The Art of Emei Spear

Translated and Interpreted by: Jack Chen

www.chineselongsword.com

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 Copyright 2013 by Jack Chen Jiayi
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the
copyright owner.

Every drawing of the stances, and translation of the ancient Chinese texts in
this book, is re-drawn, enhanced and translated by Jack Chen, according to
the faded drawings in the ancient manual.

www.chineselongsword.com

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 This book is a translation and interpretation of the
Emei Spear manual written by (Cheng Zhen Ru) during
the Qing Dynasty.

Please visit www.chineselongsword.com for other

translations and interpretations of historical martial arts manuals.

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In dedication to the bravery and wisdoms of Men
before us.

For my grandparents.

4
 Long time ago, Chi-You
x ch yu bi pn betrayed the heavenly laws

And war started in the Zhuolu

r zhu l xng sh county.

Weapons began to be used in

gng j zh yng sh bi battles.

Henceforth, there has been

z c r di yu zhng f punitive expeditions.

Gan Jiang, Mo Xie, Feng Hu

r gn jing m xi fng h

Xue Zhu, Pu Yuan

xu zh p yun zh chu Note: These are names of

ancient swordsmiths.

Using their brilliant skills in

ji j q jn qio shn zh gu metal forging
rng

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 Innumerable weapons were
bng ji q yng wi y gng created for military.
p sh y

Those who talk about martial

ni tn y zh b y qing wi
arts will definitely consider the
shu Spear as King (of weapons).

And the Spear serves as a

chng q wi zh q zh mn h
gateway to various other
y weapons.

Like the Sha Family bamboo

pole, and Ma Familys Six
ru sh ji gn z m ji li h Harmony Spear

Advancing and retreating,

jn tu q f laying unexpected ambushes

Jumping and spiraling

tio dng pn xun

These are highly capable skills.

y yu nng sh

6
 However, the moves are wide
dn ki zhng mn yn and slow

And not easily applied unless

fi y yun kung x at low marshy lands.

If one were to meet with

danger, it will be difficult to
wi y sh sh defend oneself.

If one were to face enemies in

a tight narrow environment,
one will be restricted and
ru y xin z j jing sh y cannot execute the
movements.

But yet the short Spear,

r dun qing z d zh d xio
whether in large or small
xin y areas, uneven or flat lands

It is always successful in
w wng b l overcoming danger.

The short Spear is truly a great

xn ju j y skill.

7
 Peace was enjoyed for a long
time, and martial arts training
chng png j ji w bi r ch began to slacken.

Few arts were carried on.

sh xin q chun

In the Emei mountain of

x sh mi shn western Sichuan province

Monk Pu-en of Bai-mei

p n chn sh z ji bi mi

Met and learn the art of the

Spear from a talented
y y rn shu y qing f individual.

He set up a machine in an
empty room and practiced for
l j kng sh lin x r zi 2 years.

Upon enlightenment, the

y dn w ch su zo shn
divine art of the Spear was
hu created.

8
 Travelling everywhere, there
is no other Spear art thats
bin yu s fng m y bng ji similar.

I travelled to Sichuan province

sh y k yu sh zhng zo
to have a discussion meeting
x w yn (with Monk Pu-en).

Monk Pu-en always agreed to

sh mi shu kn discuss many topics

But when I raise questions

about martial arts, he laughs
wn j w sh z xio r b d and never answers.

I figured that his intention is

y chui q y zi qi rn y to look for suitable disciples.

So me and the itinerant monk

yn y jng jing xng zh from Jing-jiang

Went through the ritual of

apprenticeship to formally
yu kng l sh qng jio learn from Monk Pu-En.

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 Monk Pu-en ordered both of
sh mng y r rn qio ci
us to go into the mountains to
shn zhng gather firewood.

After 2 years, Monk Pu-en

jng l r zi sh xio yu laughed and said:

Both of you have

painstakingly proved
r rn ling k sh k jn h yourselves, and now you can
advance to the next stage.

I have an art of the Spear,

which consists of 18 thrusts
w yu qing f y sh b zh (offensive techniques)

And 12 defensive techniques.

sh r do shu

Each move merges offense

gng shu jin sh and defense as one.

It is able to defeat all the

p zh w y various martial arts.

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 Though youve chopped
r kn ci ji r de xn yng
firewood for a long time, and
shu your hands are well-trained

You dont realize that your

body and arm movements
b zh shn f bi f y y y
have been developed during
sh the time when you were
harvesting firewood.

Thereupon, Monk Pu-en

su jio y r rn taught the both of us

The crucial points of

movement and stillness,
dng jng jn zh zh j advancement and stopping

As well as clever usage of fast

and low speed with offense
j ch gng shu zh and defense.

