Chinese Spear vs. Highland Broadsword

This is an interesting and unusual bout. The spear is often said to have an advantage of three-to-one over the sword. In fact, its advantage is such that even a minimally-trained spearman is often a match for an experienced swordsman. Its length allows the spearman to keep the swordsman at a distance, while its speed and maneuverability allow for frequent changes of line. If the swordsman attempts to close the distance, the spearman can easily pull his weapon in and change to a different angle, causing the swordsman to run onto the tip. The most commonly-seen advice is for the swordsman to make contact with his blade angled downward, push the spear aside, and close in. Although this does work on a full-speed charge from out of distance, it is not an effective technique in single combat as it is easily avoided by the spear. So what can the swordsman do to even the odds? In 1805, Highland Broadsword master Thomas Mathewson described a method for defeating the rifle and bayonet or the spear by keeping the broadsword in constant contact with the longer weapon, allowing the swordsman to wait and "listen" for a committed attack. This removes the spearman's ability to use multiple feints, and makes it possible to confront the spear. In this bout, Elmo Mackay uses his Taiji Spear skills against the Highland Broadsword of Chris Thompson. While Elmo does practice a Yang Style Taiji Spear form as well as Chinese Swordsmanship, his actual bouting experience with the spear is minimal in comparison to his experience with the sword. This illustrates why the spear was historically the primary battlefield weapon while the sword was a back-up- even a little knowledge of the spear is enough to make you a formidable opponent.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Highland
• broadsword
• taiji
• tai
• chi
• jian
• Yang
• Miquan
• spear

[tillmantkdkick]

The gear some times take away for the actual prefomance try training without the gear it will better your skills this is not to say you are not what you claim but, a note from a master to another as to help in training

[gilbride100]

@tillmantkdkick Training without safety gear is never practiced in most groups for obvious safety reasons. We actually do bout without gear sometimes but only under controlled circumstances.

[tarnshadowhawk]

Based upon what I see I greatly desire for you to use your spear against myself or one of my senior escrimadors. I think we would all learn a great deal. We fight with double short swords.

[gilbride100]

@tarnshadowhawk We would enjoy the opportunity to cross blades with you. Where are you located? If you contact me at gilbride100@hotmail.com, we can discuss setting up some bouts if it is possible.

[ShuyuKoukin]

ultimate facepalm~ (\/\/)-_-)\/\)