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The Art of E’mei Spear
Translated and Interpreted by: Jack Chen www.chineselongsword.com 1
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 E’mei 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
xī chī yóu bèi pàn
Long time ago, Chi-You betrayed the heavenly laws
ér zhuō lù xīng shī
And war started in the Zhuolu county.
gōng jī zhī yòng shǐ bèi
Weapons began to be used in battles.
zì cǐ ér dài yǒu zhēng fá
Henceforth, there has been punitive expeditions.
Gan Jiang, Mo Xie, Feng Hu rú gàn jiàng mò xié fēng hú
Xue Zhu, Pu Yuan xuē zhú pú yuán zhī chóu
Note: These are names of ancient swordsmiths. Using their brilliant skills in metal forging
jiē jí qí jìn qiǎo shén zhù guǐ róng
5
Innumerable weapons were created for military.
bīng jiā qì yòng wèi yì gèng pú shù yě
Those who talk about martial arts will definitely consider the Spear as King (of weapons).
nǎi tán yì zhě bì yǐ qiāng wéi shǒu
And the Spear serves as a gateway to various other chēng qí wéi zhū qì zhī mén hù weapons. yě
ruò shā jiā gān zǐ mǎ jiā liù hé
Like the Sha Family bamboo pole, and Ma Family’s Six Harmony Spear
jìn tuì qí fú
Advancing and retreating, laying unexpected ambushes
Jumping and spiraling tiào dàng pán xuán
These are highly capable skills. yì yǒu néng shì
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dàn kāi zhāng màn yǎn
However, the moves are wide and slow
fēi yí yuán kuàng xí
And not easily applied unless at low marshy lands.
wèi yì shè shī
If one were to meet with danger, it will be difficult to defend oneself. If one were to face enemies in a tight narrow environment, one will be restricted and cannot execute the movements.
ruò yù xiǎn zǔ jí jiǒng shù yǐ
But yet the short Spear, whether in large or small ér duǎn qiāng zé dì zhī dà xiǎo areas, uneven or flat lands xiǎn yí
wú wǎng bù lì
It is always successful in overcoming danger.
xún jué jì yě
The short Spear is truly a great skill. 7
Peace was enjoyed for a long time, and martial arts training began to slacken.
chéng píng jì jiǔ wǔ bèi rì chí
Few arts were carried on. shì xiān qí chuán
In the E’mei mountain of western Sichuan province
xī shǔ é méi shān
Monk Pu-en of Bai-mei pǔ ēn chán shī zǔ jiā bái méi
yù yì rén shòu yǐ qiāng fǎ
Met and learn the art of the Spear from a talented individual.
lì jī kōng shì liàn xí èr zài
He set up a machine in an empty room and practiced for 2 years.
yī dàn wù chè suì zào shén huà
Upon enlightenment, the divine art of the Spear was created.
8
biàn yóu sì fāng mò yǔ bìng jià
Travelling everywhere, there is no other Spear art that’s similar.
shǔ yú kè yóu shǔ zhōng zào xí wù yán
I travelled to Sichuan province to have a discussion meeting (with Monk Pu-en).
shī měi shǒu kěn
Monk Pu-en always agreed to discuss many topics
wèn jí wǔ shì zé xiào ér bù dá
But when I raise questions about martial arts, he laughs and never answers.
yú chuǎi qí yì zài qiú rén yě
I figured that his intention is to look for suitable disciples.
yīn yǔ jīng jiāng xíng zhě
So me and the itinerant monk from Jing-jiang
yuè kōng lǐ shī qǐng jiào
Went through the ritual of apprenticeship to formally learn from Monk Pu-En.
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shī mìng yú èr rén qiáo cǎi shān zhōng
Monk Pu-en ordered both of us to go into the mountains to gather firewood.
jīng lì èr zài shī xiào yuē
After 2 years, Monk Pu-en laughed and said: “Both of you have painstakingly proved yourselves, and now you can advance to the next stage.
èr rén liáng kǔ shù kě jìn hū
I have an art of the Spear, which consists of 18 thrusts (offensive techniques)
wǒ yǒu qiāng fǎ yī shí bā zhā
And 12 defensive techniques. shí èr dǎo shǒu
gōng shǒu jiān shī
Each move merges offense and defense as one.
pò zhū wǔ yì
It is able to defeat all the various martial arts.
