are usually made of tempered steel, but still retain the thick broad head that was required for Bronze Weapons. The P'i is highly effective at thrusting, slicing, cutting, and chopping attacks and features a classic sword guard under the head.

SHORT TIP SPEAR
矛

MAO
​The Mao has a very short tip and is one of the most common spears seen today in Wushu demonstration. These spears that share the same calligraphy character as a Lance or Pike are only effective at thrusting attacks. Theatrical versions of this spear often use a flimsy shaft that even diminishes thrusting and restricts the spear to whipping moves. A true battlefield Mao can easily kill a horse.

SHORT SPEAR
​​矮枪
AI CH’IANG | AIQIANG
​The Short Spear was the preferred length for close quarters combat and door-to-door fighting in Chinese cities where long spears would be tough to maneuver. The primary short spear trained at Imperial Combat Arts measures around 38 inches in overall length and features a 14 inch Willow Leaf head. These fast spears are sword length and blend the techniques of a hand-and-a-half sword and spear. Enter Page> Short Spear

SPECIAL FORCES SPEAR
​健銳營​​槍

Picture Special Forces Spear, 健銳營​​槍
CHIEN JUI YING CH'IEN | JIANRUIYING QIANG
The spear of the Chien Jui Ying, an Elite group of Manchu special forces. These soldiers were trained to fight in rough terrain, overcome obstacles, use covert river navigation, and commence special attacks on fortifications. This Spear has two wooden balls that are mobile, but still act as stoppers to keep the enemy at spear distance, and a sharp blade on the shaft to prevent opponents from grabbing it.

SHUTTLE SPEAR
​梭槍

SO CH'IANG | SUOQIANG
This traditional spear gets its name from its likeness to a weaver's shuttle, which itself has been a common improvised weapon for close quarters combat. These battlefield spears date back to the Song Dynasty and evolved from ancient Javelins. This spearhead shape is still very common in Chinese martial arts and allows for thrusting, slicing, slashing and has good chopping weight.

LONG SPEAR
锬​

TAAN
​Long spears can measure from 8-24 feet with a standard issue Green Standard Army Long Spear of the Ch'ing Dynasty measuring at just over 16 feet. Today with the absence of cavalry most of our masters train with long spears of 8-10' as limited by their indoor training space or the ability to actually transport the weapon in a vehicle. Long Spears can greatly outreach most melee weapons. 

TIGER SPEAR
​​虎槍

HU CH'IANG | HUQIANG
The Tiger Spear is a traditional Manchu hunting spear used by the Elite Tiger Division of the Ch'ing empire. These troops were the best men from the Imperial Vanguard, and chosen to protect the Emperor in the Mulan hunting grounds. These weapons are effective against Bear and Tigers and have two deer horn wings to prevent the over-penetration that would allow animals to reach its wielder.

GREAT SPEAR
太極大槍​

TAI CHI TA CH’IANG | TAIJIDAQIANG
The Great Spear is a heavy long spear measuring up to 21 feet. This weapon, once used to battle horses and drastically increase range in battle, is now mostly trained to further develop the physical strength to wield melee weapons in battle. Our Masters who train with these incredible spears return to their standard weapons to find them almost weightless in their hands, and their speed doubled.

PRIMITIVE SPEARS
​殳

SHU
Primitive Spears are some of the oldest and most basic spears of human history, and yet perhaps the most important still today for survival. Survival spears are effective at hunting, fishing, and defense from larger animals. Spears can also be thrown and paired with a spear launcher for ranged hunting. These various primitive spears are trained at Imperial Combat Arts in our wilderness survival classes.

CONE SPEAR
錐槍​

CHUI CH’IANG |  ZHUIQIANG
The cone spear has a long thin pyramid shaped blade designed for incredible armor penetration. The three sided shape to this spear point makes it stronger than a flatter blade. These spears were among some of the first in China's history and date to the Qin era. This spear has superior strength in thrusting but lacks slashing/cutting edges. It also features small wings to prevent over-penetration.