After a long time, I returned

mio ji zh y nn hun back to the South

11
 To visit the Sha Family Spear
yu fng sh ji qing m ji
and Ma Family Staff and Spear
di gn qing again.

(I realized that) these arts

z y wi sh qin were shallow.

Compared to my teachers
jio zh y sh zh f techniques

These arts are far in

xing q yun y comparison.

To not forget my roots when I

y x q f b wng su z relate to my techniques

I shall name it as:

mng zh yu

Art of Emei Spear.

mi qing f

It is not to be shown carelessly

gu fi q rn qin jn w sh to others.

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 This precious art must be
q zhn zh zi treasured!

By Disciple Cheng Zhen Ru,

hi yng d z chng zhn r Hai-yang County.
zhun

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 Mind Mastery Chapter
zh xn pin

It is easy to use techniques,

but difficult to gain control
yng j y zh xn nn over ones own mind.

The movements of the arms

shu z yn yng m b yu
and legs must come from the
xn mind.

The flame in the heart must

xn hu b ch not burn.

The four elements (Buddhism

philosophy) must be
cancelled, and one will
s d z jng automatically be calm from
within oneself.

Mount Tai can collapse in

ti shn bng y qin r s b
front of me, and yet the look
bin on my face do not change.

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 The elk can rise to the left,
m l q y zu r m b shn while my eyes do not wink.

These are the characteristics

of someone who has mastery
nng zh xn zh y over his mind.

This is known as:

f yu

If he moves, let him move.

t xng rn t xng

If he contacts my Spear, let

t d yu t d him contact.

Provoke the real master to

r dng zhn zh rn lng
move, and the Dragon shall
dng r cu l move with devastation.

Note: This possibly means to provoke or lure the enemy

to commit a real attack (real master), so that your
Spear (Dragon) can defeat him.
(t) is a form of fake movement.

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 Body Mastery Chapter
zh shn pin

In the art of the Spear, the

ch lng zh do shn xn wi
body and mind are the
bn fundamentals.

If the body is not properly

shn f b zhng z xn w
train, the mind will not have a
zh host for it.

The arms and feet will be at a

r shu z sh cu loss.

The Spear not being held

firmly, and movements which
are not fluent, are
ch lng b g jn tu w ji consequences of a body and
mind thats not properly
trained.

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 Everything will be in disorder.
j j hung tng y

Therefore, its been said: If

one is emotionally affected,
g yu xn dng shn l qio ones spirit leaves his body.

Ones body and mind will

become weary, and efforts
shn p q b x will be in vain.

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 Cang Chen Zi said:
cng chn z yu

Efforts in practicing are

accumulated, just like how a
lin x zh gng j r qi shn dune becomes a mountain.

If one focuses on the art, the

mind and body will naturally
z xn shn b zh r z zh act in order by itself.

Otherwise
b rn

Focusing on the mind to

control the mind; one will
q xn zh xn zh y q lun r y create chaos in the mind and
forget the art.

This is my (Cheng Zhen Ru)

c zhn r yn wi zh y unspoken implication.

The reader must try to

d zh b k b shn hu y understand it!

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 Calmness Chapter
y jng pin

An important factor in holding

ch lng gu jng the Spear is to be calm.

However, it is difficult to
explain how to achieve
jng q y yn calmness.

Only after one has mastered

control of ones own mind and
b shn xn ji zh r hu nng body, can one achieve
jng calmness.

Hence, to hold a Spear is like

standing tall and still like a
g ch lng r zh yu r zh
mountain, and peaceful like
shu water that has stopped
flowing.

To be scattered in disarray,
xio zh b zhu but not impure.

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 To make contact, but not
ch zh b yo shakened.

The concept is deep and the

j shn ji dun lapse (of movement) is short.

This makes the Spear

sh rn m c unpredictable.

One must be calm with the

Spear, but one must not be
lng jng b k ti nng fixated in one place.

If one stays fixated in a stance

nng z sh ji for too long

Ones mind will start to be

sh ji z xn di s chn wander and become negligent

And one will become weary

r lng bi y with the Spear.

Hence, it is being said:

g yu

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 The Golden Dragon is not
precious, but the Fish Dragon
jn lng b gu y lng gu is.

When the wild crane has lack

of grains to feed on, it will
y h w ling tin d kun then realize how broad the
field is.

Note: Golden Dragon could possibly be referring to a

golden Spear statue, which is fixated. Fish Dragon
would mean the carp which jumped over the Dragon
Gate and became a dragon.. When one is hungry,
ones scope of awareness will broaden.

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 Movements Chapter
y dng pin

A moving spear is called a

Moving Dragon and belongs to
dng zh wi xng lng yng Yang category.
y (Chinese Yin-Yang principle)

Its character is strong and

q xng gng q d bo violent.

One who holds the Spear

ch lng zh

Must be aware of this

violence, and be able to
dng zh q bo zh q gng subdue this hardness.

