internal ma long weapon principles by Felix Smittick

Notes on Long Weapons: Spear and Staff

长兵器:枪与棍 ______________________________________________________________

Joseph P. Lau

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Notes on Long Weapons (长兵器): Spear and Staff Spear and staff were formidable long cold weapons of war (Leng Bing Qi, 冷兵器). With the invention of firearms, their importance as weapons is greatly diminished. Today, we study and use these long weapons (Chang Bing Qi, 长兵器) as supplemental training and conditioning apparatuses for martial arts. This manuscript is our research notes. The maneuvers/techniques are synthesized from various styles and organized into logical categories. As researchers and practitioners of Yiquan (意拳), we treat the spear and staff practices as supplemental training and conditioning exercises. And our study, opinion, and discussion have heavy Yiquan bias. We assume that the reader is grounded in the fundamentals of Yiquan basic skills, has mastered proper “body mechanics” i.e., proper connected-ness (Zheng Ti Lian Tong Yi Guan, 整体连通一贯) and optimal alignment (Gu Ge Zhi Cheng, 骨骼支撑), and has achieved whole-body harmony unity (Zheng Ti Xie Tiao, 整体谐调) to “take up power from the ground” using whole-body movement (Yi Dong Wu Bu Dong, 一动无不动). (For details, see YIQUAN BEGINNERS’ GUIDE: BASIC SKILLS by J. P. Lau.) 诀曰: 拳成兵器就, 莫专习刀枪。 Oral Tradition: Human skill is more important than the weapon. It is easier to learn to use a (cold) weapon after you have mastered the basic skills of empty hand fighting. Do not train exclusively with swords and spears. We use the spear (Qiang, 枪) or the staff (Gan, 杆; Gun, 棍; Zhang, 杖; Bang, 棒) training and conditioning: 1.

To develop/nurture your balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力), to cultivate your whole-body harmony unity (Ji Rou Ru Yi, 肌肉如一),

To observe/develop force propagation pathways (Xun Zhao Jing Lu, 寻找劲路), to merge all force components as one (Quan Shen Li Yi, 全身力一), and

To train for self-defense/combat with a (cold) weapon.

Basically, self-defense with a (cold) weapon is the use of the weapon as an extension of your arms/hands to discharge/release your balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力) onto your opponent. Even though we do not place too much emphasis on the use of (cold) weapon for selfdefense/fighting, you must not waste your time on flowery solo sequences or patterns (Tao Lu, 套路). You must never fall into the trap of developing sequential patterns (“if this than that” patterns) as responses and solutions to the dynamic changing problem of fighting. Instead, you should develop un-conscious decision-making references for your spontaneous instinctive fighting reflexes through mental visualization (crises rehearsal; Jia Xiang Di, 假想敌).

诀曰: 花法不可学也。 Oral Tradition: You must not waste your time on flowery solo sequences or patterns. Compared to other cold weapons, the spear and staff have tremendous “reach” and leverage. Therefore, against all other cold weapons, the best defense for spear and staff is offense. Thus, traditional studies of the spear and staff dealt mainly with spear-verses-spear or staff-verses-staff maneuvers. Since 70% of staff maneuvers/techniques are from the spear, we will start with a detailed exploration of the spear in Section I: Spear (Ji Ben Qiang Fa, 基本枪法). Staff maneuvers/techniques not from the spear are covered in Section II: Staff (Ji Ben Gun Fa, 基本棍法). This is not intended to be an instruction manual. No effort is made to teach the use of the spear and the staff. Use the information as you feel inclined.

J. P. Lau Jan. 22, 2009

Notes on Long Weapons: Spear and Staff

Section I: Spear (Ji Ben Qiang Fa, 基本枪法)

基本枪法 The spear is the king of all “cold” weapons (Leng Bing Qi Zhi Wang, 冷兵器之王). In this section, methods and procedures for practicing spear basic skills are covered. We will use the traditional terminology: With your left foot leading, the part of your body left of your central line is called “outside” the circle (Quan Wai, 圈外); the part of your body right of your central line is called “inside” the circle (Quan Li, 圈里). We will only describe spear training and conditioning with the “left-lead”, you should train with both “left-lead” and “right-lead”; being able to smoothly switching lead is a necessary primary skill.

1. Principles It is said that the spear is the king of all cold weapons (Leng Bing Qi Zhi Wang, 冷兵器之王) and this is clear when we consider its attributes. A spear is a short sharp blade attached to the end of a 6-7 foot long staff (Qiang Gan, 枪杆). The sharp end of the spear is the “point” (Qiang Tou, 枪头; Qiang Jian, 枪尖), the other end of the shaft is the “butt” (Qiang Ba, 枪把; Qiang Gen, 枪根), and the balance point of the staff is the center of gravity (Qiang Xin, 枪心). Due to this construction, the spear has a tremendous “reach” and leverage when compared to other cold weapons. Against all other weapons, the best defense for a spearman is offense. Therefore, traditional studies of the spear are heavily concentrated on spear-verses-spear maneuvers. Spear practice should follow the training and conditioning theories and principles of Yiquan: Understand the theories and principles involved; use the interactions with the external/internal “isometric-opposing-force-pairs” (Mao Dun Zheng Li, 矛盾争力) to harmonize, synthesize, and ingrain your maneuvers/techniques (in both fixed-step and free-step) into “habit” (e.g., Mo Gan Shi Li, 磨杆试力; Hua Gan Shi Li, 滑杆试力; Hua Gan Fa Li, 滑杆发力, etc.), and learn distance, timing, angle, accuracy, and agility (the ability to adapt and change according to your

opponent) with real experience gained from sparring with real partners (e.g., Shuang Ren Dui Hua Dui Za, 双人对滑对扎). 诀曰: 须两枪对较, 一照批迎, 切磋堋挤着, 拿大小门圈穿, 按一字对戳一枪, 每一字经过万遍不失, 字字对得过, 乃为成艺, 后方可随意应敌, 因敌制胜也。

A. Mindset and Tactics Proper footwork and body mechanics are essential. Mental conditioning (visualization and crises rehearsal) and physical training are equally important; repetition is the mother of all skills. A maneuver must be ingrained, it becomes useful only when it becomes “habit”, becomes “formless”, becomes un-conscious spontaneous reflex. 诀曰: 应机而发, 因势而变。诀曰: 不加思索, 不期然而然, 莫知为而为。 Line and Point The strongest attack with a spear is a straight, center (Zhong, 中), level (Ping, 平), underhand forward stabbing slip thrust (Za, 扎; Jie, 截; Ci, 刺) with the point (Zhong Ping Qiang, 中平抢). It is the fastest and most direct stabbing attack, covering the shortest distance, and because of the angle of attack, it is the hardest to see and parry. 诀曰: 中平一点是枪王。诀曰: 中平六路总。 The underhand and overhand stabbing slip thrusts are quintessential basic spear skills. There are many other techniques for using the spear point and butt, such as: one-handed stab, two-handed overhand thrust, slash, cut, chops, etc., (see section below on maneuvers/techniques) but the spirit of the spear is the circle. Circle, Cone, Helical Spiral (corkscrew) The motion of your spear point in space describes circular (spiral, helical, corkscrew) paths when you parry. 诀曰: 枪的元神只有一圈。 Oral Tradition: The spirit of the spear is the circle.

诀曰: 先有圈枪为母。 Oral Tradition: The circle is the source (mother) of all (parry) techniques. 诀曰: 起手如钢锉, 回手似钩杆。 Oral Tradition: Twisting helical (corkscrew) spiral motions are instinctive and natural. Circle: However, fighting is never static; you must break up the circle (corkscrew movement) and use only segments of the arc at various times. The whole circle is almost never used. Cone: Consider your left front hand as the fulcrum, the shaft of your spear moves on a conical surface. One cone has its base described by the spear point and its point ends in your left front hand. The other cone has its base described by your right rear hand and its point ends in your left front hand. When you use your right rear hand as the fulcrum, the spear shaft also moves on a conical surface; the point of the cone now ends in your right rear hand. Keep your spear point within the following region: no higher than your head, no lower than your knee, laterally not wider than your shoulders, the base of your spear point cone (the spear point circle) is approximately 2 feet in diameter. Helical Spiral (corkscrew): The thrust (Za, 扎) is linear and straight. If you try to combine the circular parry and the linear thrust to unify defense and offense, the resulting movement of the spear point will describe helical spiral (corkscrew) paths (Juan Qiang, 卷枪). This is a very difficult and advanced maneuver/technique. (See below: Slip Spear Drills, Example (g) Helical Parry Thrust.) Tactics: Against Other Weapons With its superior attributes, when fighting with a spear against other cold weapons, your best defense is offense. In using the spear, you must have an aggressive combat mindset because the best defense against other cold weapons is a “stop hit”, a vicious counter interrupting or intercepting your opponent’s attack (Jie Da, 截打) by stabbing, slashing, cutting, and/or chopping him first. You must have the confidence, resolve, and willingness to win. 诀曰: 对敌无胆向先, 空自眼明手便。 The basic spear self-defensive tactics against other weapons are: 1.

Have an aggressive mindset, seize the initiative and engagement opportunities; be the aggressor, use attack as defense. Action beats reaction.

Protect and guard your central line; attack your opponent’s central line. Concentrate on the vertical, always keep your spear point between you and your

opponent and threaten his throat/mouth area. Avoid lateral movement that brings your spear point off the central line. 诀曰: 守中用中。 3.

Hide the length of your “reach” by choking up on your spear to accustom your opponent to one fighting measure (distance), and then switch to use the full reach to attack.

Change and adapt according to your opponent; use various combinations e.g., high/low, left/right, stab/slash, etc. Be “agile”; get inside your opponent’s OODA cycle, compress his time scale by switching maneuvers at a tempo that he cannot follow. 诀曰: 因敌制胜。诀曰: 不期自然至, 变化形无形, 周旋意无意。

Attack the nearest target; be in his face, use fast lightning slash and stab to hand and face to weaken him to setup the final blow.

Use leverage and length; “beat” your opponent’s weapon out of the way to open a line instead of attacking an opening. Watch for the point of his weapon to move past the central line; thrust into the opening as soon as this happens.

Use gravity, inertia, and momentum as your allies. Avoid using muscles against momentum; this slows down your recovery to the on-guard posture. Continuous curved motions require less effort than straight-line motions involving sudden sharp changes in direction.

Have a secondary weapon (a short knife) ready to be used against an opponent grabbing your spear or for fighting at extreme close range (e.g., an opponent who slipped past your spear point).

The spear is superior to all other cold weapons for “out-fighting”; however, close proximity “infighting” negates your spear skills. When fighting other cold weapons, keep your opponent in front of your spear point. Next, we will discuss spear offense/defense of spear-versus-spear. Tactics: Spear-versus-Spear When using a spear, the most difficult weapon to defense against is the spear. And the spear thrusts most difficult to parry are the mid-level thrusts (Ping Lai Qiang, 平来枪) because of the small weapons crossing angle. You must make optimal use of the intrinsic helical spiral (corkscrew) movement of your spear shaft to slip your opponent’s thrust off it’s line with the inside the circle parry (Na, 拿) or the outside the circle parry (Lan, 拦) and/or use footwork to 8

remove your body (target, Qiang Yan, 枪眼) from the incoming line of force. Here, we shall explore some useful concepts related to offense/defense of spear-versus-spear. In use, initiate change, seize the initiative, and control the engagement opportunities. Before your spear point reaches your opponent's front hand (Jin Guan, 进关), use light relaxed movement; after your spear point passed your opponent's front hand, thrust straight in with full power. Keep your spear close to your opponent's spear. This will minimize the angle between the spears and increase the difficulty of parrying. By keeping the spears close together, your opponent's spear will not gain much momentum to beat (Da, 打) or shake (Dou, 抖) your spear sideways off its line of attack. 诀曰: 未进关手宜轻虚, 已进关手宜重实。诀曰: 攻则贴杆深入。 When parrying a spear thrust, parry late and fast using the difference in movement time to your advantage. You must wait until your opponent's rear hand is close to his front hand, i.e., when the center of gravity (Qiang Xin, 枪心) of your opponent's spear has moved far forward of his front hand and it is difficult for him to control. In general, use the middle section of your spear to make initial contact with the front section of your opponent's spear, then “slip” (Hua, 滑) your spear along his spear to parry (circular lateral soft force; Rou Li, 柔力); ending with the front section of your spear at the “sweet spot” (Pai Wei, 拍位) about a foot in front of his leading front hand near the center of gravity of his spear (Qiang Xin, 枪心). You manipulate the point (Qiang Tou, 枪头) of your own spear by controlling its butt (Qiang Gen, 枪根); you control the butt of your opponent's spear with your spear point. 诀曰: 守则见肉分枪。诀曰: 旧力略过, 新力未生时进行防守。

Change target during an attack (Tiao Qiang, 调枪): Start your thrust towards your opponent’s inside the circle (Quan Li, 圈里) target, shift your target and end your thrust on his outside the circle (Quan Wai, 圈外) target or vice versa is call “changing target attack” (Tiao Qiang, 调枪). You must initiate this change long before your rear hand gets close to your front hand to maintain absolute control. a. (Shan Zhuan, 闪赚): small disengagement from inside to outside or vice versa. b. (Dian Ti, 颠提): large disengagement from inside to outside or vice versa.