SHA
​铩

SHA
​This weapon is an ancient Chinese spear, its character can literally mean "Metal used to kill", and is also related to the feathers of birds which is fitting giving to the weapons bird-like appearance. The spear head is long enough to reach the vital organs of horses and the wings of the spear can be used to hold back the horse as well as guard against and control opponents weapons. 

LONG LANCE
槊​

SHOU
The lance is a spear used from horseback, primarily during the initial cavalry charge, after which warriors would fight with their primary weapons. Lances are more well known in Europe but were just as common in Asian history. The shape of Lance blades can vary but they were all used in primarily the same way. Lances also often have a guard by the hand to keep the hand from sliding forward.

HORSE HEAD SPEAR
​马头槍

MA TO CH’IANG | MATOUQIANG 
This spear, also known as a "charging horse spear", is named for its semblance to a horses head from the top down, as a cavalryman would view his horse. These were often used vs cavalry, "a horse to kill a horse". This ancient spear is trained today alongside the Large Plate Spear 板門槍, and Board Door Spear. These weapons have large, broad, and flat spearheads with varied design. 

THREE EYED SPEAR
​​​三眼槍

SAN YEN CH’IANG | SANYANQIANG
The three eyed spear has a unique interpretation of wings, the long central blade is long enough to penetrate armor and reach vital organs, with the secondary points used to stop over-penetration. Opposed to standard wings these additional points are sharp and can be used to cut while pulling backward, are angled to move around opponents defenses, and can be used to control weapons.  

TAI NING PEN SPEAR
泰宁筆槍​

TAI NING PI CH’IANG | TAININGBIQIANG
This Spear gets its name from its semblance to a Chinese calligraphy brush. Tai Ning is an ancient Chinese city and modern county known for its beauty and serenity, as well as early Confucianism. Opposed to many spears that taper only forward to a point, the Pen Spear has a more rounded edge that allows for devastating slashing and draw-cutting, as well as very effective thrusting.

TIGER FANG SPEAR
​虎牙槍

HU YA CH’IANG | HUYAQIANG
​This Ch'ing Dynasty spear has a more blunted triangular tip, very sharp edges, and two downward turned metal teeth forged in the blade that represent a Tigers Canines. These sharp teeth are used for downward or pulling attacks, attacks against opponents arms, to hook enemy weapons and armor, and also as wings or stoppers to maintain proper spear distance from sword wielding enemies. 

CROSS SPEAR
​十字槍

SSU TZU CH’IANG | SIZIQIANG
The Cross spear, whose name is self evident, features two slightly curved wings that allow it to be used in a way similar to a Military Fork. These wings are designed to hold back opponents or animals as they are dying on the long central point. The wings are also used to control enemy weapons and attempt to keep them off of the shaft. All front facing edges of this spear are sharp like a sword.

RAVEN SPEAR
乌鸦項槍​

WU YA HSIANG CH’IANG | WYYAXIANGQIANG
The Raven Spear, also known as a Raven Neck Spear, gets its name from the look of a Ravens neck, head, and beak. Not depicted in the photo is a large ball of fringe just under the spearhead that resembles the bulbous look of the birds throat as they call out. The curves of the blade help retract the blade from flesh, are effective in cutting/slicing, and cause thrusting wounds that generate rapid blood loss.  

SNAKE SPEAR
蛇​枪

SHE CH'IANG | SHE QIANG
The Snake Spear also known as the Nine Curved Spear 九曲槍 differs from the Raven Spear it that its curves are alternating instead of side by side. This Spear is named for its serpentine look and is a very traditional martial arts weapon. The Snake Spear is trained in Imperial Snake Kung Fu alongside the Snake Sword and Snake Halberd. The curved blades of snake weapons generate deep cuts and slices.

SNAKE TONGUE SPEAR 
​​蛇舌槍

SHE SHE CH'IANG | SHESHEQIANG
This unique adaptation of the Snake Spear features a forked tip that resembles a snakes tongue. The points of this fork are spaced eye-width apart for double or single eye strikes. The tip also has a sharpened inner crescent for throat strikes. This naturally builds off of the incredible speed and accuracy strikes developed in Snake Kung Fu. The forked tongue can still easily penetrate the human body.