To be able to flow and

harmonize, are 2 essential
li h r f sh y techniques.

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 Resembling moving clouds
r xng yn li shu din sh
and flowing water, lightning
fng pio strikes and drifting winds

Vaguely changing irregularly,

hung h bin hun zh qin
adruptly disappearing and
zh xin appearing

To exist, or not to, with a

hu yu hu w y shn xio connection to the Gods.
x

To seek, but not to go to the

qi zh m de q dun origin.

To look, but not see the

sh zh b jin q j traces.

These are the techniques of a

ni xng lng f y moving Dragon.

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 However, one must not over-
rn dng y b k ti gu exert when moving.

If one over-exerts energy, one

ti gu z lo nng shng rn
will tire easily and be
zh xin y defeated.

Hence, it is being said:

g yu

Breathing is like a treatise,

h x r jng q jng y g and cures stiffness.

Breathing in and out, in

rhythmic segments, produces
li hu yu ji q mio w qing unlimited marvel.

This technique is called:

One begins like a virgin, and
f yu sh r ch n hu r tu afterwards becomes like an
t escaped rabbit.

Harmonized force will subdue

h bo zh gng brute force.

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 This is what Jing Yan (of Shi
Family Spear) refers to as
j jng yn su wi tu hu y Transformation.

If one does not transforms,

one will face many defeats in
b tu hu yu chng du bi the competition.

Even if one were to win, it is

only like bull-fighting (fighting
shng y ni du r with brute force).

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 Attack-Defense Chapter
gng shu pin

The objective of offensive

techniques is to attack the
gng zh do q x opponents void areas.

The objective of defensive

techniques is to prepare to
shu zh bi w xi y defend my own void areas.

In the offensive techniques,

gng z y sh b there are 18 thrusts.

One must use them according

to the situation, making use of
zh su j r yn x k sh k fake and real movements.

When facing against multiple

Spearmen, the
y zhng lng z yun yng Mandarin Ducks technique is
gng mio the best counter-measure.

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 To defend, there are 12
shu z sh r do shu defensive techniques.

One can strike down, or Cover

(striking forward and
p k gi k downward) the enemys
Spear.

When facing against multiple

Spearmen, the best counter-
y zhng lng z chn p wi
measure is to coil around their
ji spears and/or pounce
forward.

(This is the Shi Family Spear

( )
technique of Coiling Parry &
j sh zh chn n chn ln Coiling Sweep.)

Note: Assuming the left-hand is the front-hand holding

the Spear, then:
- to Parry, is to rotate the left-hand to the right, palm
facing down, to intercept the enemys thrust.
- to Sweep, is to rotate the left-hand to the left, palm
facing up, to intercept the enemys thrust.

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 To attack without attacking, is
b gng zh gng jing qing
the Descend Spear defensive
do shu sh y technique.

To defend without defending,

b shu zh shu yun yng
is the Mandarin Ducks
zh f sh y thrusting technique.

To attack, is Yang.
To defend, is Yin.
gng wi yng shu wi yn (Chinese Yin-Yang principle)

The Descend Spear defensive

jing qing do shu yn zhng
technique is to have Yang
zh yng within Yin.

The Mandarin Ducks thrusting

yun yng zh f yng zhng
technique is to have Yin within
zh yn Yang.

To have Yang within Yang, is

yng zhng zh yng lin zh to repeatedly thrust and strike
di d

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 Attacking and defending at
gng shu jn kn the same time.

To have Yin within Yin, is the

yn zhng zh yn h qing do
Tie Spear defensive
shu technique.

Use the Spear

lng b ling zh x l yng
single-mindedly, breathe to
shn regain composure.

This is the best way (to use

w r c shn the Spear).

The Returning-Dragon Thrust

hu lng zh f shu zhng zu
is the most effective
l technique in the hands.

It is termed as:
wi zh ji lng Intercepting Dragon.

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 The one who strikes and
thrusts continuously with no
di d zh f gng j m dng concern for defense

Is called The Fierce.

sh yu hn shu

The methods of defense and

offense are briefly described
gng shu zh f gi ku y s here.

Hence it is being said: To

open up the enemys Spear
g yu yu ki w zh q de and not thrust in, how can one
shng rn hurt the enemy?

To thrust in blindly without

bothering to open up the
yu zh w ki yn nng shu enemys Spear, how can one
j defend himself?

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 This technique is called:
f yu

Those who are good at

shn gng zh gng rn zh
attacking, will attack where
su b shu the enemy is weak at.

Those who are good at

shn shu zh shu rn zh
defending, will defend where
su b gng the enemy is strong at.

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 Situational Assessment
shn sh pin Chapter
When two Dragons (Spears)
ling lng xing dng meet

One must first examine the

strengths, weaknesses, truths
xin shn q qing ru x sh and falsehoods.