B. Grip (Wo Fa, 握法) To transmit your balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力) to the point of the spear, the grip is of vital importance. The grip must be relaxed and firm, not too tight and not too loose. It must be firm otherwise your can not transmit your power/force to the spear. It must be relaxed so you can actively maneuver your spear. Do not tense the muscles in your arms. Grip A: The left front hand forms a tube with the thumb, index, and middle fingers, holding the spear at or just behind its center of gravity (Qiang Xin, 枪心). When thrusting, you may grip the spear with your left hand or allow the spear to slide in the left hand (but never open your left hand). When parrying, your left hand should hold the spear firmly. The right rear hand firmly holds the butt in its palm; this lines up your right forearm behind the shaft of the spear for thrusting. When not thrusting, place your right hand near your waist with the spear shaft (the section between your hands) resting in front of your right hip; the section of the spear between the hands must contact the waist or body at navel level (on your right hip) most of the time (Qiang Shi Chan Yao Suo, 枪是缠腰锁). Grip B: The half-grip (Ban Wo, 半握) is used to remove your fingers from being hit by your opponent’s spear sliding down the spear shaft (Shun Gan Hua Da, 顺杆滑打). Here, your left front hand grips the spear shaft with the base of your thumb and your middle, ring, and little fingers on opposite sides half way around the circumference of the shaft, with your thumb and index finger lying along the length of the shaft pointing towards the point. Your right rear hand grips the shaft with the base of the thumb opposite your four fingers halfway around the circumference of the shaft with the butt in your palm. The right thumb may lie along the length of the shaft pointing towards the point or wrap around the circumference. Again, the section of the spear between the hands must contact the waist or body at navel level most of the time. Grip C: The reverse grip (Yin Ba, 阴把) is accomplished by reversing your left front hand, with your left thumb facing towards the butt of the shaft. This is the natural grip for an overhand thrust.

C. On-Guard Stance: Four-Level Posture (Si Ping Qiang Shi, 四平枪势) This is the on-guard ready stance (Ding Ba Bu, 丁八步). The posture and body mechanics are similar to Hun Yuan Zhuang (浑元桩); do not crouch or lean your torso forward (腰脊骨垂线成直); flex both arms and legs (Si Qu Fei Zhi, 似曲非直); bend both knees and do not have much weight on your heels (Zu Gen Wei Xu, 足跟为虚). With the weight bias towards the balls of your feet, your legs act as springs, improving agility and footwork maneuvers. Fourlevel (Si Ping, 四平) implies: Head, shoulder, spear, and feet must all be level (Ping, 平). 1.

Keep your head level and neck erect; visualize a string pulling the top of your head upwards (Tou Xu Ling, 头虚领; Jiao Xia Cai, 脚下踩).

Keep your shoulders down, level, and relaxed; blade your body (torso) to the front (3/4 stance) to reduce your target.

Keep the point and the butt of your spear level and the section of the spear between your hands in contact with your torso (waist) above your hip. Keep the point laterally centered on your central line, always threatening your opponent’s mouth/nose area. When thrusting forward, maintaining this horizontal level reduces the angle of interception between your spear and your opponent’s spear, making the thrust harder to parry.

Keep both feet level on the ground so you can use the “ground-path”, take up power from the ground, “transmitting the ground force” to the tip of your spear. Before the thrust, keep relaxed with more weight on your rear leg. When thrusting, drill your rear foot into the ground (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), shift your weight forward, mildly opposing by drilling your front foot (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) compressing the imaginary spring between your knees (Jia Xi Fa Li, 夹膝发力), torque your torso, push your shoulder forward, shoot your arms out, and use your whole-body balanced-force to deliver a powerful thrust.

Center Four-level Posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势) This is the left-lead small step on-guard posture; holding the spear level in contact with your waist just above your hip. The rear hand is touching your waist. The front hand, slightly flexed and bent, keeps the spear level with the point centered at the central line. The spear point, your nose and your front foot are on the same vertical plane. Always threaten your opponent with the spear point; keep the spear between you and your opponent. High Four-level Posture (Gao Si Ping Qiang Shi, 高四平枪势) From the Center Four-level Posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势), lift your spear to chest level. Keep the spear level with the ground. The spear may or may not contact your torso. This is mainly used as a faint to draw your opponent from his Center Four-level Posture so you can return to yours. Low Four-level Posture (Di Si Ping Qiang Shi, 低四平枪势) From the Center Four-level Posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势), use a large step posture (Fu Hu Zhuang, 伏虎桩) and lower your spear to just below your waist/hip level. Keep the point and the butt of the spear level. This is mainly used as a faint to draw your opponent from his Center Four-level Posture so you can return to yours.

Spear on-guard posture requires (Si Ping Liu Zhi, 四平六直): Point, butt, front shoulder, rear shoulder, front foot, and rear foot must be maintained in harmony (Qiang Fa Liu Zhi, 枪法六直). The point and the butt of the spear must be level and on one vertical plane; the front shoulder and rear shoulder must be level and on one vertical plane; and the front foot and rear foot must be level and on one vertical plane. The point of the spear, the nose and lead foot must be on one vertical plane (San Jian Dui, 三尖对). The stance is the basic Hun Yuan Zhuang ( 浑元桩) posture with weight bias towards the balls of your feet for spring-like whole-body harmony.

D. Different Styles (Ba Fa, 把法) There are many “action styles” (Ba Fa, 把法) in using the spear. The following three are dominant; we will use the mid-level parry (Na, 拿; Lan, 拦) to illustrate their differences: Style 1: Rear Hand Active Style (Huo Ba Qiang, 活把枪) The left front hand acts mainly as a fulcrum; the right rear hand directs the majority of the movement. Example: When executing the mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦), the rear hand moves from palm facing backward inward towards your body at the waist level to palm facing forward outward from your body at the chest level. The front hand remains essentially as a stationary fulcrum with palm facing downward (applying slight downward pressure). When doing the midlevel inside parry (Na, 拿), the rear hand moves from palm facing forward outward at the chest level to palm facing backward inward at the waist level while the front hand remains as a stationary fulcrum with palm facing downward. Style 2: Both Hands Active Style (Liang Ba Qiang, 两把枪) Both hands move simultaneously to execute a parry. It is easier to coordinate waist/body/core movement with this style. Example: When doing the mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦), the right rear hand moves as in Style 1. The left front hand turns palm facing upwards to augment the rear hand. When doing the mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿), the right rear hand moves as in Style 1. The left front hand turns palm facing downwards to assist. The spear shaft may roll and slide forwards/backwards on your torso during the execution of each parry. Style 3: Rear Hand Control Style (Hou Ba Qiang, 后把枪) The left front hand acts as fulcrum; the right rear hand rotates but remains essentially at waist level. You must be able to use whole-body harmony of action in this style; otherwise you cannot do any parry correctly.

Example: When doing the mid-level parry, the left front hand essentially remains stationary, only the left palm rotates inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to facing downwards for inside parry (Na, 拿) and rotates outwards (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) to facing upwards for outside parry (Lan, 拦). The right rear hand remains at waist level, rotating clockwise for inside parry (Na, 拿) and counter-clockwise for outside parry (Lan, 拦). The spear shaft may roll and slide forward/backward on your waist/torso. While Style 3 is the most elegant, with the smallest movement, there is no inherent advantage to each style. Train with the style that works best for you, and you may mix and use the different styles. Practice as you feel inclined.

E. Footwork (Zou Bu, 走步) No one fights while standing and/or holding still. Footwork is used for attack, for defense, for evasion, for deception, for proper positioning, and for conserving energy. The wading step (Mo Ca Bu, 摩擦步) is the foundation for all Yiquan footwork (see BASIC SKILLS on Footwork; Zou Bu, 走步). All footwork steps are included in stepping forward, backward, lateral left, lateral right, diagonal forward, and diagonal backward. Examples: Forward/backward shuffle (Fencing steps): Push off your rear foot to shuffle forward; your lead foot advance first, then your rear foot follows. Do not advance your lead foot and then drag your rear foot forwards. Push off your front foot to shuffle backward; your rear foot retreat first, and then your front foot follows. Do not retreat your rear foot and then drag your front foot backwards. Lateral sidestep: Move first the foot closest to the direction you intend to move while pushing off with the other leg. To move left, push off your right foot, move the left foot one step left, then the right foot follows a half step left to maintain a shoulder’s width in your stance. To move right, push of your left foot, move the right foot one step to your right, then the left foot follows a half step to your right. Forward/backward Passover step: This should be as easy as walking forward or backward. Forward diagonal (circle right; circle left): From a left-lead posture, to circle forward right, move your right foot diagonally right and forward; pivot and wheel to your right bringing your left foot forward into a left-lead. Or, move your right foot diagonally right and forward; pivot and wheel left to bring your left foot behind your right foot (swing step), changing into a rightlead posture. To circle left from a left-lead, move your left foot diagonally left and forward;

pivot and wheel to your right to bring your right foot behind your left foot (Huan Rao Bu, 环绕步) into a left-lead posture. Backward diagonal (back triangle): From a left-lead posture, to move diagonally right and back, simply shuffle diagonally to your right rear. To move diagonally left and back, step left foot diagonally left and back first, then step right foot behind left foot into a left-lead posture or in front of left foot into a right-lead posture. No matter how your footwork carries you, always attempt to end up in your on-guard Center Four-level posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势), on balance, and keep the spear between you and your opponent; threaten him with the point directed towards his mouth/nose area.

F. Types of Power Discharges/Releases We use the spear training primarily as a supplemental conditioning apparatus to develop crisp clean power releases, to cultivate the balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力) and/or as an extension of your arms/hands to deliver the balanced-force through the spear onto your opponent in combat. Optimal alignment (Gu Ge Zhi Cheng, 骨骼支撑), proper connected-ness (Shu Zhan Lian Tong, 舒展连通), and harmony of whole-body action and force (Quan Shen Li Yi, 全身力一) are prerequisites. The typical categories of power discharge/release maneuvers in spear training are: 1.

Thrusting (Za, 扎; Tui, 推; Jie, 截; Ci, 刺): This is a forward linear power discharge/release. You thrust the spear forward as in the rear hand straight punch forward power release. For example, in an underhand slip thrust, you line up your right rear forearm with the length of the spear; push it straight forward with your natural inward/outward spiral movement (Nei/Wai Luo Xuan, 内/外螺旋) to stab forward and immediately withdraw/retract after releasing your balanced-force (power). The underhand slip thrust is an essential basic skill of the spear. 诀曰: 枪扎一条线。诀曰: 去如箭, 来如线。诀曰: 扎, 推, 截, 刺。

Circular Lateral Parrying: Keeping the spear shaft in contact with your waist/torso, you use your whole-body harmony action to move the point in circular or helical spiral (corkscrew) patterns to deliver power laterally. The spear shaft may slide forward/backward and twist with inward/outward rotation (Nei/Wai Luo Xuan, 内/外螺旋) on your torso. You make use of the difference in movement time to your advantage in these lateral parry techniques. 14

诀曰: 枪的元神只有一圈。诀曰: 先有圈枪为母。诀曰: 拦拿革中, 勾捉革上, 提掳革下。诀曰: 缠, 压, 拦, 拿。 3.

Shaking (lateral/vertical): These are short, sharp, snappy, clean, and fast powerful releases to the lateral (left/right sides) or the vertical (up/down) directions (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力). They are used to “shake” or “beat” your opponent’s weapon “off it’s line of attack” to create an opening or to slash (with the first half of the blade edge) and cut (with the whole blade edge) with circular pulling back motions of the spearhead. 诀曰: 横抖, 点, 崩。

Striking (Sweeping): In striking, the shaft of the spear sweep out a large "fan" like pattern (Shan Mian, 扇面) in a plane (vertical, horizontal, or inclined diagonal chop; Pi, 劈) to strike at your target. These are used mostly in the staff techniques (Gan, 杆; Gun, 棍; Bang, 棒; Zhang, 杖) and are used only very sparingly in the spear e.g., striking chop with the shaft or cut with the whole edge of the spearhead. 诀曰: 劈, 挑, 撩, 摇, 打, 扫。

Pushing/pulling: Keep the spear in a vertical plane while pushing forward (to stab or parry), or pulling backward to defend (to cut or parry), or to slash your opponent with the leading half of the blade edge of your spearhead. Push/pull power release is combined with the other type of power releases in normal use. Example: push (Tui, 推) and chop (Pi, 劈) combination or pull (Dai, 带) and lift (Beng, 崩) combination. 诀曰: 推, 带。

While we identify these as separate categories, in practical use they are often combined and inseparable. Example: parrying and simultaneously thrusting, etc. You must use “trial-andfeel” (Hua Gan Shi Li, 滑杆试力) exercises to sense, explore, experiment, and experience the concurrent sequential overlapping body movement; observe the sensation of the propagation of force through the elements of your whole-body to cultivate pathways of force propagation (Xun Zhao Jing Lu, 寻找劲路), to ingrain the maneuver into muscle memory.

2. Basic Spear Skills (Qiang Fa, 枪法) Next, we will briefly describe some important basic spear maneuvers/techniques. The main targets for spear attack (Qiang Yan, 枪眼) are: head, throat, heart, ribs, navel, arms, hands, knees, shins and feet.