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Though you’ve chopped firewood for a long time, and your hands are well-trained
rǔ kǎn cǎi jiǔ ér de xīn yìng shǒu
You don’t realize that your body and arm movements have been developed during the time when you were harvesting firewood.”
bù zhī shēn fǎ bèi fǎ yǐ yù yú shì
suì jiào yú èr rén
Thereupon, Monk Pu-en taught the both of us
dòng jìng jìn zhǐ zhī jī
The crucial points of movement and stillness, advancement and stopping
jí chí gōng shǒu zhī
As well as clever usage of fast and low speed with offense and defense.
miào jiǔ zhī yú nán huán
After a long time, I returned back to the South
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yòu fǎng shā jiā qiāng mǎ jiā dài gùn qiāng
To visit the Sha Family Spear and Ma Family Staff and Spear again.
zé yì wèi shū qiǎn
(I realized that) these arts were shallow.
jiào zhī yú shī zhī fǎ
Compared to my teacher’s techniques
xiāng qù yuǎn yǐ
These arts are far in comparison.
yú xù qí fǎ bù wàng suǒ zì
To not forget my roots when I relate to my techniques
I shall name it as: mìng zhī yuē
“Art of E’mei Spear”. é méi qiāng fǎ
It is not to be shown carelessly to others.
gǒu fēi qí rén qiān jīn wù shì 12
This precious art must be treasured!
qí zhēn zhī zāi
By Disciple Cheng Zhen Ru, Hai-yang County.
hǎi yáng dì zǐ chéng zhēn rú zhuàn
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Mind Mastery Chapter zhì xīn piān
yòng jì yì zhì xīn nán
It is easy to use techniques, but difficult to gain control over one’s own mind.
shǒu zú yùn yòng mò bù yóu xīn
The movements of the arms and legs must come from the mind.
xīn huǒ bù chì
The flame in the heart must not burn. The four elements (Buddhism philosophy) must be cancelled, and one will automatically be calm from within oneself.
sì dà zì jìng
Mount Tai can collapse in front of me, and yet the look on my face do not change.
tài shān bēng yú qián ér sè bù biàn
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mí lù qǐ yú zuǒ ér mù bù shùn
The elk can rise to the left, while my eyes do not wink.
néng zhì xīn zhě yě
These are the characteristics of someone who has mastery over his mind. This is known as:
fǎ yuē
“If he moves, let him move. tā xíng rèn tā xíng
tā dā yóu tā dā
If he contacts my Spear, let him contact.
rě dòng zhēn zhǔ rén lóng dòng rú cuī lā
Provoke the “real master” to move, and the “Dragon” shall 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. (tā) is a form of fake movement.
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Body Mastery Chapter zhì shēn piān
chí lóng zhī dào shēn xīn wéi běn
In the art of the Spear, the body and mind are the fundamentals.
shēn fǎ bù zhèng zé xīn wú zhǔ
If the body is not properly train, the mind will not have a host for it.
ér shǒu zú shī cuò
The arms and feet will be at a loss. The Spear not being held firmly, and movements which are not fluent, are consequences of a body and mind that’s not properly trained.
chí lóng bù gù jìn tuì wú jié
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Everything will be in disorder. jī jú huāng táng yǐ
gù yuē xīn dòng shén lí qiào
Therefore, it’s been said: “If one is emotionally affected, one’s spirit leaves his body.
shén pí qì bì xū
One’s body and mind will become weary, and efforts will be in vain.”
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Cang Chen Zi said: cāng chén zǐ yuē
liàn xí zhī gōng jī rú qiū shān
“Efforts in practicing are accumulated, just like how a dune becomes a mountain.
zé xīn shēn bù zhì ér zì zhì
If one focuses on the art, the mind and body will naturally act in order by itself. Otherwise
bù rán
Focusing on the mind to control the mind; one will qǐ xīn zhì xīn zhǐ yì qí luàn ér yǐ create chaos in the mind and forget the art.
cǐ zhēn rú yán wài zhī yì
This is my (Cheng Zhen Ru) unspoken implication.
dú zhě bù kě bù shén huì yě
The reader must try to understand it!