Display ones strengths, to

observe the opponents
sh zh y qing y gun q ru weaknesses.

Display ones weaknesses, to

observe the opponents
sh zh y ru y gun q qing strengths.

Move fast, to observe how

sh zh y s y gun q ch slow the opponent is.

Move slow, to observe fast

sh zh y ch y gun q s the opponent is.

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 Put up a defence, to observe
sh zh y shu y gun q gng how the opponent attacks.

Make an attack, to observe

sh zh y gng y gun q shu how the opponent defends.

This method is called:

f yu

Examine the opponents real

conditions, and exploit his
shn d zh x sh r q q wi weaknesses.

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 Landscape & Position
xng sh pin Chapter
A young Dragon will need to
find a suitable feeding ground
to grow into a mature Dragon.
lng wi xng sh xin x de d (Implying that one must find a
position that is most beneficial
to himself.)

I shall take a higher position

(more advantageous) to fight an
w q go r y b y xi enemy at a lower position.

I shall take a flat and open

position, to fight an enemy in a
w q y r y b y xin tight and cramped position.

I shall take a dark position, to

w q hu r y b y mng fight an enemy in a bright spot.

I shall take the Yin path, to

deal with the opponents
w q yn r y b y yng Yang.

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 I shall use my strength (long),
to deal with the opponents
w q chng r y b y dun weakness (short).

I shall be firm, to deal with the

w q jn r y b y ru opponents softness.

I take the higher ground, so

that the opponent cannot
q go z b b nng qn t invade into me.

I shall flow with the situation

w de chng sh r ln zh to get closer to the opponent.

I take the middle and open

q png z b b nng ch
ground, so that the opponent
chng cannot rush headlong.

Because on level and open

grounds, I can move and
w de nu y r jn zh advance easily and safely.

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 I take the dark path, so that
the opponent cannot see my
q hu z b b jin w xng form

And I can disorient him.

yn r ro zh

I take the Yin path, so that

the opponent will be dazzled
q yn z b wi r su xun by the Sun

And I can deceive him.

yn r q zh

I shall use my strength (long)

q chng q jn z b b nng
and be firm, so that the
gng w opponent cannot attack me

And I can immobilize him.

yn r kn zh

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 To strike first and gain the
xin f zh rn initiative

There are no better

techniques than the Fake
m ru x zh di d r f Thrust and Striking Thrust.

They can be used in

conjuction with the 2
y jun qing j qing r do defensive techniques of Wrap
shu Spear & Strike Spear.

When these 4 techniques are

s f h ch used synergistically

The enemy will be rendered

rn w su cu shu z y helpless.

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 Refrainments
ji jn pin Chapter
1) Avoid muddy grounds
nng d hun y b which are not dried.

2) Do not face the East

qn chn m xing dng direction at dawn.

3) Do not raise your hands in

dng qin b j shu front of a lantern.

4) Do not hold a Spear under

yu xi w ch lng the Moon.

5) The worst is to frequently

zu sh du ji drink alchohol.

6) It is undesirable to have an
pin xin f y kng empty stomach.

7) Those who are eager to

ho shng xi jio gu win, should not copulate.

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 8) When theres an
opportunity to attack, one
dng q m jio sng must not let the opponent
escape.

This statement is true,

whether in competition or in
c yn yu chng ln d b ln the battlefield.

To seize an opportunity when

dng q m jio sng there is one.

It is like an important imperial

zh zi yn h decree that must be spoken!

These are called the

sh wi b ji 8 Refrainments.

Do not speak of these to the

b zh zh b y yn ignorant.

Do not teach these to the

b rn zh b y chun unbenevolent.

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 To discuss these
8 Refrainments and transmit
tn xun shu do its wisdom

One must carefully choose the

gu h z rn right person.

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 Defensive Techniques
do shu pin Chapter
For defensive techniques,
there are the
yu p qing do shu 1. Hacking Spear

2. Coiling Spear
yu chn qing do shu

3. Flowing Spear
yu li qing do shu

4. Tie Spear
yu h qing do shu

5. Strike Spear
yu j qing do shu

6. Cover (Striking Forward

yu gi qing do shu and Downward) Spear

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 7. Lift Spear
yu t qing do shu

8. Pounce (Pressing spear in

yu p qing do shu low stance) Spear

9. Hook Spear
yu gu qing do shu

10. Seal Spear

yu fng qing do shu

11. Prick Spear

yu tio qing do shu

12. Wrap Spear

yu jun qing do shu

42
 1. Hacking Spear

p gu zu x
Bending the knees is
important during hacking.

The Spear-head is raised not

more than 5-inches from a
qing tu q b gu w cn levelled position.

Strike down vertically from

that position, with the power
coming from the rear hand.

zh p r xi hu shu y ch While striking down, the rear

hand is simultaneously
thrusting forward.