A. Thrust (Za, 扎; Jie, 截; Ci, 刺; Tui, 推) We shall include most forward/backward maneuvers here. All linear attacks are included in the following six thrusts (Shang Zhong Xia Liu Lu Chu Qiang, 上中下六路出抢): high inside, high outside, middle inside, middle outside, low inside and low outside. Center Mid-level Thrust (Zhong Ping Qiang, 中平枪) The most difficult thrust to parry is the center mid-level thrust (Zhong Ping Qiang, 中平枪) because the angle between the crossing spears are smaller than in the high or low thrusts. 诀曰: 中平一点是枪王。诀曰: 中平六路总。 You must use your whole-body balanced-force and neuromuscular coordination to deliver your thrust; the whole-body must move as one (Yi Dong Wu Bu Dong, 一动无不动). The front hand is mainly used to control the spear's angle and direction. When thrusting from a left-lead posture, start by drilling (Zuan, 钻) your right rear leg to take up power from the ground (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), push your whole-body forward, pivot your torso to your left, and drive your right shoulder, arms, and hands forward. With relaxed initiation, this concurrent sequential overlapping action thrusts your right hand forward towards your left hand, shooting the spear forward; the shaft sliding in the tube formed by your left thumb, index and middle fingers (underhand slip thrust, Za, 扎). Thrust your spear forward with your relaxed whole-body (tension will slow you down); only tense and focus at the very last instance of your power release, i.e., when your right hand “smash” into your left hand. “Shoot” the spear out straight, centered, and level while twisting your right forearm inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋). After your power release, immediately withdraw/retract your spear to your waist; return to your Center Four-level Posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势). Forward thrust must be fast and must have acceleration (去如箭). Withdraw/retract must be fast and straight (来如线). Remain relaxed except at the focus of the power release. Visualize thrusting your spear through a wall. Remember: the torso/core drives the shoulders; the shoulders drive the elbows; the elbows drive the hands; make full use of the intrinsic helical spiral nature of your musculature with appropriate twisting of your torso and limbs (Yi Dong Quan Shen Zhuan, 一动全身转). 诀曰: 去如箭, 来如线。 16

Oral Tradition: Thrust your spear forward like an arrow; withdraw it immediately just as fast and straight. One Handed Underhand Slip Thrust: In special situations, you may increase your reach by releasing your left hand hold. This results in the single hand forward thrust (one-handed underhand slip thrust; Dan Shou Za, 单手扎). It is a dangerous move because you do not have much control; with the center of gravity of the spear far forward, it is easy to parry. Underhand Thrust: By not allowing the spear to slip in your left hand, you may execute an underhand forward thrust using both hands (Ci, 刺; Tui, 推). You may increase stability by twisting both hands in synch (Fan Wan, 翻腕) to rotate the spear on an axis coaxial with its shaft in its forward and backward movement (Nei Wai Luo Xuan, 内外螺旋). Overhand Thrust: By reversing your left hand hold so your thumbs face each other (Yin Ba, 阴把) on the spear shaft, you may execute a powerful forward, downward overhand thrust (Jie, 截; Cha, 插). Similar overhand thrust with the butt does not require changing your grip (Jie Ba, 截把). One Handed Overhand Thrust: By holding the spear in a reverse grip (ice pick grip) at its center of gravity (balance point; Qiang Xin, 枪心), you can execute fast one handed overhand stabbing motions thrusting forward and downward (Cha, 插).

B. Circle (Quan Qiang, 圈枪) The “circle movement” maneuver of the point (Quan Qiang, 圈枪) is the mother of all parrying techniques (mainly for spear-versus-spear; Fang Liu Lu Qiang, 防六路枪). It makes use of the difference in movement time: a linear thrust attack from your opponent must travel over a longer distance than your circular lateral parry movement; you need only parry his point a couple of feet laterally from your central line to defeat it. In general, you want to push your shaft forward into the path of your opponent’s spear, intercept the end section of your opponent’s spear shaft with the mid section of your spear shaft and “stick” to his weapon. Then “slip” your opponent’s spear aside (Hua Qiang, 滑枪) with a circular movement while sliding your spear forward and downward along your opponent’s spear shaft toward his leading front hand (Shun Gan Hua Da, 顺杆滑打). 诀曰: 先有圈枪为母。 The square movement is within the circle movement; explore the up/down (vertical), left/right (lateral), and forward/backward principal directional forces as you do the circles clockwise and counter-clockwise. Keep the spear shaft touching your torso; direct the point to move in a circle (square) in a vertical plane with an approximate 2-foot diameter. Make sure you are using whole-body harmony action (Zheng Ti Xie Tiao, 整体协调) and not just moving your arms

locally (Ju Bu, 局部). For more advance practice, the spear shaft may slide forward/backward and rotate on your torso to provide natural helical spiral (corkscrew) three-dimensional motions as necessary. We will now describe how to use different sections of the circle movement of the point to parry the spear thrust.

Examples: Parries for the six standard thrusts (Fang Liu Lu Qiang, 防六路枪) 诀曰: 拦拿革中, 勾捉革上, 提掳革下。 Coordinate your whole-body harmony movement (Zheng Ti Xie Tiao, 整体协调) to take up power from the ground to execute these six standard parries. Parrying Mid-level Thrusts (平来枪): Inside (Na, 拿) and Outside (Lan, 拦) Parry thrust to mid-level inside (Na, 拿): From the left lead on-guard posture, lower your right hand slightly to increase the angle between the spears. Drill your left foot inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), take up power from the ground, torque your torso to your right, using your whole-body (torso), make the point of your spear describe a semi-circle with the open side facing down by simultaneously rotating your front hand to palm facing down and your rear hand to palm facing up; the spear rotates on an axis coaxial with the shaft. The spear point moves from left up, then down right (clockwise from 9 o'clock through 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock) to intercept your opponent’s spear. Withdraw both hands slightly rearward and shift your weight rearwards (Tun, 吞), your spear shaft may slide slightly backwards on your torso. Alternate: Downward press parry (Ya, 压) use smaller circular motion, push hands forward and downward. Parry thrust to mid-level outside (Lan, 拦): From the left lead on-guard posture, lower your right hand slightly to increase the angle between the spears. Drill your right foot inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), take up power from the ground, torque your torso to your left, using your whole-body make the point of your spear describe a semi-circle with open side facing down by simultaneously rotate your front hand to palm facing up and bring your rear hand (from your waist to your chest) with palm facing front. The spear point moves from right up, then down left (counter-clockwise from 3 o'clock through 12 o'clock to 9 o'clock) to intercept your opponent’s spear. Alternatively, you may rotate your front hand to palm facing up and rear hand to palm facing down while withdrawing both hands rearward, shifting your weight rearward slightly, slide your spear shaft backwards on your torso with the right hand remaining on the spear butt behind your right hip. Alternate: Downward press parry (Ya, 压) use smaller circular motion, push hands forward and downward.

Parrying High-level Thrusts (高来枪): Inside (Zhuo, 捉) and Outside (Gou, 勾) High-level inside parry (Zhuo, 捉) is the same as mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿). The rear hand is lowered slightly to raise the point to increase the angle between the spears to intercept your opponent’s spear. High-level outside parry (Gou, 勾) is the same as mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦). The left hand is brought up high to in front of the left shoulder with the back of the hand facing upwards. The rear hand is lowered slightly to increase the angle between the spears to intercept your opponent’s spear. Parrying Low-level Thrusts (低来枪): Inside (Ti, 提) and Outside (Lu, 掳) Low-level inside parry (Ti, 提): Drill your leading left foot inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), take up power from the ground, torque your torso to your right, lift your right hand up to chest level rotating your right palm to face the right front. Simultaneously, lower your left hand slightly and push it to the front and right, palm facing upwards. The point of your spear describes a semi-circle with the open side facing your right (counter-clockwise from 12 o'clock through 9 o'clock to 6 o'clock) to intercept your opponent’s spear thrust. Low-level outside parry (Lu, 掳): Similar to low-level inside parry. Drill your rear foot inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), take up power from the ground, torque torso left; twist (pivot) your body to drive your left shoulder back and your right shoulder forward. Simultaneously, lower and withdraw your left hand to the rear and left while rotating left hand to left palm facing down and right palm facing up. The spear point describes a semi-circle with the open side facing your left (clockwise from 12 o'clock through 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock) to intercept your opponent’s spear.

C. Downward Strike – Chop (Pi, 劈; Dian, 点; Dai, 带) Downward Strike (Chop; Pi, 劈) may be used to parry high-level and mid-level thrusts. Keep your right rear hand on your waist; lift your left front hand about 5 inches (left hand may slide towards the point). Using whole-body balanced-force, drill legs inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to take up power from the ground, shift your weight either backward or forward slightly; chop down with the spear (left hand should slide back towards the butt while the right hand may lift upwards slightly during the downward chop). The spear should be centered and level after the chop, ending in the Center Four-level posture. Practical technique: Extend your hands forward as you chop downward; use your opponent's spear as a guide and follow it down to strike his lead hand (Sui Gun Da Shou, 随棍打手), slash or cut his hand or forearm. Or strike at the “sweet spot” (Pai Wei, 拍位; about a foot in front of your opponent's lead hand), of your opponent's spear to knock it off his hand.

Dian (点): Use the left front hand as fulcrum; lift your right rear hand palm upwards to a point higher than the front hand causing the spear point to snap downwards sharply to strike downward on your opponent’s lead forearm or hand. Note: Lightning fast downward slashing with the first half of the blade is usually accompanied with slightly circular pulling back (Dai, 带) of your spear while cutting with the full blade may require moving the spear forward or backward. Note: Chopping (Pi, 劈) uses large motion to drive the full blade through your target. In order to guard your central line, you should minimize the departure of the spear point from the central line by chopping straight down using the full edge with minimal pull back. When using diagonal chops, do not slide your hands together because that will slow your recovery to your on-guard posture. Caution: Large sweeping “fan like” (Shan Mian, 扇面) chops (vertical, Pi, 劈; diagonal, Da, 打; horizontal, Sao, 扫) should never be used against spear thrusts because of the slow recovery time. Spear thrusts are much too fast for these staff techniques (Gun Fa, 棍法).

D. Upward Strike - Lift (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑; Liao, 撩; Yao, 摇; Dai, 带) Upward Lift can be used to parry high-level thrusts (Tiao, 挑; Dai, 带) or as an attack (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑; Liao, 撩; Yao, 摇). Soft Upward Strike or Lift Parry (Rou, 柔): Drill your legs to take up power from the ground; shift your weight slightly backwards (Tun, 吞; do not lean backwards); push down with your right rear hand; lift up your left front hand; use your whole-body coordination to guide your spear point upwards and backwards (Tiao, 挑; Dai, 带). Move the shaft slightly to your right to parry an inside (Quan Li, 圈里) thrust or slightly to your left to parry an outside (Quan Wai, 圈外) thrust. Practical technique: After using “lift” to parry, immediately follow through with a “chop” attack (Tiao Da Qiang, 挑打枪). Hard Upward Strike or Lift Parry (Gang, 刚): When your spear is below your opponent's spear shaft, extending your arms forward, with a forceful upward strike (lift), knock your opponent’s spear upwards to create an opening or cut your opponent’s forearm. Visualize throwing a shovel of sand backwards over your left shoulder. Your front hand moves upwards while your rear hand moves downwards. In “small motion”, this is the upward shake (Beng, 崩); in “large motion”, it is the upward strikes (Tiao, 挑; Liao, 撩). Practical technique: Use the upward lift (Tiao, 挑) as a direct attack or riposte after a low-level parry (Ti, 提; Lu, 掳); follow your opponent’s spear shaft towards your target. Or remove your body from the line of attack (thrust) by side stepping or diagonal stepping and use the upward 20

strike “lift” (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑; Liao, 撩; Yao, 摇) to attack your opponent’s leading arm (Shan Bu Yi Tiao, 闪步一挑). Pull backward slightly (Dai, 带) in a circular motion when slashing or cutting with the upper edge of the blade.

