NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/rec/martial/14584

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-18 | 1.8 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!olivea!spool.mu.edu!agate!apple!apple!mikel
From: [e-mail] (Mikel Evins)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Aikido : jo vs. spear
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 19 Nov 92 08:15:21 GMT
References: <[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>
Organization: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA
Lines: 28

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Dave Pipes x4552) writes:
>
>From what I've seen of the European spear styles - some of the old combat
>manuals have spear work in them - the butt of the spear is very useful in
>close combat.  It can be used to hook an opponents spear shaft or part of
>the body, or as a club.  I think it reversing the shaft is most useful in
>situations where your weapon in constrained - a press or a closing rush.

Chinese spear fighting, at least as represented in the styles
I've been learning so far, including Luo Family, Yang Family,
and other Northern and Southern spear sets, include such end
reversals, as well as some fairly interesting spins and
reversals. The spear we use is tapered, with the heavy end
away from the blade. In all the styles, but the Norhtern
styles especially, the blade is used as much as a slicing
weapon as it is a piercing weapon.

The butt is used for close deflections, much as you suggest
European spears were, but also for close-range ramming, and,
in the Southern spear sets is even used reversed for
thrusting attacks at long range.

By and large, though, long range thrusting and slicing are
done with the blade, as you would expect, and the butt
and shaft are reserved for closer deflections and clubbing.
All the sets mix spear technique liberally with kicks, hand
strikes and sweeps, just so you don't forget you have other
options available.