To attack the enemys front

y j q shu hand.

Note: For this Hacking Spear technique, one must

practice striking down within only a small space of
5-inches, yet deliver immense power.

43
 2. Coiling Spear
chn zh

I shall make a fake movement

of touching the enemys Spear
w xin x d with my Spear from the top.

This will provoke him to turn

b qing zhun xi his Spear downwards.

I shall then lower my Spear

w qing zi shng z yu r downwards from the right.
xi

This will provoke him to turn

his Spear upwards from the
b yu cng zu zhun shng left.

I shall then turn my Spear

w yu cng xi zhun zu r
upwards from the left to Parry
n zh y his Spear.

44
 3. Flowing Spear
li zh

When his Spear comes in,

whether on the left or right, I
lng li hu zu hu yu w shall shift my body backwards
shn sho tu slightly

And strike down his Spear

accordingly on the left or
su q zu yu r p zh right.

When his Spear becomes

old, this is my opportunity
di lng lo zh do q zh rn to thrust him straightly.

Note: Old meaning the enemys Spear is now in a

disadvantageous state, such as off-center, energy fully
expended, or over-committing.

45
 4. Tie Spear
h zh

This is used in close-quarters

battle, to move and subdue the
j i ch tu y
opponent by harmonizing with his
movements, consisting of 4
techniques:
1) Forcing the enemy aside.
2) Withstand enemys force.
3) Pull enemy away.
4) Prop enemy up.

(This is the so-called Slightly

deflect and open his Spear first,
j hu su wi xin qng which will be explained in the
ki y latter chapters.)

Note: This is a high-level internal arts technique.

46
 5. Strike Spear
j zh

This is used by striking at the

enemys Spear left and right,
zu yu j zh j j y chn then continue with the
2. Coiling Spear technique.

This technique is used for

finishing the opponent after
r s lng zh f y his Spear has been paralysed.

47
 6. Cover Spear
gi zh

Step in and press down

jn b xi y q qing y diagonally on his Spear.

Once he moves, you shall

b dng j chu thrust in.

7. Lift Spear
t zh

This is used for defending

g d li qing zh y against low attacks.

(Generally, a Spears rear

( ) shouldnt be held high. Only in
qing gn j go wi t qing the Lift Spear technique, the
gn go rear end is held high.)

Note: The Spears rear end is held high, so that the tip is
pointing low, to defend against low attacks.

48
 8. Pounce Spear
p zh

This resembles the 2. Coil Spear

technique, followed by beating
s jun r d y down on the enemys Spear.

9. Hook Spear
gu

This is a Sweep technique

(rotate the left-hand to the left,
j ln y palm facing up, to intercept the
enemys thrust).

The most tightened version is

having the elbow closely
q jn m zh zhu ti xi xi adjacent to the side of body.

49
 10. Seal Spear
fng

This is a Parry technique

(rotate the left-hand to the
j n y right, palm facing down, to
intercept the enemys thrust).

11. Prick Spear

tio zh

The enemy lays his Spear over

b gi w qing mine (6. Cover Spear).

I shall examine the situation,

and loosen my Spear a little.
w s q q qing sho sng When he raises his Spear and
there is loosening of pressure

Suddenly, I shall prick upwards

j tio q zh zh y and thrust into him.

50
 12. Wrap Spear
jun zh

Step sideways to squat low,

ki b dn zu r n and Parry the enemys Spear

To move in until the enemys

zh zh b qin shu q shng front hand to achieve victory.
y

This is the 12 Defensive

c sh r do shu zh Techniques

To open up the enemys Spear

ki qing zh f y for an opportunity to attack.

51
 Thrusting Techniques
zh f pin Chapter
There is the
yu dn sh shu zh 1. Single-handed Thrust

2. Left/Right Cross-Over
yu zu yu chun zh Thrust

3. Left/Right Circular Thrust

yu zu yu qun zh j sh zh
(Shi Family styles
di chun Repeating Thrust)

4. Pierce-Curtain Thrust (also

yu chun lin zh j din t known as Jolt-Lift)

5. Striking Thrust
yu di d zh

6. Left/Right
yu zu yu ch hu zh Offer-Flowers Thrust

52
 7. Insert-Pot Thrust (named as
Pierce in the Shi Family
yu tu h zh sh mng chun style)

8. Firm Thrust
yu sh zh

9. Returning-Dragon Thrust
(named as Immediate
yu hu lng zh sh mng ji Thrust in the Shi Family style)

10. Intercept-Spear Thrust

yu ji qing zh j sh zh m
(a.k.a. Shi Family styles
j Wooden Chicken)

11. Create Something From

yu w zhng shng yu zh Nothing Thrust

12. Receive-Spear Thrust

yu yng qing zh

( ) 13. Fake Thrust (a.k.a. Shi

yu x zh sh mng qun shu Family styles Circle Hands)

53
 14. Crescent Spear
yu yu y qing

15. Meridian Spear

yu z w qing

16. Flying Serpent Spear

yu tng sh qing

17. Mandarin Ducks Spear

yu yun yng qing

18. Descend Spear

yu jing qing

54
 1. Single-handed Thrust
dn sh shu zh

This is done by taking a step

forward, and fully extending
jn b jn shu zh zh the arm to thrust.