E. Shake (Dou, 抖; Da, 打; Dian, 点; Beng, 崩) When your thrust is parried from your central line and your opponent is counter thrusting while “sticking” to your spear shaft (Tie Gan Shen Ru, 贴杆深入), you may use shake (Dou, 抖) to “bounce” or “beat” his spear laterally or vertically off his line of attack. Thus, create an opening for your counter attack. In order to succeed, you must be able to rapidly deploy a crisp springlike force (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) cultivated from nurturing the isometric-opposite-force-pairs (Mao Dun Zheng Li, 矛盾争力) and the helical spiral (corkscrew) twisting forces (Luo Xuan Li Wu Xing, 螺旋力无形). Also, your may execute forehand and backhand lateral/vertical shakes with circular pull back to slash or with forward/backward motions to cut your opponent with the blade of your spear. For lightning fast slashes, use only the leading half of the blade edge with circular pull back motion. Use the whole blade with either forward or backward motions to cut. Left Shake (Zuo Dou, 左抖): From the left lead Center Four-level posture, push off your right foot, torque your torso to your left while shifting your weight slightly backwards; simultaneously rotate your left hands to palm facing upward (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) while pulling outwards and backwards, twisting your right hand to palm facing downward (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) while pushing outwards and forwards, to shake (Dou, 抖) laterally towards your left and rear. This is a short snappy fast lateral move to bounce (or beat) your opponent's spear to your outside or to slash and cut backhand. It works better if you can end up with your spear shaft on top of your opponent's spear shaft during the defensive shake. Riposte immediately. Right Shake (You Dou, 右抖): From the left lead Center Four-level posture, push off your left foot, torque your torso to your right while shifting your weight slightly backwards; simultaneously rotate your left hands to palm facing downward (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) while pulling inwards and backwards, twisting your right hand to palm facing upward (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) while pulling inwards and backwards, to shake (Dou, 抖) laterally towards your right rear. This is a short snappy fast lateral move to bounce (or beat) your opponent's spear to your inside or to slash and cut backhand. Move your spear shaft on top of your opponent's spear shaft during the defensive shake. Riposte immediately. Upward Shake (Beng, 崩): This is similar to the upward lift strike. Keep your spear in contact with your waist. Lower the spear point and extend it slightly forward. Drill your legs to take up power from the ground; shift your weight backwards simultaneously lift your front hand upwards while pushing your rear hand downwards to snap the point sharply upwards ending in Center Four-level on-guard posture. This will help you to learn to use your whole-body; do not lean backwards; shift your weight backwards at the hip (Tun, 吞). Use this as riposte to slash or cut

your opponent’s lead arm or beat at the sweet spot on your opponent’s spear shaft about a foot in front of your opponent’s front grip (Pai Wei, 拍位) to open a line. Downward Shake (Dian, 点): This is similar to the downward chop strike. Keep your spear in contact with your waist. Drill your legs to take up power from the ground; simultaneously push your left front hand downwards while lifting your right rear hand upwards to snap the point sharply downwards ending in Center Four-level on-guard posture. Do this short sharp snappy downward chop using your whole-body; pull backwards to slash; extend arms forward to cut; or “beat” at the “sweet spot” (Pai Wei, 拍位) to knock you opponent’s spear off his line of attack. As riposte for a pushing parry (Tui, 推), follow your opponent’s spear shaft (Shun Gan Hua Da, 顺杆滑打) forwards and downwards to execute Dian (点) on his leading forearm/hand.

F. Others Some secondary parrying techniques such as Wrapping (Chan, 缠), Press Down (Ya, 压), Push Chop (Tui Pi, 推劈) etc., are just variations of the basic skills already described. The following maneuvers/techniques contain large physical movements: Da, 打; Sao, 扫; Cha, 插; Gou, 勾; Jia, 架; Ge, 格。 They are too dangerous to use when engaged in a spear-versus-spear confrontation because of their slow recovery time. However, they can be used quite effectively against other weapons and will be included in the Section II: Staff (Ji Ben Gun Fa, 基本棍法). Spear Throwing: While throwing your spear increase your effective “reach” enormously, you do throw away your weapon. To Throw, hold your spear at the balance point (Qiang Xin, 枪心) with a reverse half grip i.e., thumb along the shaft pointing towards the butt, the other four fingers half way around on the opposite side of the shaft. Face your target squarely, feet shoulder width apart, hold your spear over your throwing arm shoulder, thumb almost touching your chin, keep the shaft and point in a straight line pointing at your target. Drill inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) and push off with your rear foot, step forward with your front foot, open all your joints in a concurrent sequential overlapping motion, pivot and rotate your torso forward, using your back, shoulder, and arm throw your spear at your target. Extend your throwing arm as far forward as possible before releasing. Practice and learn the trajectory of your throw; to increase range, raise your throwing arm.

3. Methods and Procedures We will explore/discuss basic spear training in five overlapping categories: resistance drills (Mo Gan Shi Li, 磨杆试力), trial-and-feel (Hua Gan Shi Li, 滑杆试力), power release (Hua Gan Fa Li, 滑杆发力), two-man slip spears drills (Shuang Ren Dui Hua Dui Za, 双人对滑对扎), and free sparring (Shi Zuo, 实作).

A. Resistance Drills (Mo Gan Shi Li, 磨杆试力) Objective: Seek, sense, be aware of, explore, and experience the interaction of frictional resistance forces (Zheng Li, 争力) in the six principal directions: forward/backward; upward/downward; lateral left/right (Liu Mian Mo Li, 六面摸力). Forward/backward: Start with the left lead Center Four-level posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势), with the front section of the spear shaft resting on a tree branch at throat level to provide friction/resistance. With whole-body harmony effort, drill your right rear leg inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), take up power from the ground, mildly opposing with the front leg by drilling inwards, compressing the imaginary spring between your knees (Jia Xi Fa Li, 夹膝发力), push your spear forward and downward while rotating your lead left hand clockwise to palm facing down (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋); then push off your left front leg (drill outwards; Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋), mildly opposing with the rear leg, stretching the imaginary spring connecting your knees (Xiang Zheng Xiang Lian, 相争相连), pull your spear backward and downward while rotating your lead hand counter-clockwise to palm facing up (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋). Sense, perceive, explore, and experience the dominant forward/backward friction forces as if trying to “saw” off the tree branch. Feel for the dominant forward/backward force against the light frictional resistance as the spear shaft is “rubbed” on the tree branch. Upward/downward: Repeat this exercise using different angled tree branches to explore and experience the dominant downward and forward force (or upward and forward) force while pushing forward, rotating your left leading hand clockwise inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), and the dominant upward and backward force (or downward and backward) force while pulling backward rotating your left leading hand counter-clockwise outwards (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋). This exercise trains the use of forces in your “upward lift” and “downward chop” maneuvers. Lateral left/right: Repeat this exercise using different angled tree branches to explore and experience the dominant lateral leftward forward (or leftward backward) forces with rotating your left leading hand counter-clockwise outwards (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋), and the dominant rightward forward (or rightward backward) forces with rotating your left leading hand clockwise inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋). This exercise trains lateral left/right spring-like “shaking” forces (Heng Dou Tan Li, 横抖弹力). When you have master whole-body harmony of action with these, mix up the sequence for sensing and exploring the resistance forces in all the six principal directions (Liu Mian Mo Li, 六面摸力). In these exercises, you may also reverse the rotational direction along the axis of the spear as you feel inclined.

B. Trial-and-feel (Hua Gan Shi Li, 滑杆试力) Use solo trial-and-feel exercise (Hua Gan Shi Li, 滑杆试力) with any of the spear maneuvers/techniques described to ingrain whole-body harmony of action of each of the 23

techniques. Do forward thrust and backward pull, upward lift and downward chop, lateral left/right parry, etc. Sense, perceive, explore, and experience the internal/external isometricopposite-forces (Nei Wai Zheng Li, 内外争力); harmonize and interact with the surrounding. Change, adapt, and refine to achieve whole-body harmony of action and force; ingrain each maneuver/technique into “habit”. Initially train in fixed-step (Ding Bu, 定步), then incorporating footwork and use free-step (Huo Bu, 活步). Repetition is the mother of all skills.

C. Power (Hua Gan Fa Li, 滑杆发力) Use any of the maneuver/technique as solo power discharge/release exercise (Hua Gan Fa Li, 滑杆发力) to practice power discharge/release (Fa Li, 发力) in the six principal directions: forward thrust (Za, 扎; Tui, 推; Jie, 截; Ci, 刺), backward pull (Dai, 带), upward lift (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑), downward chop (Pi, 劈; Dian, 点; Ya, 压), lateral right (Na, 拿; Heng Dou, 横抖), and lateral left (Lan, 拦; Heng Dou, 横抖). Use the spear with whole-body harmony of action and balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力); initially train in fixed-step (Ding Bu, 定步), then incorporating footwork and use free-step (Huo Bu, 活步). Practice soft power discharge/release (Song De Fa Li, 松的发力) intersperse with a few hard focus ones (Jin De Fa Li, 紧的发力). Do not practice hard Fa Li exclusively; that will lead to “rigidity” (Jiang, 僵).

D. Two-man Slip Spears Drills (Shuang Ren Dui Hua Dui Za, 双人对滑对扎) Repetition is the mother of all skills. These exercises are similar to “push-hands” repetitive drills. For safety, remove the spear point or blade; use only the blunt spear shaft. And wear appropriate protective equipment. 诀曰: 须两枪对较, 一照批迎, 切磋堋挤着, 拿大小门圈穿, 按一字对戳一枪, 每一字经过万遍不失, 字字对得过, 乃为成艺, 后方可随意应敌, 因敌制胜也。 Timing, distance, angle, and accuracy can only be learned from experience with basic two-man slip spear sparring practice (Shuang Ren Dui Hua Dui Za, 双人对滑对扎). Let your mindbody experience your intellectual learning by doing these slow motion two persons trial-and-feel exercises. Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. Cooperate with your slip spear training/sparring partner; learn the timing, angle, and distance. Do it correctly every time will reinforce your automatic response and un-conscious competence. Repetition is the mother of all skills. Remember that Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) consists of modeling and imaging. In modeling the student mimics the movement of the teacher and in imaging the student think through the movement to "ingrain" the skill. Both mental and physical exercises are necessary; you must practice both mental and physical training and conditioning. Skills must become spontaneous reflexes to be useful.

We will only list some important examples of two-man slip spear exercises below; use your imagination to refine and invent new ones. For continue development, you must modify, adapt, change, and add to what is given to you. Initial distance: For safety reasons, stand apart so that when you thrust, your spear point will only reach your opponent's front foot. To begin these exercises, face your opponent in the left lead Center Four-level Posture (Zhong Si Ping Qiang Shi, 中四平枪势), your left leading foot stepping on the centerline (Zhong Xian, 中线) joining your center gates (Zhong Men, 中门), with your spear pointing at your opponent’s throat. In these exercises, for training purpose, the attacker/trainer/teacher should angle his spear upwards so that it is easier for his partner, the defender/trainee/student, to parry. In the following examples: A is the teacher/trainer; B is the student/trainee. Inside indicates “inside the circle” (Quan Nei, 圈内); outside indicates “outside the circle” (Quan Wai, 圈外). A must “nurse” B, cooperating and allowing B to execute each technique correctly and completely. Do not practice parry without a riposte. Examples: a)

Mid-Level Outside Parry I (Lan, 拦) 1. A thrusts towards B's front hand from the outside. 2. B executes mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦) and slips A's spear to B's outside. 3. B thrusts towards A's front hand from the outside (riposte). 4. A executes mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦) and slips B's spear to A's outside.

The defender should use the middle section of his spear shaft to make initial contact with the front section of the attacker's spear shaft. Then slip (Hua, 滑) the spears so that the front section of the defender's spear shaft parries towards the middle section of the attacker's spear shaft (Pai Wei, 拍位). Use the elastic spring-like property (Tan Xing, 弹性) of the spears to slip your opponent's spear to the side. Do not “bash” or “knock” the spears together. The parry should be executed late and fast (守则见肉分枪), as the attacker’s hands come together shortening the controlling moment arm between his hands and become fully committing to his thrust (旧力略过, 新力未生时).

Mid-Level Outside Parry II - wrap-around parry (Chan, 缠; Lan, 拦)

b) 1. 2. 3. 4.

A thrusts to B's front hand from the outside. B executes mid-level outside parry and slips A's spear to B's inside. B thrusts towards A's front hand from the outside (riposte). A executes mid-level outside parry and slips B's spear to A's inside. 25

The wrap-around parry (Guo Qiang, 裹枪) uses a 270 degrees arc instead of the usual 180 degrees arc; the spear point moves in a counter-clockwise circular arc from 3 o’clock through 12 o’clock, through 9 o’clock to 6 o’clock. The open side of the arc faces to the defender's lower right. c)

Mid-Level Inside Parry (Na, 拿) 1. A thrusts to B's front hand from the inside. 2. B executes mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿) and slips A's spear to B's inside. 3. B thrusts towards A's front hand from the inside (riposte). 4. A executes mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿) and slips B's spear to A's inside.

The defender makes initial contact with middle section of his spear shaft then slips the contact point towards the front section of his spear shaft to slip his opponent's spear to the side. d)

High-Level Parry - Downward Chop (Pi, 劈) 1. A thrusts towards B's face from the inside (outside). 2. B lifts his spear with his front hand; contacts the front section of A's spear on the inside (outside) with the middle section; then chops down (Pi, 劈) along A's spear slightly toward B’s inside (outside); ends with the front section of the spear shaft at the middle section of A's spear shaft (in a four-level posture). 3. B thrusts towards A's face from the inside (outside). 4. A lifts his spear with his front hand; contacts the front section of B's spear on the inside (outside) with the middle section; then chops down (Pi, 劈) along B's spear slightly towards A’s inside (outside); ends with the front section of the spear shaft at the middle section of B's spear shaft (in a four-level posture).

When chopping, the right hand must hold the butt firmly at the waist; slip your spear along your opponent's spear; do not bash or knock the spears apart. If you move both hands forward when you are chopping, you will be able to strike (slash or cut) your opponent's front hand. After a chopping parry, you may riposte with a forward thrust or an upward blow (Tiao, 挑). e)

High-Level Parry - Upward Lift (Tiao, 挑; Dai, 带) 1. A thrusts towards B's face from the outside (inside). 2. B lifts left hand (Tiao, 挑); uses the front section of the spear to make initial contact with the middle section of A's spear; continue to lift the spear upwards and backwards (Dai, 带) to slip A's spear to B's outside (inside). 3. B thrusts towards A's face from the outside (inside).