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Calmness Chapter yí jìng piān
chí lóng guì jìng
An important factor in holding the Spear is to be calm.
jìng qǐ yì yán
However, it is difficult to explain how to achieve calmness.
bì shēn xīn jiē zhì ér hòu néng jìng
Only after one has mastered control of one’s own mind and body, can one achieve calmness. Hence, to hold a Spear is like standing tall and still like a mountain, and peaceful like water that has stopped flowing.
gù chí lóng rú zhì yuè rú zhǐ shuǐ
To be scattered in disarray, but not impure.
xiáo zhī bù zhuó
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chù zhī bù yáo
To make contact, but not shakened.
jī shēn jié duǎn
The concept is deep and the lapse (of movement) is short.
shǐ rén mò cè
This makes the Spear unpredictable.
lóng jìng bù kě tài níng
One must be calm with the Spear, but one must not be fixated in one place.
níng zé shì jiǔ
If one stays fixated in a stance for too long
shì jiǔ zé xīn dài sī chén
One’s mind will start to be wander and become negligent
ér lóng bèi yǐ
And one will become weary with the Spear.
Hence, it is being said: gù yuē
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“The Golden Dragon is not precious, but the Fish Dragon is.
jīn lóng bù guì yú lóng guì
When the wild crane has lack of grains to feed on, it will then realize how broad the field is.”
yě hè wú liáng tiān dì kuān
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’, one’s scope of awareness will broaden.
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Movements Chapter yí dòng piān
A moving spear is called a Moving Dragon and belongs to “Yang” category. (Chinese Yin-Yang principle)
dòng zhě wéi xíng lóng yáng yě
Its character is strong and violent.
qí xìng gāng qí dé bào
One who holds the Spear chí lóng zhě
dāng zhī qí bào zhì qí gāng
Must be aware of this violence, and be able to subdue this ‘hardness’.
liú hé èr fǎ shì yě
To be able to flow and harmonize, are 2 essential techniques.
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rú xíng yún liú shuǐ diàn shè fēng piáo
Resembling moving clouds and flowing water, lightning strikes and drifting winds
huǎng hū biàn huàn zhà qián zhà xiàn
Vaguely changing irregularly, adruptly disappearing and appearing To exist, or not to, with a connection to the Gods.
huò yǒu huò wú yǔ shén xiāo xī
qiú zhī mò de qí duān
To seek, but not to go to the origin.
shì zhī bù jiàn qí jì
To look, but not see the traces.
nǎi xíng lóng fǎ yě
These are the techniques of a moving Dragon.
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rán dòng yì bù kě tài guò
However, one must not overexert when moving.
tài guò zé láo néng shèng rén zhě xiān yǐ
If one over-exerts energy, one will tire easily and be defeated. Hence, it is being said:
gù yuē
“Breathing is like a treatise, and cures stiffness.
hū xī rú jīng qí jīng yù gù
Breathing in and out, in rhythmic segments, produces lái huí yǒu jié qí miào wú qióng unlimited marvel.” This technique is called: “One begins like a virgin, and afterwards becomes like an escaped rabbit.
fǎ yuē shǐ rú chǔ nǚ hòu rú tuō tù
Harmonized force will subdue brute force.”
hé bào zhì gāng
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jí jìng yán suǒ wèi tuō huà yě
This is what Jing Yan (of Shi Family Spear) refers to as “Transformation”.
bù tuō huà yóu cháng duō bài
If one does not “transforms”, one will face many defeats in the competition.
shèng yì niú dòu ěr
Even if one were to win, it is only like bull-fighting (fighting with brute force).
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Attack-Defense Chapter gōng shǒu piān
gōng zhě dǎo qí xū
The objective of offensive techniques is to attack the opponent’s void areas.
shǒu zhě bèi wǒ xiá yě
The objective of defensive techniques is to prepare to defend my own void areas.
gōng zé yī shí bā
In the offensive techniques, there are 18 thrusts.
zhā suí jī ér yùn xū kě shí kě
One must use them according to the situation, making use of fake and real movements.
yù zhòng lóng zé yuān yāng gèng miào
When facing against multiple Spearmen, the Mandarin Ducks technique is the best counter-measure.
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To defend, there are 12 defensive techniques.
shǒu zé shí èr dǎo shǒu
One can strike down, or Cover (striking forward and downward) the enemy’s Spear.
pī kě gài kě
When facing against multiple Spearmen, the best countermeasure is to coil around their spears and/or pounce forward.
yù zhòng lóng zé chán pū wéi jiā
(
(This is the Shi Family Spear technique of Coiling Parry & Coiling Sweep.)