STEEL SPEAR
​​鋼槍

KANG CH'IANG | GANGQIANG
​The Steel Spear is entirely made of steel with a rear counter balance to keep the weight of the weapon manageable. Full metal weapons were absolutely used on the battlefields of China. It takes great strength to wield a Steel or Iron Spear, to the point some question why they existed at all. Today Masters of our power styles, such as Tiger Kung Fu, still wield these weapons at full weight.

IRON SPEAR
​鐵槍

TIEH CH’IANG | TIEQIANG
The Iron Spear is heavier still than a Steel Spear and has a Broad Spearhead as used in the Iron Age, before tempered metals. Training with this weapon develops great and dynamic body strength, strength of the joints, and connective tissue. This strength then transfers directly to empty hand combat and Chin Na. If trained improperly this weapon will quickly destroy its users joints. 

DRAGON SPEAR
​龍槍

LUNG CH’IANG | LONGQIANG
The Dragon Spear is often a full metal spear that gets it's name from the ornate dragon-head guard or stopper just below the spearhead, the blade of the Spear protrudes from the dragons mouth. The Dragon Spear is often paired with the Phoenix Spear as a representation of Yin and Yang respectively. These Spear are usually either a Willow Leaf or Shuttle Spearhead in design. 

PHOENIX SPEAR
​鳳槍 

FENG CH’IANG | FENGQIANG
​The Phoenix Spear is most often full metal and features an ornate 凤 Feng, or Chinese Phoenix just under the spear blade. The Feng is an immortal bird of Chinese Mythology that is "The King of All Birds". Phoenix Spears also commonly feature wings of the bird that protrude outward as stoppers, or sometimes even uniquely cut inward, into the blade, to capture enemy weapons. 

HOOK SPEAR
​單鉤槍

​TAN KOU CH’IANG | DANGOUQIANG
The Hook Spear or Hook Sickle Spear is a common Chinese Spear that features a hook that can be used to; lower a shield followed by a quick thrust, control enemy weapons, deliver a downward strike, or disarm an opponent by cutting their arm in a pulling or pushing fashion. This hook also serves as a stopper to prevent the spear from penetrating too deep into the opponent.

DOUBLE HOOK SPEAR
​雙鉤槍 

SHUANG KOU CH’IANG | SHUANGGOUQIANG
The Double Hook functions the same as the single hook spear but with an additional hook that allows for counters to the left or right side, or upward and downward in relation to and opponents weapon. These weapons worked well against lines of swordsmen, and to pull down cavalrymen, but were also prone to becoming entangled and captured by other types of troops. 

WILD GOOSE SPEAR
雁翎槍

YEN LING CH’IEN | YANLINGQIANG
The Wild Goose spear is a unique adaptation of a Double Hook Spear with a reverse curve to the ends of the spear wings. These reverse curves allow side-ward and downward strikes with the tips of the wings. This spear gets its name from its semblance to a flying goose. Geese have deep meaning in Chinese culture, Chinese battle formations, and their image was worn by 4th rank officials.

FLOWER SPEAR
​花槍

HUA CH’IANG | HUAQIANG
​The flower spear is a small spear just over arms length that is most known in Chinese theater where miniature versions of weapons are used on stage to save space. These spears differs from combat short spears in that they are thinner and lighter. The low weight of these weapons makes them suitable for use by weaker people, for self defense against opponents in a civilian setting.

BARBED SPEAR
蒺藜槍

CHI LI CH’IANG | JILIQIANG
Barbed Spears, also known as Wolf Fang Spears, are traditional weapons that feature numerous small barbs or teeth below the spearhead. These teeth create nasty wounds upon thrusting often pulling out organs and tissues. The teeth also serve to prevent over-penetration, prevent enemy weapons from sliding past the blade, and to dissuade opponents from grasping the shaft. Teeth and barbs are still favored on many of our spears.