4. A lifts left hand (Tiao, 挑); uses the front section of the spear to make initial contact with the middle section of B's spear; continue to lift the spear upwards and backwards (Dai, 带) to slip B's spear to A's outside (inside). Upward lift (Tiao, 挑; Dai, 带) should be light and soft; “stick” (Nian, 粘) and follow your opponent's spear; the main force is from front arm. You may combine upward lift and then riposte with downward chop to strike your opponent's front hand. There are other upward lifting techniques. Some move both hands simultaneously while keeping the spear level (Tuo Qiang, 托枪). Another: place your spear below your opponent's spear and forcefully snap upwards to release power to throw your opponent's spear upwards (see (h) below). f)

Low-Level Parry (Ti, 提; Lu, 掳)

B adopts the left lead High Four-level posture (Gao Si Ping Shi, 高四平势) leaving the lower lines open to begin this exercise. 1. A thrusts towards B's front knee from the outside (inside). 2. B shifts front left leg back slightly to avoid the attack; lifts his right hand, pushing slightly forward (pull backward) and lowers his left hand; uses the middle section of his spear to make contact with the middle section of A's spear; then slips the spear towards the front section and twists torso left (right) to slip A's attack to the outside (inside). 3. B thrusts towards A's front knee from the outside (inside). 4. A shifts front left leg back slightly to avoid the attack; lifts right hand, pushing slightly forward (pull backward) and lowers his left hand; uses the middle section of his spear to make contact with the middle section of B's spear; then slips the spear towards the front section and twist torso left (right) to slip B's attack to the outside (inside). It is important to “slip” (Hua, 滑) the spears instead of knocking them. In the latter case, when knocked, you can quickly withdraw, change, and thrust in a new line or directions. Whereas in slipping, the spears are "glued" (Nian Sui, 黏随) together for better manipulation. After this low-level parry, you may riposte by slide your spear upward along your opponent's spear (Shun Gan Hua Da, 顺杆滑打), combining it with an upward lift to strike your opponent's front hand. g)

Low-Level Inside Parry - Helical Parry/Thrust (Juan Qiang, 卷枪)

B adopts the left lead High Four-level posture to begin this exercise. 1. A thrusts towards B's knee from the inside.

2. B lifts left leg to avoid the attack; lifts right hand to chest level and lowers left hand slightly to make contact with spears; while pushing forward (to the right) slightly with the left hand (palm facing left), use an overhand slip thrust to shoot the spear towards A's front knee with the right hand (palm facing right). This is an exercise for the downward forward overhand slip thrust. By adding the inside parry during the thrust, your spear point traces out a helical spiral (corkscrew) pattern. Basic Two Thrusts Drill (Tiao Qiang, 调枪)

1. A thrusts (Za, 扎) towards B's front hand from the inside. 2. B executes mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿). 3. A changes attack target; moves the spear and thrusts towards B's shin from the outside (Za, 扎; Dian Ti, 颠提). 3. B follows A's move; places the spear below A's spear; uses the middle section to contact the middle section of A's spear; withdraws right hand and lifts up (Beng, 崩) forcefully with left hand; ends in Center Four-level posture. 4. B thrusts towards A's front hand from the inside. 5. A executes mid-level inside parry. 6. B changes attack target; moves the spear and thrusts towards A's shin from the outside. 7. A follows B's move; places his spear below B's spear; uses the middle section to contact the middle section of B's spear; withdraws right hand and lifts up forcefully with left hand; ends in Center Four-level posture. In this exercise, the up lift (Beng, 崩) is an upward shake power release (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力). It must be clean and crisp so your opponent's spear "bounces" upwards. i)

Basic Multiple Thrust Drill: Thrusts to heart, shoulder, knee and face. 1. 2. 3. 4.

A thrusts to B's heart; B executes inside parry. A thrusts to B's shoulder (Shan Zhuan, 闪赚); B executes outside parry. A thrusts to B's knee; B executes low outside parry. A thrusts to B's face; B executes high inside parry.

The training partners may then reverse the offensive/defensive roles. Be sure to use whole-body movement and balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力) to back-up every move. Slip the spears; do not bash or knock the shafts. j)

Basic “Sticking” Spear Drill (Nian Gan, 粘杆) 1. A thrusts to B's heart from the outside (inside). 2. B slips A's spear aside with outside (inside) parry while “sticking” onto A’s spear.

3. A changes target and thrusts to B’s knee from inside (outside). 4. B sticking to A's spear; follows A's move and executes low inside (outside) parry. This drill can be initiated with A thrusting high to B’s face or at mid-level to B’s heart from either inside or outside. k)

Four Power Release Drills

A thrusts to B's heart from the outside (inside). B uses the mid section of his spear to push (Tui, 推) A's spear to his left (right); then chops down (downward shake, Dian, 点) at the sweet spot about a foot in front of A's hand (Xia Fa Li, 下发力) to knock it downwards.

A thrusts to B's knee from the outside (inside). B uses low outside (inside) parry; then with whole-body balanced-force torque torso to his left (right) to shake A's spear to the outside (inside).

A thrusts to B's heart from the inside. B uses inside parry; then keeping the spears in contact uses forward push (Tui, 推) power release to throw A backwards.

A thrusts to B's knee from the outside (inside). B uses low outside (inside) parry; then with whole-body force lift upwards (Tiao, 挑), like throwing a shovel of sand over his shoulder, at the sweet spot in front of A's lead hand to throw his spear upwards. (See section on Slip Spear Exercise.)

Practice as you feel inclined. Explore, experiment, and refine; create exercises to train for specific goals (You Yi Er Lian, 有意而练). A maneuver/technique becomes useful only after it has become “habit” and “form-less”. 诀曰: 有形练到无形处, 练到无形是真功。

E. Controlled Free Form Sparring Use appropriate protective equipment. Set up safety rules of engagement. Free form “touch sparring” seem to be the appropriate place to start. Full contact sparring with even modified weapons is definitely still dangerous.

4. Summary - Training Guidelines The majority of your training and conditioning effort should be on the primary exercises: 29

1. Mid-level thrust (Za, 扎) 2. Mid-level inside parry (Na, 拿) 3. Mid-level outside parry (Lan, 拦) When you have mastered the primary exercises, practice the secondary exercises: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Down Chop (Dian, 点; Pi, 劈) Upward Lift (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑) Low level parry (Ti, 提; Lu, 掳) Shake (Dou, 抖)

Students should use a buddy system to practice the basic “slip spear” (Hua Gan, 滑杆) exercises. Help each other learn. The above are the fundamentals of the spear. Students interested in spear techniques should seek qualified instructions; nothing can replace competent firsthand instructions. However, solo sequential forms and patterns (Tao Lu, 套路) only practice/training is absolutely useless. All flowery techniques are a waste of time. Always ask: What is the purpose of this move? Eliminate all extraneous motions. Training to use the Staff (Gun Fa, 棍法) is more practical than training to use the Spear and will be covered in Section II: Staff (Ji Ben Gun Fa, 基本棍法). _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2009-01-24 J. P. Lau, All rights reserved.

Notes on Long Weapons: Spear and Staff

Section II: Staff (Ji Ben Gun Fa, 基本棍法)

基本棍法 Staff practice (Gun Fa, 棍法) is a supplemental training for Yiquan. Foundation in Yiquan basic skills (Yiquan Ji Ben Gong, 意拳基本功) is prerequisite. While the staff can be used as a weapon, our emphasis is using this training to further develop the balanced-force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力) and whole-body “explosive” power release (Zheng Ti Bao Fa Li, 整体爆发力). Here, the term staff (Gun, 棍) is used to cover pole, staff or any stick weapon between 4 foot to 7 foot in length and about an inch in diameter (Gan, 杆; Zhang, 杖; Bang, 棒). In learning/practicing the staff, a firm foundation in the spear training (Qiang Fa, 枪法) is extremely valuable because a long staff (Chang Gun, 长棍) is a blunt spear; 70% of staff maneuvers/techniques are spear maneuvers/techniques. In this exploration, we assume the reader is familiar with using the spear. 诀曰: 七分枪, 三分棍。 Without the sharp point and blade of the spear, the staff must rely on impact to be effective. Thus, proper whole-body power discharge/release through the staff onto your opponent is absolutely vital; merge all force components of your torso/core and limbs as one (Quan Shen Li Yi, 全身力一). 诀曰: 兼枪带棒, 棍借身力。 Staff practice should follow the training and conditioning theories and principles of Yiquan: Understand the theories and principles involved; use the interactions with the external/internal isometric-opposing-force-pairs (Mao Dun Zheng Li, 矛盾争力) to harmonize, synthesize, and ingrain your maneuvers/techniques (in fixed-step and free-step) into “habit” (Mo Gan Shi Li, 磨杆试力), and learn distance, timing, angle, accuracy, and agility (the ability to adapt and change according to your opponent) with real experience gained from sparring with real partners (Shuang Ren Dui Hua Dui Za, 双人对滑对扎).

1. Principles The staff is the shaft of a spear; it is an impact weapon. It depends on blunt trauma to damage your opponent. You can thrust with the point or the butt. Also, you can strikes with the front, rear, and middle sections of the shaft.

A. Mindset and Tactics You must have an aggressive attitude, seize the initiative and engagement opportunities; be the aggressor, use attack as defense. Action beats reaction. Protect and guard your central line; attack your opponent’s central line (Shou Zhong Yung Zhong, 守中用中). Concentrate on the vertical, always keep your staff pointed at your opponent and threaten his throat/mouth area. Avoid lateral movement that brings your staff point off the central line. 诀曰: 对敌无胆向先, 空自眼明手便。 You must maintain your mental confrontation state; take advantage of any opening to attack. In a confrontation, subconsciously you would go through the OODA cycle (feedback loop): Observation: Allow your opponent to initiate his move; observe and find his weakness. Orientation:

Place yourself at advantageous distance and angle.

Decision:

Subconsciously decide your reaction.

Action:

Let your automatic spontaneous reflexes take the appropriate action.

You must train to automatically initiate your action on any opening; start after your opponent's initial move but land your strike before he can complete his. 诀曰: 后人发, 先人至。 When your opponent's force is on your skin, your force would have penetrated his bones. And your actions must be spontaneous reflexes. If your opponent adopts the above confrontation state and allows you to make the initial move, you must disturb his OODA loop. Feint to induce your opponent to react to the attack. Switch between false and real thrusts to different targets. Time your counter attack in between your opponent's old and new maneuvers (power/forces); compress his time scale by switching to a tempo that he cannot follow. Next, we will introduce the concepts of range and zone. Range You may consider a confrontation/fight occurring in three ranges: 32

Long Range (far interval): This is the range where you and your opponent can not strike each other with your weapons. From this out-of-contact range your may briefly evaluate your opponent. You may adopt one of the postures (see Postures) and do your Observation and Orientation. Medium Range (medium interval): This is the striking distance where most of your techniques can be effectively executed. You must make your Decision and subconsciously take Action, relying on your spontaneous reflexes to evade and/or attack. Short Range (close interval): In this range, you are too close to use the point. You can still fight using the butt and the mid section of your staff. You must train to fight effectively in all these ranges. Zone You may divide your opponent's strike into three zones: Accelerating Zone: This is the zone where your opponent's staff/weapon is accelerating into the strike zone. There is little or no power. You should jam or block the strike in this zone. Strike Zone: This is the zone where your opponent's staff/weapon has reach critical velocity to be effective and damaging; where maximum force can be delivered. Avoid or pass his staff in this zone. Decelerating Zone: This is the zone where your opponent’s staff/weapon is decelerating. He is preparing to switch to another maneuver/technique. He attempts to stop or slow down the motion of his staff/weapon. This is your chance to attack before he can start another attack/strike. This interface gap (in time and space) between techniques is "between his old and new forces" (旧力略过, 新力未生). You must take advantage of it. Use zoning in your attack and defense tactics.

Tactics and Characteristics These are the basic staff fighting tactics and characteristics: 1.

Use whole-body balanced-force; pay attention to proper body mechanics (alignment and connected-ness ) and take up power from the ground; torque your torso and coordinate your arms to deliver/transmit power to the end of the staff.

Use circular lateral parrying force for defense against thrusting attacks. Use linear thrusts to attack. Retract to on-guard immediately after thrusting.

Use sweeping/swinging strikes with large "fan" sweeps (Shan Mian, 扇面) on various planes; vertical, horizontal, and inclined at any angle. Be sure to swing and strike through your target; use inertia and momentum as allies. Do not do "stop-and-go" swings; you have to overcome your weapon's inertia every time you do "stop-and-go".

Guard your central line; attacks need only be parried a few inches laterally to your side. 诀曰: 意守中门。

Use simple direct moves with no extraneous motions; initiate change, initiate attacks; “explode” into action on contact (Yi Chu Ji Fa, 一触即发). Use wholebody coordination. 诀曰: 后人发, 先人至。

Use multiple thrusts: switch from inside the circle (Quan Li, 圈里) to outside the circle (Quan Wai, 圈外); switch from high level to low level etc.

Keep your staff close to your opponent's staff when you attack. This minimize the angle between the staffs making it harder to parry. By minimizing the distance between the staffs, your opponent cannot gain speed/momentum in his movement to parry.

When parrying allow your opponent's staff to “come in close” (Jian Rou Fen Qiang, 见肉分枪). Waiting until your opponent's hands are close together, decreasing his moment arm and control, before you parry.

When thrusting or shaking, bounce back to your Center Four-level on-guard posture immediately. Do not remain in the extended posture for your opponent to exploit.

10.

Remove your body from your opponent's line of force by using side steps, swing steps etc.

11.