)
jí shí zhī chán ná chán lán
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 enemy’s thrust. - to Sweep, is to rotate the left-hand to the left, palm facing up, to intercept the enemy’s thrust.
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bù gōng zhī gōng jiàng qiāng dǎo shǒu shì yě
To attack without attacking, is the Descend Spear defensive technique.
bù shǒu zhī shǒu yuān yāng zhā fǎ shì yě
To defend without defending, is the Mandarin Ducks thrusting technique.
gōng wéi yáng shǒu wéi yīn
To attack, is Yang. To defend, is Yin. (Chinese Yin-Yang principle)
The Descend Spear defensive technique is to have Yang jiàng qiāng dǎo shǒu yīn zhōng within Yin. zhī yáng The Mandarin Ducks thrusting technique is to have Yin within Yang.
yuān yāng zhā fǎ yáng zhōng zhī yīn
To have Yang within Yang, is to repeatedly thrust and strike
yáng zhōng zhī yáng lián zhā dài dǎ
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Attacking and defending at the same time.
gōng shǒu jūn kān
To have Yin within Yin, is the Tie Spear defensive yīn zhōng zhī yīn hé qiāng dǎo technique. shǒu
lóng bù liǎng zhù xī lì yǎng shén
Use the Spear single-mindedly, breathe to regain composure.
wú rú cǐ shàn
This is the best way (to use the Spear).
The Returning-Dragon Thrust is the most effective huí lóng zhā fǎ shǒu zhōng zuì technique in the hands. lì It is termed as: “Intercepting Dragon”.
wèi zhī jié lóng
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The one who strikes and thrusts continuously with no concern for defense
dài dǎ zhā fǎ gōng jī mò dāng
Is called “The Fierce”. shì yuē hěn shǒu
The methods of defense and offense are briefly described here.
gōng shǒu zhī fǎ gāi kuò yú sī
Hence it is being said: “To open up the enemy’s Spear and not thrust in, how can one hurt the enemy?
gù yuē yǒu kāi wú zhā qǐ de shāng rén
To thrust in blindly without bothering to open up the enemy’s Spear, how can one defend himself?”
yǒu zhā wú kāi yān néng shǒu jǐ
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This technique is called: fǎ yuē
shàn gōng zhě gōng rén zhī suǒ bù shǒu
“Those who are good at attacking, will attack where the enemy is weak at.
shàn shǒu zhě shǒu rén zhī suǒ bù gōng
Those who are good at defending, will defend where the enemy is strong at.”
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shěn shì piān
Situational Assessment Chapter
liǎng lóng xiāng dāng
When two Dragons (Spears) meet
xiān shěn qí qiáng ruò xū shí
One must first examine the strengths, weaknesses, truths and falsehoods.
shī zhī yǐ qiáng yǐ guān qí ruò
Display one’s strengths, to observe the opponent’s weaknesses.
shī zhī yǐ ruò yǐ guān qí qiáng
Display one’s weaknesses, to observe the opponent’s strengths.
shī zhī yǐ sù yǐ guān qí chí
Move fast, to observe how slow the opponent is.
shī zhī yǐ chí yǐ guān qí sù
Move slow, to observe fast the opponent is.
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shī zhī yǐ shǒu yǐ guān qí gōng
Put up a defence, to observe how the opponent attacks.
shī zhī yǐ gōng yǐ guān qí shǒu
Make an attack, to observe how the opponent defends.
This method is called: fǎ yuē
“Examine the opponent’s real conditions, and exploit his weaknesses.”
shěn dí zhī xū shí ér qū qí wēi
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xíng shì piān
Landscape & Position Chapter
A young Dragon will need to find a suitable feeding ground to grow into a mature Dragon. lóng wèi xíng shí xiān xū de dì (Implying that one must find a position that is most beneficial to himself.)
wǒ qǔ gāo ér yǔ bǐ yǐ xià
I shall take a higher position (more advantageous) to fight an enemy at a lower position.
wǒ qǔ yí ér yǔ bǐ yǐ xiǎn
I shall take a flat and open position, to fight an enemy in a tight and cramped position.
wǒ qǔ huì ér yǔ bǐ yǐ míng
I shall take a dark position, to fight an enemy in a bright spot.
wǒ qǔ yīn ér yǔ bǐ yǐ yáng
I shall take the “Yin” path, to deal with the opponent’s “Yang”.