TURNING SPEAR
拐槍​

KUAI CH’IANG | GUAIQIANG
Also translated as a "crutch spear" these shorter spears have a horizontal handle on the butt end, much like a shovel today. This types of handle allows 90 degree strikes around corners or down from city walls. This grip also enables a warrior to drive the spear using the power of the other side of the arm that a standard thrust, either in a downward fashion, or swinging/lifting like a battering ram.

CRESCENT MOON SPEAR
​朏槍​

FEI CH'IANG | FEI QIANG
This Spear features a traditional Chinese Crescent Axe or Halberd Blade just below the spearhead and also falls under the category of pole-axes. This crescent is used to; deliver powerful downward cuts, prevent over-penetration, pull and hook enemy weapons, and push away weapons. The crescent axe design significantly reduces weight and metal use, when compared to a standard Pole Axe.

SNAKE CRESCENT SPEAR
​​蛇朏槍​

SHE FEI CH'IANG | SHEFEIQIANG
This Spear/Pole-Axe is a traditional Chinese pole-weapon that features a snake-style Spearhead. This weapon, like all Snake-style blades, is a preferred adaptation of another weapon, in this case the previous Moon Spear. This unique hybrid weapon is part of a set of weapons trained in Snake Kung Fu alongside the Snake Sword, Classic Snake Spear, and the Snake Tongue Weapons.

DOUBLE HEADED SPEAR
雙頭槍

SHUANG T’OU CH’IANG | SHUANGTOUQIUANG
These spears are uncommon because the rear point presents a danger to fellow troops or bystanders. Every thrust recovery presents a rearward thrust, and every slash with the front, slashes opposite in the rear. For a solo fighter however this weapon has advantages, such as when turning to face rear opponents one can reverse their grip and pivot, instead of turning the whole weapon. 

GREEN STANDARD NAIL SPEAR
绿营钉槍​

LU YING TING CH'IAN | LU YING DING QIANG
​This long spear was a Ch'ing cavalry weapon with a armor penetrating point. These weapons were likely adopted by the Ch'ing Empire after they fought against them in their campaigns against the Dzungar. These lances measure 17 feet in length and were often used vs other cavalry and in cavalry charges. Fairly obsolete today, these weapons are only train for nostalgia, as a sub-style of long spear.

VALIANT CAVALRY SPEAR
强悍骑兵槍​

HOU WEI CHI PING CH'IAN
This was the standard issue spear of the Valiant Cavalry, who was an elite part of the Imperial Rear Guard, of the Eight Banners Army. These weapons were almost 16 feet in length and primarily used from horseback as a lance, but also served troops well when dismounted vs cavalry. In the Valiant Cavalry ranks a spear was issued to only every other soldier, the other half with shorter weapons.

PIKE
矛

MAO
A Pike is a long spear used primarily by infantrymen vs cavalry, though often formations of pike-men of the world would engage other units. Pikes trained at Imperial Combat Arts measure from 10- 25 feet. Pikes can have several varied types of tips or even simply be a sharpened wooden or bamboo pole. A wooden Pike or Spear is one of the first things made in wilderness survival.

HAMMER SPEAR
​锤槍​

CHUI CH'IANG | CHUI QIANG
This unique spear features a heavy metal ball just under the spearhead that acts as a guard, prevents over penetration, and adds weight to the thrusting power of the spear. The metal ball is often 8 sided, to represent the 8 trigrams of Taoist philosophy, and may be shaped like a gourd or small pumpkin (like a Chinese war hammer or mace). There is sometimes a counter weight on the spear butt.

JAVELIN & THROWING SPEARS
标枪​

PIAO CHIANG | BIAO QIANG
​The Spear and Javelin have been used around the world for ranged combat. Chinese Javelins come in several types. This study also includes the use of spear throwers that greatly increase a spears distance and power. Hand Arrows are also trained in this study. These Arrows are essentially small Javelins the size of a standard bow arrow that are designed to be thrown by hand.