On contact, “stick” (Nian Gan, 黏杆) onto your opponent's staff and initiate change; follow along his staff to strike his hands (Sui Gun Da Shou, 随棍打手).

12.

Use soft (Rou, 柔) forces to overcome your opponent's hard (Gang, 刚) forces.

Skills can only be acquired with practice. Maneuvers/techniques are useful only when they become spontaneous reflexes.

B. Grip In staff training, it is traditional to use a right hand lead. Start with your right leg forward small step posture (Hun Yuan Zhuang, 浑元桩). Hold the staff with both hands with palms facing towards each other; your left hand is about a foot from the butt and your right hand is comfortably near the center of gravity of your staff. You must grip the staff firmly in both hands; do not tense your forearm muscles. There are two grip variations: Full grip: Wrap your fingers, as if forming a fist, fully around the staff. Place your thumb on your index finger or along the staff. Half grip: Place your fingers opposite to your thumb half way around the staff; squeezing the staff between your fingers and your thumb. Hold the staff firmly but do not tense your forearm muscle. Your grip must not be too tight or too loose. It must be firm to transmit your whole-body power to the end of the staff. It must be relaxed to maneuver.

C. Postures Fighting is dynamic; there are no fixed postures or fixed feet positions. 诀曰: 脚无定位, 身无定势。 However, these six basic pre-contact (far interval) postures are important. You may adopt any one of these to Observe and evaluate your opponent, to position and Orient yourself, and to draw an initial move from your opponent. Some are used to induce your opponent to attack purposely exposed targets by deliberately creating openings to draw a reaction. On-guard: Center-Level Posture (Zhong Ping Shi, 中平势) This is similar to the Center Four-Level Posture (中四平枪势)for the spear. The main difference is that the rear hand holds the staff about a foot from the butt end. Assume the small step posture (Hun Yuan Zhuang, 浑元桩). The rear hand holds the staff about a foot from the butt end; the front hand holds the staff comfortably near its balance point (Qiang Xin, 枪心). Keep both arms slightly bend; keep the staff level, with the section between your hands touching your waist just above your hip; keep the point at your central line; your front foot, head, and the point of the staff are on the central line vertical plane (Zhong, 中). Keep your head, shoulders, staff and feet level (Si Ping, 四平). This is the most important posture. From this on-guard posture, it is convenient to execute all defensive and offensive maneuvers/techniques.

High-Lift Posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势) From the center-level posture (Zhong Ping Shi, 中平势), bend your front arm and lift the point of the staff to eyebrow level; simultaneously lower your rear hand to in front of your hip. Keep the staff touching your waist. In this posture, your upper level is protected but it exposes your low and middle level targets. Be prepared to defend your lower level targets from your opponent’s attacks. Pointing-to-the-Ground Posture (Zhi Di Shi, 指地势) From the center-level posture, lower your front hand; allowing the point of the staff to almost touch the ground. Bend and raise your rear hand slightly. Keep the section of your staff between your hands touching your waist. This posture exposes your high and middle level targets to induce your opponent to attack high. Block-Road Posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势) Stand erect with your weight evenly distributed between your feet in the parallel step posture (Ping Bu Zhuang, 平步桩). Face squarely to the front, place your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bend (Si Qu Fei Zhi, 似曲非直). Hold your staff horizontally with equal length on each side, with the middle section which is between your hands touching your waist. Your right hand is on your right hip, palm facing up; your left hand is on your left hip, palm facing down. This will allow you to deliver hard strikes from both ends of the staff (Da, 打) by rotating your waist and stepping. This posture exposes all your openings/targets. Hide-Staff Posture (Cang Gun Shi, 藏棍势) Left Lead: From the right lead center-level posture, advance your left foot into a left lead small step posture. Simultaneously turn your torso 180 degrees to your right; holding the staff level, with your left arm in front, left elbow forward, palm facing down, right hand points backwards, palm facing up. Hold the staff with the section between your hands touching your waist, butt end facing forward. You are "hiding" your staff on your right side. Right Lead: From the right lead center-level posture, slide your staff backwards with only a foot remaining in front of your right hand. Move your right hand slightly to your left in front of your left hip; "hiding" your staff on your left side. These two “hiding staff” postures expose all targets. You must rely on footwork (stepping) to avoid an attack and then orient/position yourself to counter with downward chop (Pi, 劈), horizontal sweep (Sao, 扫), or upward lift (Liao, 撩).

Pointing-to-the-Sky Posture (Zhi Tian Shi, 指天势) Assume a left lead small step posture, torso bladed, left shoulder forward. Hold your right hand high, to the right of your head; keep your right elbow bend. Hold your left hand low, in front of your right hip directly below your right hand. Your staff is vertical, pointing to the sky. This posture exposes all targets. You must rely on footwork (stepping) to avoid an attack and then position yourself to counter attack with downward chop (Pi, 劈) etc.

D. Types of Power Discharge The type of power discharges/releases delivered with the staff are: Thrusting (Za, 扎; Ci, 刺): This is initiated by drilling your rear leg into the ground (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) while mildly opposing it with drilling the front leg (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋); compressing the imaginary spring between your knees (Jia Xi Fa Li, 夹膝发力); driving your whole-body forward and simultaneously thrusting your arms straight forward to deliver linear stabbing power with the point or the butt of the staff. This is similar to the spear thrust if you use one hand to thrust and allow the staff to slide through your lead front hand,. Lateral Circular (inside/outside) Parrying (Xian, 掀; Jian, 剪): Coordinate the whole-body to torque your torso and rotate your forearms/palms clockwise or counterclockwise (Yi Dong Quan Shen Zhuan, 一动全身转) to generate lateral force (Heng Tan Dou Li, 横弹抖力); used in lateral inside/outside (Quan Nei/Quan Wai, 圈内/圈外) parrying techniques to deflect linear thrusts. Striking (Da, 打, Pi, 劈, Yao, 摇, Liao, 撩, Sao, 扫): Sweeping/swinging strikes or chopping power comes from the torque of your torso to drive your shoulders and arms in a large circular action. The staff shaft sweeps out a large "fan" like surface to strike (Shan Mian, 扇面). The plane of the "fan" can be vertical (downward chop, Pi, 劈; upward lift, Liao, 撩), horizontal (Heng Sao, 横扫) or inclined (Da, 打, Yao, 摇) at any angle. Pull/push Parrying (Tui, 推, Dai, 带): Use whole-body coordinating with arm action to pull, push or hook your opponent's staff. These can be soft (Rou, 柔), to stick onto your opponent's staff to slip (Hua, 滑) your opponent’s staff off its line of attack or it can be hard (Gang, 刚) to push/bounce him off. Shaking (Dou, 抖): Use whole-body effort combined with forearms rotation to induce short distance snapping motion to the staff to bounce your opponent's weapon off its line of attack; as in small upward lift (Beng, 崩), small downward chop (Dian, 点) or lateral shake (Heng Dou, 横抖). This type of spring-like (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) power release is also used in blocks (Jia, 架; Ge, 格) to “bounce” off your opponent’s staff.

Planting (Cha, 插): Plant/stab one end of your staff onto the ground; use the ground support to defense against low sweeping/swinging strikes (Sao, 扫). All power discharges/releases are included when you have mastered power discharges in the six principle directions (Liu Mian Fa Li, 六面发力): forward/backward, upward/downward, and lateral left/right. A firm and proper grip (Wo Yao Gu, 握要固) is necessary to transmit the power from the ground through your hand to the end of the staff. These are the preferred striking qualities: 1. Strike your target and retract/reset immediately, or 2. Strike through your target with maximum momentum, or 3. Strike at your target with a change of direction or target during your strike. Caution: Never strike your target and leave your arms and staff extended on your target allowing your opponent to counter attack.

2. Basic Techniques The following is a list of selected techniques. We have classified them into six categories based on the dominant type of power discharge/release involved. From the right leg lead center-level posture (Zhong Ping Shi, 中平势), the side to the right of your central line is outside the circle (Quan Wai, 圈外); the side to the left of your central line is inside the circle (Quan Li, 圈里).

Thrusting Techniques:

Point Thrust Two Hand Thrust (Ci, 刺): From the right lead center-level posture (Zhong Ping Shi, 中平势), drill your left leg inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to push your whole-body forward while mildly opposing with drilling the right leg inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to take up power from the ground. Or you may take a small forward step with your right foot. Compress the imaginary spring between your knees (Jia Xi Fa Li, 夹膝发力), simultaneously, thrust the point of the staff forward with both hands, rotating your right forearm clockwise (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) to thrust slightly to your right (opponent’s inside; 圈里) or counter-clockwise (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to thrust slightly to your left (opponent’s outside; 圈外). Your left forearm should touch the butt section of your staff and rotate with it in sync; the butt section must touch your waist.

One Hand Thrust (spear thrust; Za, 扎): From the right lead center-level posture, drill your left leg to push your whole-body forward (you may take a small forward step). Simultaneously thrust the point of the staff forward with your left hand; your right thumb, index and middle fingers form a tube allowing the staff to slide through. Your left forearm should touch the butt section of your staff. This increases your reach but decreases your control of the staff. Note: Thrust and withdraw must be fast to minimize exposure. Retract to your center-level posture immediately after thrusting. Butt Thrust Butt Thrust (Jie Ba, 截把): From the right lead center-level posture, shift your weight onto your right leg; step forward with your left foot; slide your right hand towards the point of the staff. Drill your right leg inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to push your whole-body forward. Simultaneously, lift your right hand and pull it back in front of your right shoulder; push and lift your left hand upward then thrust the butt forward. Coordinate your drilling of your right leg and arms motion to deliver maximum power. This is a close quarter short range technique.

Lateral Circular Parrying Techniques

High-level Parry (Xian, 掀) Right (Outside) Parry: From the right lead center-level posture, rotate your right forearm clockwise (Wai Lou Xuan, 外螺旋) to palm facing up while pulling back slightly; lifting the point to head level. Simultaneously rotate your left hand clockwise (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to palm facing down while pushing downwards; your left hand stays on your hip. Simultaneously, push your left knee slightly inwards; drill your left leg inwards; torque your torso to your right. The point moves up and right with circular lateral force (the point describes a clockwise arc from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock). Left (Inside) Parry: From the right lead center-level posture, rotate your right forearm counterclockwise (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋) to palm facing down while pulling back slightly and lifting the point to head level. Simultaneously, rotate your left hand counter-clockwise (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) to palm facing up while pushing downwards; your left hand stays on your hip. Simultaneously, drill your right leg inwards; torque your torso to your left. The point moves up and left with circular lateral force (the point describes a counter-clockwise arc from 3 o'clock to 12 o'clock). The butt section of the staff must remain in contact with your waist. The point must not be higher than your head. The lateral movement of the point need only be slightly wider than your shoulder width; just enough to parry. This technique is for defending against mid-level and highlevel thrusts. It uses soft (Rou, 柔) circular lateral forces to defeat linear thrust attacks.

Low-level Parry (Jian, 剪) Right (Outside) Parry: From the right lead center-level posture, slightly lower your right hand and rotate your right forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing down. Raise your left hand slightly, rotate your left forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing up. Simultaneously, drill your left leg, torque your torso to your right to move the point down and right. The point describes a counter-clockwise arc from 9 o'clock to 6 o'clock. The rear hand is the fulcrum. Left (Inside) Parry: From right lead center-level posture, rotate right forearm clockwise to palm facing up, rotate left forearm clockwise to palm facing down while lifting your left hand to shoulder level. Simultaneously, drill your right leg, torque your torso to your left to move the point down and left. The point describes a clockwise arc from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock. The front hand is the fulcrum. Coordinate your whole-body; arms movement, leg drill, and body torque are in sync (Yi Dong Wu Bu Dong, 一动无不动). The butt section of the staff must remain in contact with your waist/torso. Lateral movement need only be sufficient to parry your body width. This parry uses soft (Rou, 柔) lateral forces to defeat low level linear thrusts. Press Down Parry (Xia Ya, 下压) Right (Outside) Press: From the right lead high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), slightly lower your right hand and rotate your right forearm clockwise to palm facing up. Raise your left hand slightly, rotate your left forearm clockwise to palm facing down; keep the staff touching your waist. Simultaneously, drill your left leg, torque your torso to your right to move the point right and down. The point describes a clockwise arc from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock. To parry midlevel thrust, you may lower your left hand to increase the angle between the crossing staffs. Left (Inside) Press: From the right lead high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), slightly lower your right hand and rotate your right forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing down. Raise your left hand slightly, rotate your left forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing up; keep the staff touching your waist. Simultaneously, drill your right leg inwards, torque your torso to your left to move the point left and down. The point describes a counter-clockwise arc from 12 o'clock to 9 o'clock. To parry mid-level thrust, you may lower your left hand to increase the angle between the crossing staffs. Coordinate your whole-body; the press down should be fast and powerful. Your staff should be level when you finish your press down parry (Ya, 压). This uses soft (Rou, 柔) vertical forces to defeat mid-level linear thrusts. Wrapping (Chan Guo, 缠裹) Clockwise (Outside): From the right lead center-level posture, use your left hand as fulcrum. Use whole-body effort, rotate your right forearm clockwise to palm facing up. Simultaneously, move the point clockwise in a circle in a vertical plane.

