This lesson will cover the primary positions we will utilize when training with a Japanese Yari (spear).
Foundations of Spear Movement and Striking
Foundations of Spear Movement and Striking
Lessons
2. Movement 1 – Thrust with Side Switch
This lesson will explore a fundamental movement skill that will be helpful to understand as you begin your spear practice.
3. Movement 2 – Thrust into Lateral Strike
Here, we will take a look at another movement skill that will be commonly used in your sojutsu practice.
4. Movement 3 – Thrust into Overhead Lateral Strike
This spear “combination” is present in our sojutsu kata and is worth developing as a kihon or essential skill.
5. Movement 4 – Rolling the Spear
Similar to our “Furi” or bo-rolling transitions, being able to roll the yari allows you to keep an attacker at bay, transition your spear for alternative strikes, and strike into your opponent’s hands.
6. Kata Form 1 – Kan Po
Utilize a rhythm break to catch your opponent off guard
7. Kata Form 2 – Shi Ho Gi
Quick and tricky strikes coming from odd angles are one of the secrets to the effectiveness of this kata.
8. Kata Form 3 – Hicho Kaku
This kata teaches us to manage the length of our weapon to strike from way out of range and even to use our spear as an up-close and personal tool.
9. Kata Form 4 – Hito Tsuki Ai
This kata teaches us how to switch elevations to throw our attacker physically and mentally off balance.
10. Modern Applications of Classical Spear Kata
These are some examples of striking skills that I was inspired to explore after considering the spear’s lessons. What about you?
Comments are closed.