SPEAR THROWER

The spear-thrower, also known as an Atlatl, is a lever that greatly increases the power and distance of spear in flight. Many of these throwing spears are large darts that have feathers like an arrow and can range between 4-9 feet in length. This technology is older than archery dating back at least 30,000 years. These primitive hunting tools today are an important part of wilderness survival in that they are relatively easy to make and can still kill large game. Enter Page> Spear Thrower

SPEAR TASSELS

The red fringe or tassels that hang under a Chinese spearhead were traditionally made of red yak hair. This was more than a decoration of war, and still serves the important function of a blood stop on many spears. With the upward angle a spear is often held enemy blood will quickly run down the shaft onto the hands of the wielder. This blood will first make the weapon slippery, then later quite sticky, and impede the spearman. The red yak hair causes the blood to run down itself, and drip off onto the ground, keeping the shaft clean.

SPEAR TRAINING

While there are numerous types of Spears trained at Imperial Combat Arts, it is still essentially one weapon study. All Spears share the same basic characteristics, and skills developed with each unique Spear transfer directly to the next. All students start with the Wooden Staff to first learn how to use the shaft of a pole-arm as a weapon. Second students train to master the Willow Leaf Spear, measured with a shaft their same height, plus the 15 inch blade. From there members move into whatever spear is paired with their empty hand fighting style. The Spear associated with each style makes use of the unique body mechanics of that style. For example; Snake Kung Fu trains with the Snake style Spears, Leopard with the Short Spears, Tiger with the Heavy Spears and Tiger Fang Spear, Mantis with the Hook Spears, Panther the Hammer Spear, Eagle with the Raven Spear and so on. This is one of the primary reasons why Imperial Combat Arts teaches such a vast array of weapons.

SPEAR DRILLS

Spear drills are an important part of training Spear. 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 painted on the floor of the school at Imperial Combat Arts is designed for students to drill attacks and defenses against multiple opponents in all 8 directions. 

SPEAR 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.

SPEAR SETS

Dynamic sets allow students to learn effective techniques and spear applications that could never be used in sparring. Even with full pads a training spear can cause serious injury or death, therefore mastering spear 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, as well as with padded weapons.

SPEAR TARGETS

Throughout history target practice has been a crucial part of spear 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 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 Spear training, as well as ranged targets for thrown Spears and Javelins.

SPEAR MATCHING

Aggressive matching with training spears is an important part of preparing for the chaos and fray of battle. This matching is also done in unusual and compromised ways, such as blindfolded, or on beams and posts. 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 Spear matching can only be done safely with padded weapons and armor.

SPEAR VS OTHER WEAPONS

Aside from spear vs spear, there are numerous traditional sets to teach spears 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 Spear vs Sword. Additionally learning how to use long weapons in close quarters is an important part of melee weapon mastery. These important concepts and lessons transfer directly to empty hand tactics, such as fighting opponents in tight spaces. 

SPEAR-HAND TOUGHENING

There is a highly toughened hand weapon developed in the arts that allows Spear Masters to use their extensive spear techniques with their empty hand. This high level hand toughening can take years to master. At the highest level masters of these arts demonstrate breaking boards and holding their entire body weight on the tip of their Spear Hand. With this strength they can launch full force strikes using the same techniques and maneuvers mastered with their Spear. Enter Page> Hand Toughening

SURVIVAL & HUNTING SPEARS

A Spear made from nature is possibly one of the oldest and most important survival tools a human can make, whether for combat, hunting, fishing, or to defend against large animals. Only a spear can keep a mountain lion or bears claws and teeth away while simultaneously causing damage, much less a man with a shorter weapon. As part of complete spear mastery Imperial Combat Arts students are trained to craft these weapons, and have the option to join school Spear-hunting and Spear-fishing trips in the Rocky Mountain wilderness.

IMPROVISED SPEAR

A basic spear can be a quickly improvised weapon in modern combat, as simple as a broken broom handle. Even these makeshift spears can offer a huge advantage in melee combat as they offer a reach superior to most common melee weapons such as knives, crowbars, tasers, etc. Additionally items such as broomsticks, knives, tape and cord can quickly make a devastating urban spear. With these, and spears made from nature, an Imperial Spear Master can quickly fashion their weapon of mastery in almost any world setting.