Counter-Clockwise (Inside): From the right lead center-level posture, use your left hand as fulcrum. Use whole-body effort, rotate your right forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing down. Simultaneously, move the point counter-clockwise in a circle in a vertical plane. The circle described by the point in a vertical plane need to be between your shoulder and navel; laterally just wider than your body width. Use this to "entangle" (Chan Guo, 缠裹) your opponent's staff; then follow with further attacks as a line opens up. Or confuse your opponent by continue circling. Keep the butt section of your staff in contact with your waist.

Striking Techniques

Downward Strike (Chop; Pi, 劈) Large Downward Strike (Chop; Pi, 劈): From the left lead pointing-to-the-sky posture, drill your right leg to use whole-body force, torque your torso to the left, step forward with your left foot. Simultaneously, pull your left hand to your left hip, swing and push your right hand to strike your staff downward to the center-level posture. The "fan" (Shan Mian, 扇面) sweep out by the shaft of the staff is in a vertical plane. Your right hand should slide backward slightly and should press downward at the finish of the strike. Coordinate body and arms motion; deliver maximum power through your properly aligned and connected whole-body to the staff (Xun Zhao Jing Lu, 寻找劲路). Variations: The "fan" plane (Shan Mian, 扇面) of the strike can incline in any angle. You can step forward with your right foot instead of your left foot. Upward Strike (Lift; Liao, 撩; Tiao, 挑) Large Vertical Upward Sweeping lift (Liao, 撩): From the left foot lead hide-staff posture, raise your left hand to move the butt end of your staff to your eyebrow level. Then pull and lower left hand to your left waist. Simultaneously, push and lift your right hand forward and upward. The point of the staff moves down, forward and upward; the staff sweeping a "fan" (Shan Mian, 扇面) in a vertical plane on your right side; ending with the point directly in front at head level. Coordinate the drilling of your right leg to torque your torso to drive the strike. This is a hard (Gang, 刚) power release technique; usually used after a low level parry. Use footwork to avoid an attack, then counter with this upward lift. Lift with Point (Tiao, 挑): From the point-to-the-ground posture, using whole-body motion; shifting forward then backward while lifting up and withdrawing your right hand and pushing down with your left hand to your left hip; move the point of the staff upwards to head level in a vertical plane. Visualize throwing a shovel of sand backwards over your head.

Lift with butt (Tiao Ba, 挑把): From the right lead center-level posture, step forward with your left foot. Simultaneously, pull your right hand back in front of your mouth; push your left hand forward and up to strike upward with the butt. Use whole-body force. Horizontal Sweep (Sao, 扫) Right Two Hands (Sao, 扫): From left lead hide-staff posture, drill your right leg, push your torso forward and torque your torso to your left; simultaneously pull your left hand backward to your left hip, swing and push your right arm in a semi-circle to your front. The staff sweeps out a “fan” in a horizontal plane; the point moves from back, out to your right then forward (a semicircle in a horizontal plane). Keep the staff in contact of your waist. Use whole-body force. Left Two Hands (Sao Ba, 扫把): From right lead hide-staff posture, drill your left leg, push your torso forward and torque your torso to your right; simultaneously pull your right hand backward to your right hip, swing and push your left arm in a semi-circle to your front. The staff sweeps out a "fan" in a horizontal plane. The butt moves from back, out to your left then forward in a semi-circle in a horizontal plane. Keep the staff in contact with your waist. Use whole-body force. Some variations: Reverse Sweeping Strike (Fan Sao, 反扫): From the right lead center-level posture, rotate your torso to your left while bring your left hand under your right upper arm. Torque your torso right; sweep the staff from left to right to strike. Front Hand Sliding Strike: Allowing your front hand to slide towards your rear hand during the strike will increase your strike power. One Hand Strike: During a strike, by pushing your rear hand forward and allow your front hand to slide close to your rear hand then releasing your rear hand and grip the staff with only one hand, extends your reach. But you give up some control and increase your vulnerability. These are large movement hard (Gang, 刚) power release techniques. If you use these as initial attacks, you opponent will be able to "see you coming" and use zoning against you. It is best to first create an opening then use these strikes. You can strike high level (shoulder, head), mid level (waist) or low level (shin, ankle). High level strikes are usually done with front hand sliding or with one hand. Low level strikes are usually accompanied by kneeling. Beat (Da, 打) Right High: From the block-road posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势), drill your left leg, and torque your torso to your right. Simultaneously push and raise your left hand in front of your right

shoulder while pulling your right hand down and back. Strike with the butt section to your high right in front of your right forehead. The staff must remain in contact with your waist. Right Low: From the block-road posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势), drill your left leg, and torque your torso to your right. Simultaneously push and lower your left hand in front of your right hip while raising your right hand to in front of your right shoulder. Strike with the butt section to your lower right. The staff must remain in contact with your waist during the initial part of your swing. Left High: From the block-road posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势), drill your right leg, torque your torso to your left. Simultaneously push and raise your right hand in front of your left shoulder while pulling your left hand down and back. Strike with the point section to your high left. The staff must remain in contact with your waist. Left Low: From the block-road posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势), drill your right leg, and torque your torso to your left. Simultaneously push and lower your right hand in front of left hip while raising your left hand in front of your left shoulder. Strike with the point section to your lower left. The staff must remain in contact with your waist during the initial part of your swing. In beat (Da, 打), the power is mainly from torso rotation. Sliding your front hand slightly backwards along the staff and keeping the staff touching your waist as long as possible will increase the strike force. This is a hard (Gang, 刚) power release striking technique. Diagonal Upward Swing (Yao, 摇) Right Diagonal Upward Swing: From the left lead hide-staff posture, bend your left elbow and raise your left hand in front of your left forehead, then pull your left hand down and back to your left waist; simultaneously push your right hand down, forward, and up to swing the point of your staff from your right rear down, forward, and up in front of your left forehead. This is powered by drilling your right leg to torque your torso to the left. Left Diagonal Upward Swing: From the right lead hide-staff posture, bend your right elbow and raise your right hand in front of your right forehead, then pull your right hand down and back to your right waist; simultaneously push your left hand down, forward and up to swing the butt from left rear down, forward, and up in front of your right forehead. This is powered by drilling your left leg to torque your torso to the right. Coordinate your whole-body to move in unison. Keep the section of the staff between your hands in contact with your waist. Avoid opponent's attack by stepping, then strike hard into your opponent. This is a large motion, slow technique; start your swing (Yao, 摇) attack as soon as you start your stepping.

Push/Pull Techniques

Push Forward (Tui, 推) Push Forward with Point: From the high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), drill your rear leg to push your whole body forward (you may take a small forward step with your right foot); simultaneously push your staff forward with both hands. Keep the point of the staff at a constant level. Do not straighten or lock your elbows. Focus your power release at the end of the push. Push Forward with Mid-Section: From block-road posture (Lan Lu Shi, 拦路势), lift the staff to shoulder level. Keep it horizontal. Drill your left leg to push your body forward; step forward with your right foot into a small step posture. Simultaneously, twisting your knees inwards (Nei Luo Xuan, 内螺旋), compressing the imaginary spring between your knees (Jia Xi Fa Li, 夹膝发力), push your hips forward (Tu, 吐) and push the staff forward with both hands. Keep the staff level. Do not straighten or lock your elbow. Focus at the end of the push. You can parry then push (Tui, 推); or you can push then strike; or you can block then push. This is a short distance hard (Gang, 刚) focus explosive power release similar to Yiquan forward power discharge/release from the small step posture (Hun Yuan Zhuang Fa Li, 浑元桩发力); it can be an offensive or a defensive technique. Pull Backward (Dai, 带) Right Pull Backward: From the right lead high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), withdraw your right arm while rotating your forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing down; rotate your left hand counter-clockwise to palm facing up and pull back slightly. Simultaneously, shift your weight to the left, backwards, and torque your torso slightly to your right. Your staff moves back and right parallel to the ground. Left Pull Backward: From the right lead high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), withdraw your right arm while rotating your forearm clockwise to palm facing up; simultaneously rotate your left hand clockwise to palm facing down and pull back slightly. Simultaneously, shift your weight to the right, backwards, and torque your torso to your left. Your staff moves back and left parallel to the ground. The point should remain at a constant height. The pull back (Hou Dai, 后带) distance need not be big. When shifting your weight backwards, twist knees outwards (Wai Luo Xuan, 外螺旋) stretching the imaginary spring between your knees and sink your hip downwards (Tun, 吞). Do not lean backwards. “Stick” onto your opponent's staff and then use pull back to guide his attack to the side and back. Follow your pull back with an immediate attack. This is a soft (Rou, 柔) neutralization and a fast counter attack technique.

Hook Backward (Gou, 勾) Right Hook: From the right lead high-lift posture (Gao Ti Shi, 高提势), rotate right forearm clockwise to palm facing up while pulling downwards and backwards. Simultaneously lift and push your left hand in front of your right forehead. Simultaneously drill your left leg to torque your torso to the right. The point of your staff "hooks" backwards on your right side. Left Hook: From the left lead forward butt-thrust posture, pull your left hand downwards and backwards. Simultaneously lift and push your right hand in front of your left forehead. Drill your right leg to torque your torso to your left. The butt of your staff "hooks" backwards on your left side. These hook techniques (Gou, 勾) use soft (Rou, 柔) vertical forces to defense against low level linear thrusts.

Shaking Techniques

Shaking is defined as short distance snappy spring-like power release (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力). Be sure you are using your whole-body and not using localized muscle action. Shake (Dou, 抖) Right Shake Circular: From the right lead center-level posture, rotate your right forearm clockwise to palm facing up; rotate your left forearm clockwise to palm facing down. Simultaneously torque your torso to the right and slightly withdraw both arms and body to move the point clockwise in a small circle to your right. Left Shake Circular: From the right lead center-level posture, rotate your right forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing down; rotate your left forearm counter-clockwise to palm facing up. Simultaneously torque your torso to your left and slightly withdraw both arms and body to move the point counter-clockwise in a small circle to your left. Keep your staff touching your waist. The circle movement of the point must come from the waist movement. Use Shake (Dou, 抖) when your linear thrust is neutralized by your opponent’s lateral circular parry. “Stick” to your opponent's staff. When he thrusts, shake left or right to position your staff on top his staff and counter attack by thrusting towards your opponent. This is a soft (Rou, 柔) power release technique. It is used to save a bad situation: your staff being parried out from your central line. Downward Shake (Short Chop; Dian, 点): From the right lead high-lift posture, drill your left leg and mildly opposing by drilling your right leg (squeezing the imaginary spring between your knees) to use your whole-body balanced-force; push your right hand downward and lift your left hand upwards. The staff strikes downward ending in the center-level posture. Your left forearm

should touch your waist. Keep your staff in contact with your waist. Shake downward (Dian, 点) with rapid snappy short power release. Use this to follow along your opponent's staff to strike his hands. Downward shake can be used after a circular parry, push parry or as a parry by itself. Upward Shake (Short Lift; Beng, 崩): From the right lead center-level posture, using wholebody motion; shifting forward then backward while lifting up and withdrawing your right hand and pushing down with your left hand to your left hip; move the point upwards to shoulder level in a vertical plane. Visualize throwing a shovel of sand backwards over your head. Keep your staff in contact with your waist. This upward shake (Beng, 崩) uses rapid short snappy power release to lift with the point. This can be used as a parry or strike to your opponent's lead forearm.

Blocks and Planting

Right Upward Block (Jia, 架): From the right lead center-level posture, slide your right hand towards the point, turning it palm facing up; raise left hand in front of left forehead. Simultaneously drill your left leg, torque torso right, thrusting both hands a small amount upward and forward to block with the section of the staff between your hands. The butt of the staff is higher than your head; the point is level with your knee. Left Upward Block (Jia, 架): From the right lead center-level posture, slide your right hand towards the point; raise your right hand in front of your right forehead; push down and forward with your left hand. Simultaneously drill your right leg, torque torso left, thrusting both hands a small amount upward and forward to block with the section of the staff between your hands. Coordinate your whole-body to snap (shake) into the block to bounce off your opponent's staff to prevent him from following your staff to strike your hands. This is a hard (Gang, 刚) power release block. Right Side Block (Ge, 格): From the right lead center-level posture, slide your right hand towards the point, turn it palm facing up, pull it back to your right hip. Simultaneously, raise your left hand, push it upwards and to the right of your forehead directly above your right hand (the staff is vertical on your right side). Simultaneously drill your left leg, torque torso to your right to block to your right. Keep the staff vertical and close to your side. Use the half-grip with your right hand. Left Side Block (Ge, 格): From left lead hide-staff posture, slide your right hand towards the point, raise and push your right hand to the left of your forehead. Simultaneously pull your left hand to the left of your hip directly below your right hand (the staff is vertical on your left side). Simultaneously drill your right leg, torque your torso left to block to your left. Keep the staff vertical and close to your side.

In all blocks, use Shake-like snapping force (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) to bounce your opponent's staff off. Side blocks are hard (Gang, 刚) power release techniques. They are used to defend against mid level horizontal sweeping strikes (Sao, 扫). Planting (Cha, 插) Right: From the right lead center-level posture, pull your hands back slightly. Raise your left hand over your head, pull your right hand to your right side; simultaneously lift your right leg as you plant/stab the point to the ground on your right side. Left: From the left lead hide-staff posture, first slide your right hand then your left hand towards the point. Raise your right hand over your head, pull your left hand to your left side; simultaneously lift your left leg as you plant/stab the butt to the ground on your left side. Use whole-body force. This is a hard (Gang, 刚) power release technique used for defending against low level horizontal sweeping strikes (Sao, 扫).