Although it can hurt people

shng rn su mng z y yu
fiercely, it exposes oneself to
kng attacks too.

Thus, it must not be used

b k qng yng easily or frequently.

Only with jumping (Shi Family

( ) Spears Sneaking Spear is to
wi sh tng tio sh mng tu jump and do a single-handed
qing thrust.)

It can be used without

worries, by first striking at the
xin y di d z w y y enemy before thrusting single-
handedly.

55
 2. Cross-Over Thrust
chun

This is just a general thrusting

move, considered to be an
j li s tng xng zh c f y unrefined technique.

However, the Emei method

r mi yng zh bi yu shn has a different set of meaning.
ji

3. Circular Thrust
qun zh

This is to perform the

Cross-Over Thrust one after
another, thrusting alternately
chun r chun y between inner-circle and
outer-circle.

Note: Assuming youre holding your Spear with the left-hand forward,
your inner-circle will be on your Spears right, while your outer-
circle will be on your Spears left.
The Cross-Over Thrust is to cross over from the inner-circle to
the outer-circle to perform a thrust, and vice versa.

56
 ( ) 4. Pierce-Curtain Thrust (also
chun lin zh j din t known as Jolt-Lift)

This technique can defeat the

p ch tng zh y Trident.

5. Striking Thrust
di d zh

This is to strike down first,

p j f zh y before thrusting.

( ) (This is different from Cheng

y chng du b tng Chong Dous method.)

Note: Cheng Chong Dou is the author of the

Shaolin Staff, Long-Spear, Long-Saber and Crossbow
manual. Find them at: www.chineselongsword.com

57
 6. Offer-Flowers Thrust
ch hu

The Offer-Flowers Thrust can

be done left or right, and can
yu zu yu p ch tng defeat the Trident.

Note: Begin by holding the Spear high skyward, then

sweep across to make a horizontal strike.

7. Insert-Pot Thrust
tu h

As though youre inserting the

Spear into a pot on the
p d sh zh zh y ground, this technique
defends against low attacks.

58
 8. Firm Thrust
sh zh

When the enemy makes a low

ground-level thrust, there is
y b xi zho ji no time to block/intercept it.

Evade by stepping your front

foot sideways, thrusting firmly
ki qin z zh q zh rn and confidently at the enemy.

9. Returning-Dragon Thrust
(named as Immediate
hu lng zh zh jng yn mng Thrust by Jing Yan of Shi
ji Family style)

When his Spear comes in, I

b qing li w su qing sho
shall follow suit and retreat
tu slightly.

When he retracts his Spear, I

b shu qing w chng x r
shall take the opportunity to
r thrust in.

59
 10. Intercept-Spear Thrust
chu zh

Lightly contact the enemys

Spear to displace it, using
qng yng j i shu f ki zh internal arts principle of
sensing energies

Then deliver a thrust.

j zh y

11. Create Something From

w zhng shng yu zh Nothing Thrust

In the midst of the enemys

Coiling Spear defensive
y b chn qing zhng tu ch technique, retreat suddenly

Then return with a thrust

r yng hu lng qing y (9. Returning-Dragon Thrust).

60
 12. Receive-Spear Thrust
yng zh

When he uses the

technique, which is to swing
ling li qing
and thrust in 2 directions

I shall thrust straight into the

center to deflect and open up
r w zhng b ki y his Spear.

13. Fake Thrust

x zh zh

Perform the Cross-Over

Thrust to a level which leaves
chun zh w yng zh y no shadow, so as to thrust
him unexpectedly.

14. Crescent Spear

yu y zh

This is to perform the Cross-

Over Thrust along the center-
chun r z w y line (meridian line).

61
 15. Meridian Spear
z w zh

This is the marvelous

dn sh shu zh shn mio
technique of thrusting in with
zh y one-hand.

Note: Meridian Line is a straight upright vertical line.

Picture a clock, is 12-noon at the North of the clock,
while is 12-midnight, at the South of the clock. The
line from top to bottom vertically is called (zi wu).

16. Flying Serpent Spear

tng sh zh

This is to thrust in a hoop or

to hun zh zh y ring fashion.

62
 17. Mandarin Ducks Spear
yun yng zh

Step forward in a low posture,

with the Spear-head slightly
zu x jn b lng tu sho go high.

