One-Handed Yari Technique #2
One element of my teachers sojutsu (spear) system was one-handed usage of the spear. This allowed him to wield another weapon, often a short sword or tanto (dagger).
When wielding a spear with one hand, I strongly suggest that the spear be less than 6 feet in length. I prefer to use one just slightly longer than a jo. Of course that decision is up to the practitioner and his ability.
I also suggest when wielding a second weapon that is either lighter than or of equal weight to the spear; this helps maintain stability.
This technique involves a forward 45-degree evasion with a simultaneous spear block, and horizontal cut with the sword. Note: the spear is at a 45-degree angle and slightly angled away from the body. This spear position deflects the attacking weapon—in this case a sword—away from the body and downward. It also allows the practitioner to lower the spear to follow the movement of the attacker’s weapon as it descends.
Once again for optimal stability the spear-wielding arm should be kept close to the body, and the elbow should never pass the point of the hip.
The sword cut should be to the neck or other vulnerable points of the body. It is also possible to thrust the sword to the mid-section
This photo depicts the same technique but with a dagger instead of a sword.
Like the first one handed yari technique this form can be done in various configurations, two swords, sword and dagger, tessen (iron fan) and sword, etc..
When wielding a spear with one hand, I strongly suggest that the spear be less than 6 feet in length. I prefer to use one just slightly longer than a jo. Of course that decision is up to the practitioner and his ability.
I also suggest when wielding a second weapon that is either lighter than or of equal weight to the spear; this helps maintain stability.
This technique involves a forward 45-degree evasion with a simultaneous spear block, and horizontal cut with the sword. Note: the spear is at a 45-degree angle and slightly angled away from the body. This spear position deflects the attacking weapon—in this case a sword—away from the body and downward. It also allows the practitioner to lower the spear to follow the movement of the attacker’s weapon as it descends.
Once again for optimal stability the spear-wielding arm should be kept close to the body, and the elbow should never pass the point of the hip.
The sword cut should be to the neck or other vulnerable points of the body. It is also possible to thrust the sword to the mid-section
This photo depicts the same technique but with a dagger instead of a sword.
Like the first one handed yari technique this form can be done in various configurations, two swords, sword and dagger, tessen (iron fan) and sword, etc..
Labels: Spears, Techniques
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