3. Basic Drills Learning a physical skill begins with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) which consists of modeling and imaging. In modeling the student mimics the movement of the teacher and in imaging the student think through the movement to "ingrain" the skill. Yiquan staff training is accomplished by: 1.

Practice slow motion trial-and-feel (磨杆试力, 滑杆试力) to ingrain and perfect the execution of each technique with whole-body harmony.

Practice each technique with proper power release (滑杆发力) to merge all force component as one (Quan Shen Li Yi, 全身力一).

Practice two-man drills using each technique to learn distances, angles, reactive forces etc. Initially, it is necessary to "nurse" the trainee (对滑对扎).

Practice crisis rehearsal (imaging and visualization; Jia Xiang Di, 假想敌) of using each technique.

Examples of Two-man Drills Here we shall select key examples of two-man drills (对滑对扎). After learning each example, use relaxed standing (in the appropriate posture) and think through each drill (Jia Xiang Di, 假想敌). Play this mental movie until the drill become your spontaneous reflex. Remember these

are only examples to illustrate some of the techniques/tactics. Be creative when your think up new ones; you are only limited by your imagination. We will use the following terminology: 1. 2.

Inside means inside the circle (Quan Nei, 圈内); outside means outside the circle (Quan Wai, 圈外). A is the student/trainee. B is the teacher/trainer. B must "nurse" A. Nurse means: For A to learn each technique, B must cooperate and allow A to execute it correctly to completion repeatedly.

Thrust and parry

In this drill, learn to parry high, middle, and low level thrusts. Use lateral circular force to defeat linear thrust (Yi Heng Po Zhi, 以横破直). 1. 2. 3. 4.

A and B both start from the center level posture. B thrusts to A's outside high level. A uses outside high level parry. B thrusts to A's inside mid-level. A uses inside press down; keep left hand low to increase the crossing angle between the staffs. B thrusts to A's inside low level. A uses inside low parry.

Key points: Lateral circular parries are used to defeat thrusts. Use small circular arc when parrying; keep your staff touching your waist. Follow through with an attack after parrying i.e., A and B immediately exchange roles. b)

Push and Downward Strike of the lead hand

The tactic is to follow your opponent's staff to strike his lead hand (Sui Gun Da Shou, 随棍打手). 1. 2. 3.

A starts from the high lift posture. B starts from the center level posture. B thrusts to A's outside high or mid-level. A push-parry forward (slightly to the right) then chops downward along B's staff to strike B's lead hand. B thrusts to A's inside high or mid-level. A push-parry forward (slightly to the left) then chops downward along B's staff to strike B's lead hand.

Key points: A should use the mid section of his staff to make initial contact; then pushes forward; then chops downward. Follow the staff to the lead hand. If A uses stepping to evade B's thrust, he can directly use the downward chop (Pi, 劈; Dian, 点) to strike B's lead hand without using the push forward parry (Tui, 推). c)

Low Parry then Uplift Strike of the lead hand

Expose your low level target to draw your opponent to attack. Defeat the low level attack and counter attack to mid level (Sui Gun Da Shou, 随棍打手).

1. 2. 3.

A assumes the high lift posture, exposing the low level targets. B thrusts to A's low level inside (outside). A uses low level inside (outside) parry. Then immediately steps forward and lifts upwards (Beng, 崩; Tiao, 挑; Liao, 撩), following B's staff to strike B's lead hand.

Key point: If B pulls back, use upward lifts to strike his staff to create opening (if A is inside the circle) or to strike his forearm (if A is outside the circle). d)

Beat and Swing

Expose all targets to draw your opponent to attack. Then evade the attacks with side step and/or counter attack. 1. 2. 3.

A assumes block-road posture. B thrusts to A's high level. A rotates his waist to the right; executes right high beat (Da, 打) to knock B's staff from the central line. Then immediately steps forward with his left leg and executes diagonal upward swing (Yao, 摇; Liao, 撩) to strike B's right forearm.

Key point: Use whole-body force and torso rotation to power the beat strike with the butt section. Step up quickly to do diagonal upward swing. e)

Side Step and Upward Lift

Remove yourself from your opponent's line of force by stepping then counter attack. Step then upward lift: 1. 2. 3.

A assume the point-to-the-ground posture to draw an attack to his high level. B thrusts or strike to A's high level. A side steps 45 degrees forward with left leg; uses uplift (Tiao, 挑) to strike B's forearm.

Key point: Use the time interval between B's initiation and completion to counter strike; no blocking required(Shan Da, 闪打). Swing Step then large upward lift: 1. 2. 3.

A assumes left (right) lead hide-staff posture, exposing all targets. B thrusts to A's mid-level. A avoids the attack by stepping forward (at 45 degrees) with his right (left) leg then swinging his left (right) leg behind his right (left) into a right (left) lead small step posture. Simultaneously, torques torso to the left (right) and executes large vertical upward lift (Liao, 撩) to strike B's right forearm with the point (butt) section. 49

Key point: The swing step and the upward lift strike must be simultaneous. f)

More Thrusts

Keep your staff close to your opponent's staff to attack (攻则贴杆深入). Use multiple attacks. Be prepared to receive multiple attacks. Press down and thrust: 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B thrusts to A's inside (outside) mid-level. A uses inside (outside) mid-level down press parry (Ya, 压); then steps forward with right leg (fencing step) and thrusts to B's mid-level.

Key points: Keep left rear hands low to increase the crossing angle of the staffs. A must use fast forward fencing step and thrust to defeat B. Pressing "push" onto B's staff while thrusting will hinder his ability to change. Variation: From left leg lead posture, use butt section to execute press down parry and thrust. Double thrusts: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. A thrusts to B's inside (outside) at mid-level; lead hand palm facing up (down). B executes inside (outside) press down parry. A pulls staff back slightly; swings staff in small circle under B's staff (Tiao Qiang, 调枪); then thrusts to B's outside (inside) at mid-level; lead hand palm facing down (up).

Key points: Switch quickly from inside to outside under your opponent's staff (Shan Zhuan, 闪赚). Your first thrust should be fast and light with enough conviction to draw a parry; then switch on contact. Your second thrust may include "push" (Tui, 推) on your opponent's staff. Shake and thrust: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. A thrusts to B's inside (outside) mid-level. B defends with inside (outside) press down parry; then immediately steps forward and thrust to A's inside (outside) mid-level. A pulls back slightly; executes left (right) shake (Heng Dou, 横抖) and thrust immediately to B's mid-level.

Key points: Stick to your opponent's staff then shake. Shift torso back to increase safety but do not lean backwards. Here speed wins. If done correctly, A’s staff should be on top of B’s staff after the shake (Heng Dou, 横抖). g)

Side step, Pull back then thrust

Side step to remove yourself from your opponent's line of force (Shan Da, 闪打). 1. 2. 3. 4.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. A thrusts to B's inside (outside) high level. B uses inside (outside) high parry; immediately counters with thrust to A's head. A side steps with right (left) foot; simultaneously do left (right) pull back parry (Dai, 带) to guide B's staff pass; follow with thrust to B's throat.

Key points: Stick to opponent's staff to use pull back parry. Softly pull back followed by rapid forward thrust. h)

Thrust, side step and chop

Side step and strike your opponent's lead hand. 1. 2. 3. 4.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. A thrusts to B's inside mid-level. B defends with inside press down parry (Ya, 压); counters with mid-level thrust. A side steps with right foot; turns torso to the left; brings staff down, right and up; then executes down chop on B's staff or right hand (Dian Ti, 颠提).

Key points: Hard down chop (Pi, 劈) at the sweet spot (Pai Wei, 拍位) of your opponent's staff will knock the staff from your opponent's hand. Variation: Side step and large chop from point-to-sky posture (Zhi Tian Shi, 指天势). i)

Beat and Sweep

Whole-body twisting (一动全身转) including core/torso torque and spiral rotations of the limbs provides hard striking power. 1. 2. 3.

A assumes block-road posture. B thrusts to A's high level. A rotates waist to the right (left); executes right (left) high beat parry (Da, 打) to knock B's staff from the central line. Then immediately steps forward with left (right) leg and executes horizontal sweep (Heng Sao, 横扫) to strike B.

Key points: After stepping, you may knee down and sweep strike to low level. Torque your torso to increase the beat and sweep power. Keep staff in contact with your waist. j)

Block and chop

Make use of the concept of zoning. Jam and block your opponent's strike in the accelerating zone (Du Da, 堵打). Block then attack downward. Blocking Outside Sweep: 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B strikes with a reverse horizontal sweep (Heng Sao, 横扫) to A's outside high level. A uses right upward block (Jia, 架); then side step with right leg 45 degrees to the rear and simultaneously executes left down press (Ya, 压) or down chop (Pi, 劈) on B's leading hand.

Key points: In right upward block (Jia, 架), the butt should be higher than your head; the point should be lower than your knee. Use spring-like shake power (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) to bounce your opponent's staff off to prevent him from following your staff to strike your hand. Use block on sweeping strike only; do not use block on the thrust attack. Use parry on the thrust. Blocking Inside Sweep: 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B strikes with horizontal sweep (Sao, 扫) or down chop (Pi, 劈) to A's inside high level. A side steps 45 degrees forward with right leg; simultaneously uses left upward block (Jia, 架). Then immediately steps left leg forward and executes down chop to strike B's head, shoulder or lead arm.

Key points: Use spring-like shake power (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) in block to bounce off your opponent's staff. k)

Side Block (or Plant or Hook) and upward lift

Use the concept of zone. Block then attack upwards. 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B strikes with reverse horizontal sweep to A's outside mid-level (low-level). A uses right side block (right side plant). Then immediately step (right leg) forward and executes upward lift with point of staff.

1. 2.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B strikes with horizontal sweep to A's inside mid-level (low-level).

A side steps 45 degrees forward with right leg and executes left side block (left side plant). Then immediately uses upward lift with butt end of the staff.

Key points: Use spring-like shake power (Tan Dou Li, 弹抖力) at side block to bounce off opponent's staff. For low-level defense, you may use hook or plant and follow your opponent’s staff to your opponent's lead hand instead of bouncing his staff off with shake power release. l)

Wrap and thrust

Use stick (Nian Gan, 粘杆) and wrap (Chan Guo, 缠裹). 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center-level posture. B thrusts to A's outside (inside) mid-level. A uses outside (inside) circular parry or outside (inside) press down parry; A sticks (Nian, 粘) to B's staff and continues with clockwise (counter-clockwise) wrapping (Chan Guo, 缠裹). As soon as an opening line appears, A steps forward and thrusts.

Key points: Use small circle and fast rotation in wrapping (Chan Guo, 缠裹). Keep your staff in contact with your waist to use whole-body balanced-force. m)

Parry and Push-thrust

Stick. Control your opponent's central line; step into his center gate. 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B thrusts to A's outside (inside) mid-level. A uses outside (inside) circular parry or outside (inside) press down parry; A sticks to B's staff, immediately steps forward, and pushes the point towards B's throat (Suo Hou Qiang, 锁喉枪).

Key points: Step forward and push forward immediately after parry. Stick to opponent's staff during parry. n)

Parry and Butt-strike

Horizontal sweeping rotation provides the striking force. 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B thrusts to A's outside mid-level. A steps right leg to his left and executes outside parry. Then immediately steps left leg forward and swings right leg; simultaneously delivers horizontal sweeping strike with the butt to B's right side.

Key points: Swing step and sweeping butt strike must be simultaneous to provide power.

Another Thrust and Lift

Step back to increase the distance from your opponent to recover from a failed one-hand spear thrust. 1. A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. 2. A uses left hand one-hand spear thrust to B's mid-level. 3. B chops down hard and knocks A's staff (point end) to the ground. Then thrusts to A's high level. 4. A slides back at 45 degrees to gain distance; recovers by pulling left hand back; executes upward lift (Tiao, 挑) on B's staff front section. Key points: One-hand spear thrust increases your reach but reduces your control. If your staff is down, quickly side step or retreat; recover your posture immediately. p)

Side Step and Sweep

Remove yourself from your opponent's line of force by stepping. Then attack his low level. 1. 2. 3.

A and B both start from the right lead center level posture. B thrusts to A's inside (outside) high level. A steps right leg forward 45 degrees to his right (left) to avoid the attack. Simultaneously, A executes sweeping strike (reverse sweeping strike) towards B's leading knee.

Key points: Rely on stepping to avoid attack. Be sure to torque torso to provide power for your sweeping strike (Sao, 扫). 诀曰: 有意而练, 无意而用。诀曰: 应机而发, 因势而变。诀曰: 不加思索, 不期然而然, 莫知为而为。 We have recorded a number of two-man staff drills. They covered most of the maneuvers and techniques discussed. You can create additional ones as you study the staff; there are as many possible drills as your imagination. However, you must be very selective and only training with the ones that are natural and instinctive. The principle of “simplicity of choice” implies instinctive, natural, subconscious, spontaneous movements are the simplest, quickest, and most accurate while conscious choice reaction takes longer. Therefore, you should train to minimize unnecessary conscious choice reactions and select the techniques that work for you carefully and practice them repeatedly until they are second nature to you, until the intentional actions of the technique become habit, until your skills become spontaneous reflexes. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2009-02-28 J. P. Lau, All rights reserved.