Thrust left and right

zu yu lin zh continuously.

The secret is in the hands

mio zi shu f y zh q
controlling the Spears
dng movements.

However, do not roam around

too much, as one may run out
rn w du yu y shui w q of breath.

63
 18. Descend Spear
jing qing zh

When his Spear comes in, I

shall press down on it
lng li w xi y zh b lng diagonally to prevent it from
de q coming up.

If he uses the Prick Spear

technique, I shall thrust in
b tio q j do q zh rn immediately.

If he doesnt use the Prick

Spear technique, I shall wait
b b tio di b lng lo j jn for his Spear to become old,
then move in.

Note: Old meaning the enemys Spear is now in a

disadvantageous state, such as off-center, energy fully
expended, or over-shooting.

These are the 18 Thrusting

c sh b zh zh gng rn zh
Techniques to attack
f y someone.

64
 Defeating Various
p zh q pin Weapons Chapter
The Spear has different
techniques which are more
qing p zh q yng g yu y advantageous in defeating
various other weapons.

The Striking Thrust, Pierce-

di d chun lin zu yu ch
Curtain Thrust and Left/Right
hu Offer-Flowers Thrust

Is suitable for defeating the

p ch tng y Trident.

The Hook and Pounce

technique is suitable for
gu p p bin jin y defeating the Whip or Sword.

A long shaft may be

advantageous, but it can be
chng gn su l t j k jing defeated by the Lift Spear and
Strike Spear techniques.

65
 The Dual-Sabers may be
unconventional, but it will
shung do su q di d b lu surely fall against the Striking
Thrust.

Against the Crescent-Moon

sn tng yn yu x chun
Saber Polearm, a Fake Cross-
yng r wng jng Over Thrust will demolish it.

Against the divine Staff

shn gn y gn

The Descend Spear technique

jing qing j r sh shu shall immobilize it.

A fake Receive-Spear Thrust

technique can defeat the
x yng jin yng cu j fng sharp pointed end of the
mng Halberd.

The Left & Right Offer-

Flowers Thrust technique can
ch hu h sh r pi mn h enter the openings of the
Shield.

66
 The key to defeating other
weapons is to be familiar with
p y yo ju x t y s this.

Using the Spear to do a

beating down action is
di d k y p t do sh effective against the
Carry-Saber Stance

But it cannot win if the enemy

r b nng p fng li gn
is spinning and circling his
zhun weapon furiously.

Carry Saber Stance

from Shou Bi Lu (Qing Dynasty Ancient Manual)

67
 Body & Hand
shn shu f pin Techniques Chapter
Body movements is the door
shn f ni y zh mn h to the art.

Advancing, retreating or
turning comes from training in
jn tu pn xun ji yu shn f body movements.

Once the body movements

have been properly
shn f j zhng z sh r do developed, the 12 defensive
shu techniques

And 18 thrusting techniques

shall be coordinated with the
sh b zh f w b yng xn mind and executed without
y problems.

Next, is the hands

shu f movements.

68
 A stance will be more stable if
fn ki qing hu shu d z the rear-hand is kept low.
jin sh

The Spear-head should be

raised not more than 5-inches
tu q b gu w cn from a levelled position.

Raise the rear-hand only for

wi t hu shu z go jun the Wrap Spear technique.
qing zh f

Use the Wrap Spear

technique first, then thrust
qin jun hu ch w b out, and you will definitely
shng rn inflict great injuries.

69
 For the
- Coiling Spear
chn t gi n
- Lift Spear
- Cover Spear
- Parry
techniques

Observe if the enemys Spear

is coming in from the left or
gun b li lng wi zu wi yu right

Then I shall step forward to

jn b j shng achieve victory.

For the
- Hook Spear
gu p h fng
- Pounce Spear
- Tie Spear
- Seal Spear
techniques

The secret lies in skilfully using

jn zi ling shu both hands.

70
 For the Firm Thrust, move the
entire body forward as one
sh zh y shn r jn unit.

The Mandarin Ducks Spear

technique for moving out of
yun yng ki f xng y the way.

To be in a low posture
requires good body
zu x x shn f du shn movements.

Dodging and evading, is the

ni shng s zh mn door to life or death.

The Meridian Spear and

Crescent Spear technique
z w yu y ling shu wi x require highly refined skills in
gng f both hands.

71
 The Single-handed Thrust and
dn sh shu zu yu ch hu Offer-Flowers Thrust

Both rely on the Prance

technique (to move with high
qun li tng tio jn ch springy steps) to move in and
out.

Continuous thrusting, Striking

Thrust, and Hacking Spear are
lin zh di d p qing ji wi considered fierce and
hn shu aggressive techniques.

72
 Essentials Chapter
zng yo pin

The important point on

holding the Spear is in bending
ch lng zh f gu h zu x the knees and adopting a low
stance.

