In CMA staff is taught first as a base for other weapons especially spear.In ancient China on the battlefield a few people fought with the staff, they use halberd or spear.Outside the military the staff was in more frequent use.Spear/staff has very important advantage - reach,it's hard to defend against "spear jab"(like in boxing - a reaction delay).Spearman always have to be FIRST.Disadvantages are when the enemy closes the distance it's hard to step back in uncertain terrain,hard to maneuver
I like a shield and sword too.Every weapon has pros and cons.In China they said that martial artist should practice one short and a one long weapon to master the principles of each class.A stick,saber,sword techniques are in 70% very similar.The same is for long weapons.This approach is good,depending on the situation you are able to use many weapons.I like double w. they train the body to be in balance.I start practice some stick/ short rods moves from White Crane and I see Escrima looks great
The spear in battle I could see as an advantage, especially if many men are lined up with them. Just watched some vids of sword vs spear. If the spear can catch the person at a reach, fine, but if the sword can get around the spear, looks like the hands/arm holding the spear gets cut fast. If I had to pick, give me a one hand sword and a small shield. Oh.........and some good running shoes. For non-military, I'd take a staff against a bare handed person, but a slingshot over a staff.
The history shows that the spear can be effective against shorter weapons.During the Ming Dynasty Japanese pirates raided China's east cost.Two-handed Japanese Katana proved to be far superior then the Chinese Dao(mostly one-handed) in non-formation combat.After some time Chinese started to use spears and other polearms.This was very effective overcoming samurai swordsmanship(Japanese commoners used the same strategy to fight the Samurai in Japan).
It looks very good and a great muscle workout. This is my non-expert opinion, free of charge. I'd much rather have a strong, lightweight stick rather than a long, heavy staff. For me, a staff is too easy to get around and too slow to maneuver. Using a staff to block punches in time, forget it, unless it's in a MA movie, then anything works. Escrima sticks are fast and hurt. Much better choice, IMHO.
![Master Wen-Ching Wu - Emei Baguazhang - Baguazhang Eight Palms [Dragon Shape Baguazhang] form](/img/1.gif)
powerful movements well done
You have a vast array of knowledge, my friend.
Well done!
In CMA staff is taught first as a base for other weapons especially spear.In ancient China on the battlefield a few people fought with the staff, they use halberd or spear.Outside the military the staff was in more frequent use.Spear/staff has very important advantage - reach,it's hard to defend against "spear jab"(like in boxing - a reaction delay).Spearman always have to be FIRST.Disadvantages are when the enemy closes the distance it's hard to step back in uncertain terrain,hard to maneuver
I like a shield and sword too.Every weapon has pros and cons.In China they said that martial artist should practice one short and a one long weapon to master the principles of each class.A stick,saber,sword techniques are in 70% very similar.The same is for long weapons.This approach is good,depending on the situation you are able to use many weapons.I like double w. they train the body to be in balance.I start practice some stick/ short rods moves from White Crane and I see Escrima looks great
Well done. I do that sequence, too.
Thank you
The spear in battle I could see as an advantage, especially if many men are lined up with them. Just watched some vids of sword vs spear. If the spear can catch the person at a reach, fine, but if the sword can get around the spear, looks like the hands/arm holding the spear gets cut fast. If I had to pick, give me a one hand sword and a small shield. Oh.........and some good running shoes.
For non-military, I'd take a staff against a bare handed person, but a slingshot over a staff.
The history shows that the spear can be effective against shorter weapons.During the Ming Dynasty Japanese pirates raided China's east cost.Two-handed Japanese Katana proved to be far superior then the Chinese Dao(mostly one-handed) in non-formation combat.After some time Chinese started to use spears and other polearms.This was very effective overcoming samurai swordsmanship(Japanese commoners used the same strategy to fight the Samurai in Japan).
It looks very good and a great muscle workout. This is my non-expert opinion, free of charge. I'd much rather have a strong, lightweight stick rather than a long, heavy staff. For me, a staff is too easy to get around and too slow to maneuver. Using a staff to block punches in time, forget it, unless it's in a MA movie, then anything works. Escrima sticks are fast and hurt. Much better choice, IMHO.
"car-wash karate"? :)
Yeah, you're right :)