5 minute read
THE APACHE SPEAR
Written by Robert Redfeather / Allen Woodman Photographs provided by Robert Redfeather
The Apache tribes, known for their fierce combat skills and rich cultural heritage, have a storied history that spans across the lands of what is now the Southwestern United States. Notably, these tribes wielded weapons with both practical and symbolic significance, deeply embedded in their traditions.
Robert Redfeather brings this legacy to the forefront, sharing the traditions inherited from his mother is Lipan Apache, from the Sun Otter Band She is a member of the Lipan Tribe of Texas My father is Chihenne Warm Springs Apache Band of the Mescalero Apache and a member of the Chiricahua Apache Nation of New Mexico
Grandmaster Robert Redfeather is the premier proponent of the traditional fighting system of the native Apache.
The spear is a traditional weapon of the indigenous Apache tribe, deadly as it is practical.
Primarily used in mounted combat, these lances were effective for close-range fighting, thanks to their balance of length and weight. Apache warriors, adept in horseback riding, utilized the lance with unparalleled skill, often tipping the scales in battles against formidable opponents. Their tactics, influenced by experiences with Spanish Mexican presidial troops, resulted in a unique fighting style that highlighted the lance's strengths in fast-paced mounted combat.
The Apache knife, another remarkable aspect of their arsenal, showcased the tribe's versatility and craftsmanship. Originally made from chert or flint, these knives were essential for daily tasks and self-defense.
Both men and women carried these knives, which were housed in rawhide cases of varying elaborateness.
The designs ranged from plain to beautifully decorated, with some resembling the ornamentation typical of Plains warriors.
Over time, the Apache knife evolved with the adoption of trade knives, leading to diverse styles among different Apache bands.
These weapons, though primarily utilitarian, were carried with pride and often passed down through generations, embodying the Apache spirit of resilience and resourcefulness.
The legacy and adaptation of the Apache spear and knife embody a rich legacy that goes beyond their utility as weapons They symbolize the resilience, honor, and skill of the Apache warriors who wielded them.
While the battlefield dynamics have changed, the spirit of these traditional weapons continues to inspire, reminding us of a powerful heritage that thrives in harmony with modernity.
In the heart of Moreno Valley in California lies a man whose life reads like an epic saga. Drawing upon threads from the past, he weaves a present rich in tradition and prowess. Robert Redfeather, a Native American of Apache descent, embodies the spirit of his ancestors, not just in lineage but indeed.
Through the hands and heart of Redfeather, the ancient Apache fighting techniques have found a new lease on life. Weekly, eager learners gather to absorb knowledge that has been passed down through generations. But Redfeather's teachings are not confined within the borders of the Valley; his reputation as a master of Native Apache fighting skills has crossed oceans, inviting him to share his wisdom internationally through seminars and lectures His literary contributions to the world of martial arts and indigenous culture have made a significant mark “Apache Knife Fight Like the Wind,” his brainchild, has enthralled readers worldwide, providing insights into the sophisticated combat strategies of the Apache warriors.
Not resting on his laurels, Redfeather is currently penning a new tome This upcoming book promises an in-depth look into Apache weapons, man tracking in the wilderness, and their application in urban warfare skills that Robert honed firsthand during his astonishing twenty-year stint as a professional bounty hunter. Beyond his martial prowess lies a man of profound spirituality and resilience.
Redfeather champions the virtues of meditation, advocating its power to foster mental and physical balance, and to facilitate both spiritual and physical healing.
This philosophy has been his bedrock, especially through personal trials; Robert is a cancer survivor, having bravely battled the disease for over four decades. Redfeather’s multifaceted life has also found expression in the cinematic world. He has graced several films with his presence, the latest of which is the eagerly anticipated “Black Creek,” starring martial arts legends Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton.
Robert Redfeather's journey through life from the desolate wilds of bounty hunting to the serene depths of Buddhism, from the Silent Halls of Discipline to the bustling sets of Hollywood paint a portrait of a man who, like the wind, traverses' realms, spreading the legacy of the Apache warriors far and wide.
For more information on Apache weapons and combat techniques, visit www.Apache-Knife.com --- For enthusiasts of indigenous American history or martial arts, the story of Apache weapons is not just about warfare but also about the cultural significance and legacy of these tools in native American societies.
Whether it's through reenactments, historical research, or martial arts training, the traditions of Apache weaponry continue to captivate and educate.
Robert Redfeather’s Apache Knife Combat System is a comprehensive knife fighting system that covers Apache history, close quarters combat techniques, defensive skills, respect for a knife and the value of human life. Apache knife is different, it does not teach you to stand your ground but to be fluid like the wind. “I am proud to keep alive a near extinct fighting art and Apache culture that values life as well as defensive techniques and skill. As my Apache Knife Combat System has
become known, I have had more Native Americans seek me out to
learn the fighting style of their ancestors. I am honored to have had the opportunity to plant this seed that has been hidden away and continue to watch it grow. I am so filled with pride to be teaching one of the oldest traditional Native American Fighting Arts.”
- Robert Redfeather.
Redfeather teaches Law Enforcement, U.S. Military, private contractors as well as personal training for civilians.
This book is an introduction to basic Apache Knife® Combat System.