It is best when the body,

shn xn shu z xing yng
mind, hands and feet work as
wi ji one.

Whenever one makes a thrust,

fn zh zh qi zhng one seeks to hit accurately.

However, even if ones thrust

lands on the enemy, that
r zhng zh wi jn shn zh doesnt mean that he has
y mastered the art.

The master doesnt seek to hit

jn shn zh b qi zhng r
the enemy, yet he hits
zhng accurately.

73
 When one is able to hit the
enemy, without consciously
b qi zhng r zhng seeking to do so

The enemy will not be able to

rn zh su b j fng defend against the attacks

As one will become

shn mio m c unpredictable.

Note: Seek for unconscious competence.

Those who consciously seek to

thrust the enemy, and
qi zhng r zhng zh managed to do so

Are using technique to

y qio q rn achieve victory.

If the enemy recognizes my

wi b sh p z fn shu
technique, I shall be harmed
shng y by him instead.

74
 Whenever performing
fn do shu defensive techniques

The usage of the body, mind,

shn xn shu z zh yn yng hands and feet

Shall be kept within 1.5 feet.

b l ch w

Knees should be bent to adopt

zu x a low stance

Such as the
- Mandarin Ducks Spear
r yun yng chn h li jing
- Coiling Spear
sh y
- Tie Spear
- Flowing Spear
- Descend Spear
techniques

Body and mind must match

with each other. Hands and
shn xn xing q shu z feet must believe in each
xing f other.

75
 If you make a move, then
enemy will definitely attempt
dng z b dng to block.

When the enemy comes in

li j w mng fast, one must not be fluster.

When one is idle for too long,

n xin ji sh one becomes lazy.

Naturally, lapses in
movements will start to
z rn zhng ji appear.

Whenever you want to create

openings in the enemy for
fn y ki rn attacking

One must first guard oneself.

xin x shu j

Only then, can one achieve

shng ni k qun complete victory.

76
 If one seeks to achieve victory
ru y xin f q shng su
by simply initiating the first
bn shng y move, it is only half a victory.

Whenever one wants to open

fn ki qing up the enemys Spear

One should first make a light

xin qng n Parry.

If ones Spear is near the

enemys hand, it is considered
jn b shu ni zhng q shu heavy.

If its heavy, then it is

zhng z w ji yng difficult to recover.

Whether to be heavy,
light, swift or slow, it is
qng zhng j x gu xing better to do it considerably,
dng y according to the situation.

77
 If the enemys Spear comes in
lng li y qng ki zh light, and easy to be moved

One must fear that he may

kng b yn yng h bin li r change unpredictably.
wi dng

If I were to use brute force

w yng zhng l and become heavy

When I guard the right-side, I

shall lose the left-side. When I
z g yu sh zu g zu sh guard the left-side, I shall lose
yu y the right-side.

Therefore, one should open

g y qng ki up the enemys Spear lightly.

Subdue his Spear so that hes

jing zh sh b de unable to use it.

Change unpredictably to the

zu yu bin hun left and right.

78
 When his Spear becomes
old, it shall be under my
lng lo z wi w yu y control.

These 5 words
dng q w lng sng

Means that when there is an

opportunity to attack, one
wi b k fng gu y must not let it slip away.

If one wants to achieve victory

ru xin f zh rn by initiating the first move

It is easy to commit errors

y ln fn q xu

Thus one must restrain

b x li xng oneself

To prevent ones Spear from

being suppressed by the
y fng q i lng zh xi enemys Spear.

79
 One must definitely avoid this!
shn y ji zh

Whenever reacting to the

fn yng chu enemys movements

One must know which

movements are true, and
x zh x sh which are false

In order to take the best

xin wi yn b de y wi mio action.

For example, if his Spear

comes in with no true
p r b lng x li intentions of attacking

And I open up his Spear

w dn yng qng ki zh f lightly.

He will definitely take

b b y w kng ch jn l sh
advantage of my gentleness,
li and try to come in strongly.

80
 Let him come in about
di ln zh rn r cn x 2-inches.

With my body, mind, hands

rn hu shn xn shu z j and feet working together
do

I shall use techniques such as

Coiling Spear or Descend
yng chn jing zh li xi i Spear to suppress his
li lng incoming Spear diagonally.

Then, attack the enemy and

one will definitely be
zh fn q zh rn w b bi y victorious.

Of the various Thrusting and

zh zh f do shu Defensive techniques

All are able to attack and

w y b shn gng shu bng defend simultaneously.
de

It is an outstanding art that

cho qn ju ln zh xu y surpasses all others.

81
 Jack Chen is the President of Historical Combat Association
(Singapore). He believes deeply in preserving and promoting
historical wisdoms and knowledge for future generations.

Please visit: www.chineselongsword.com

82