In the first article in this series of two, we discussed the physical structure of the Chinese Spear, also called the 'Qiang.' You might wish to do a search for part one before you continue with this article. This article describes basic Chinese Spear training techniques.
There are several techniques in training with the Qiang. The easiest would be to cut or thrust, or to simply bash down with force, However, in the hands of a Gung Fu Master, especially from Shaolin or Tai Chi Chuan, the spear can be used to disarm, take down a horse, the butt can be used, the shaft can be used to trip or even throw attackers.
The beginning methods of using the spear had to do with basic thrusting and cutting. Once these were mastered, other types of uses could be developed. The one exception to this is taking down a horse, which we will speak of shortly.
To thrust the Qiang, hold the butt of the spear, the arms a comfortable distance apart, and step or shuffle forward as you thrust the spear forwards. Once your arms become strong and you get the feeling that you are holding the spear (instead of the spear wielding you), make a small circle on a tree and start thrusting the Qiang into it. While you can hang a small circle of wire to save the trees, the sensation of striking something, and then having to pull the blade out, is quite worthwhile.
To cut with the Chinese spear simply hold the base of the shaft with the hands a comfortable distance apart, and make small circles in the air. The actual blade is not long, like a sword, but used for small circling motions inside an opponent's range...when he is a half dozen or more feet away. Make small circles, and think about stepping in as you do this, so that the tip of the spear can whack at the opponent's own grip, and then thrust forward.
The third training method is to swing or twirl the spear like a staff. No thought of using the tip, just bashing upon cranium, cracking any armor or bones as you desire. You want to develop strength in your arms with this technique so that you will eventually be able to use the Qiang for moe subtle techniques.
Let's speak of other purposes, so that you may better understand the potential uses of this Chinese martial arts weapon. Armies in ancient times had horses, and these steeds would charge rows of infantry. The simple method an infantryman used for dispatching a horse would be to place the butt of the spear upon the ground, and hold the spear so that the horse impaled itself upon it.
In summation, you should know that there are techniques for training in the spear in other nations, most notably the Japanese Martial Art of Sjutsu, which teaches the use of the Japanese spear called the Yari. This article can be adapted and used with other schools of the spear. That said, I hope all martial artists have the chance to work with the King of Weapons, the ancient Chinese Spear called the Qiang.
There are several techniques in training with the Qiang. The easiest would be to cut or thrust, or to simply bash down with force, However, in the hands of a Gung Fu Master, especially from Shaolin or Tai Chi Chuan, the spear can be used to disarm, take down a horse, the butt can be used, the shaft can be used to trip or even throw attackers.
The beginning methods of using the spear had to do with basic thrusting and cutting. Once these were mastered, other types of uses could be developed. The one exception to this is taking down a horse, which we will speak of shortly.
To thrust the Qiang, hold the butt of the spear, the arms a comfortable distance apart, and step or shuffle forward as you thrust the spear forwards. Once your arms become strong and you get the feeling that you are holding the spear (instead of the spear wielding you), make a small circle on a tree and start thrusting the Qiang into it. While you can hang a small circle of wire to save the trees, the sensation of striking something, and then having to pull the blade out, is quite worthwhile.
To cut with the Chinese spear simply hold the base of the shaft with the hands a comfortable distance apart, and make small circles in the air. The actual blade is not long, like a sword, but used for small circling motions inside an opponent's range...when he is a half dozen or more feet away. Make small circles, and think about stepping in as you do this, so that the tip of the spear can whack at the opponent's own grip, and then thrust forward.
The third training method is to swing or twirl the spear like a staff. No thought of using the tip, just bashing upon cranium, cracking any armor or bones as you desire. You want to develop strength in your arms with this technique so that you will eventually be able to use the Qiang for moe subtle techniques.
Let's speak of other purposes, so that you may better understand the potential uses of this Chinese martial arts weapon. Armies in ancient times had horses, and these steeds would charge rows of infantry. The simple method an infantryman used for dispatching a horse would be to place the butt of the spear upon the ground, and hold the spear so that the horse impaled itself upon it.
In summation, you should know that there are techniques for training in the spear in other nations, most notably the Japanese Martial Art of Sjutsu, which teaches the use of the Japanese spear called the Yari. This article can be adapted and used with other schools of the spear. That said, I hope all martial artists have the chance to work with the King of Weapons, the ancient Chinese Spear called the Qiang.
About the Author:
If you desire to learn more about training with martial arts weapons, mouse to Monster Martial Arts and look at 6th Sense Swordfighting. It is one of the ten Master Books.. This article, How to Use a Chinese Spear Like You Mean It (part two) is released under a creative commons attribution license.
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