Spear Master Class- An Article By Jason Lee

The King of Chinese weapons. 

There was a real sense of anticipation in the air at the hall of the Shoreham Centre as club members arrived with their tasselled spears ready for the Spear Master Class. 

The class started with an introductory talk by Russell on the history of the Spear in China, going back to 400BC, discussing its notable proponents, including the legendary Mu Lan, and the principles and concepts of its use. 

Shaf then went straight into teaching the opening moves of the pattern. Immediately the pattern felt unique with the spear’s whippy, flexible pole, dramatic sweeps and twirls and sophisticated footwork. The bells and tassels on the end of the spear added to the real sense of drama, which, for me, perhaps the most vivid sense of what it might be like on the battlefield out of the weapons that I have been taught so far. 

The pattern flows continuously with a strong sense that you are attacking, defending and repelling enemies from all around you- some on horseback! The pauses are dramatic and purposeful- particularly when the pattern requires you to make the fullest extension of the spear. The pattern also gives you a sense of the strategy of the battlefield with moves that lure enemies onto your spear, attacking multiple opponents- including cavalry, and the dramatic, Retreating Horse Thrust; a very cool move against enemies who have moved behind you. 

Shaf guided us through each step of the pattern, explaining its finer points and giving corrections, and in time we were practicing it in synchronisation. It was a great experience being part of a large group all practicing the same weapon together- with the good fortune that we were doing this for the love of it and not in preparation to defend our lives! 

At intervals, Russell taught us all about the basic principles of the spear- all of which were in the pattern we were learning. This includes strategic principles and extensions of principles found elsewhere, including open hand patterns as well as principles unique to the spear as a weapon. 

Near the end of the Master Class we lined up and drilled routines in regimental order under Russell’s instruction. This gave us an opportunity to practice specific sections of the pattern and to experience its application as it was intended- as part of a team or fighting unit. Have a look at the photos in the gallery. 

The spear requires you to be able to extend your energy into the weapon, to be able to create whip like movements with the spear whilst achieving great accuracy. It develops your strength, flexibility, spatial awareness and eye/hand co-ordination. It’s also great fun. It’s understandable why it is often regarded as the “King of Chinese Weapons”. We had an amazing time learning such a great pattern and this was all before the dotting of the eye ceremony and the club’s first lion dance with two lions- What a day!