Product Overview
Everyone in Kung Fu knows the 4 grandparent weapons: staff, saber, sword and spear, so-called because they will look after you and protect you from harm. And the best of this venerable group is the spear. It is the prize weapon of all Kung Fu. The way I look at it, the straight sword portrays the vision of what a Kung Fu practitioner wants to be: deadly but graceful, practical but with a tint of mystical and a pint of dramatic. This is the nature of the sword, but not even the slashing sword teaches the real Kung Fu student more lessons than the spear.
Here's usage that will work even today. And, coupled with proper training, the spear becomes a sort of tireless teacher in all aspects of Kung Fu.
Why is this crucial? Because there is almost no movement of the spear that does not improve the Kung Fu player's empty-hand work. Everything learned can be transferred to the unarmed human body. All the basics, plus variations of strikes that are more than basic, that demand refined movement. The essence of each move is expressed. I also include the Zha Spear Form, in both book & on the 105 min. DVD. I feature a whole selection of spear Key Points to make the form come alive. Then I add two entire groups of applications, demonstrated against advanced teachers wielding spear and saber. More than just poking around, this usage embodies many of the spear's core principles in these hand-picked applications.
I wanted to capture something specific: not spear appreciation, or a simple workbook. I wanted to create a book that lets you experience the essence of what spear-energy has meant through 1000 years of practice and refinement.
Don't just shake the spear. Shake up what you think it can do.
Basics and strikes
Form and commentary
Fighting spear and saber
Understanding the basic strategy
Three sizes of practice
Stances and how spear modifies them