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wǒ qǔ cháng ér yǔ bǐ yǐ duǎn
I shall use my strength (long), to deal with the opponent’s weakness (short).
wǒ qǔ jìn ér yǔ bǐ yǐ róu
I shall be firm, to deal with the opponent’s softness.
qǔ gāo zé bǐ bù néng qīn tū
I take the higher ground, so that the opponent cannot invade into me.
wǒ de chéng shì ér lín zhī
I shall flow with the situation to get closer to the opponent.
qǔ píng zé bǐ bù néng chí chěng
I take the middle and open ground, so that the opponent cannot rush headlong.
wǒ de nuò yí ér jìn zhī
Because on level and open grounds, I can move and advance easily and safely.
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I take the dark path, so that the opponent cannot see my form
qǔ huì zé bǐ bù jiàn wǒ xíng
And I can disorient him. yīn ér rǎo zhī
I take the “Yin” path, so that the opponent will be dazzled by the Sun
qǔ yīn zé bǐ wéi rì suǒ xuàn
And I can deceive him. yīn ér qī zhī
I shall use my strength (long) and be firm, so that the opponent cannot attack me
qǔ cháng qǔ jìn zé bǐ bù néng gōng wǒ
And I can immobilize him. yīn ér kùn zhī
36
xiān fā zhì rén
To strike first and gain the initiative
mò ruò xū zhā dài dǎ èr fǎ
There are no better techniques than the Fake Thrust and Striking Thrust. They can be used in conjuction with the 2 defensive techniques of Wrap Spear & Strike Spear.
yǔ juǎn qiāng jī qiāng èr dǎo shǒu
sì fǎ hù chū
When these 4 techniques are used synergistically
rén wú suǒ cuò shǒu zú yǐ
The enemy will be rendered helpless.
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Refrainments Chapter
jiè jǐn piān
nìng dì huán yí bì
1) Avoid muddy grounds which are not dried.
qīn chén mò xiàng dōng
2) Do not face the East direction at dawn.
dēng qián bù jǔ shǒu
3) Do not raise your hands in front of a lantern.
yuè xià wù chí lóng
4) Do not hold a Spear under the Moon.
zuì è shí duō jiǔ
5) The worst is to frequently drink alchohol.
piān xián fù yǐ kōng
6) It is undesirable to have an empty stomach.
hào shèng xiū jiāo gòu
7) Those who are eager to win, should not copulate.
38
8) When there’s an opportunity to attack, one must not let the opponent escape.
dāng qǔ mò jiào sōng
cǐ yán yóu cháng lín dí bù lùn
This statement is true, whether in competition or in the battlefield.
dāng qǔ mò jiào sōng
To seize an opportunity when there is one.
zhǐ zāi yán hū
It is like an important imperial decree that must be spoken!
shì wèi bā jiè
These are called the “8 Refrainments”.
bù zhī zhě bù yǔ yán
Do not speak of these to the ignorant.
bù rén zhě bù yǔ chuán
Do not teach these to the unbenevolent.
39
tán xuán shòu dào
To discuss these “8 Refrainments” and transmit its wisdom
guì hū zé rén
One must carefully choose the right person.
40
dǎo shǒu piān
Defensive Techniques Chapter For defensive techniques, there are the 1. Hacking Spear
yǒu pī qiāng dǎo shǒu
2. Coiling Spear yǒu chán qiāng dǎo shǒu
3. Flowing Spear yǒu liú qiāng dǎo shǒu
4. Tie Spear yǒu hé qiāng dǎo shǒu
5. Strike Spear yǒu jī qiāng dǎo shǒu
6. Cover (Striking Forward and Downward) Spear
yǒu gài qiāng dǎo shǒu
41
7. Lift Spear yǒu tí qiāng dǎo shǒu
8. Pounce (Pressing spear in low stance) Spear
yǒu pū qiāng dǎo shǒu
9. Hook Spear yǒu gōu qiāng dǎo shǒu
10. Seal Spear yǒu fēng qiāng dǎo shǒu
11. Prick Spear yǒu tiǎo qiāng dǎo shǒu
12. Wrap Spear yǒu juǎn qiāng dǎo shǒu
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1. Hacking Spear pī guì zuò xī
Bending the knees is important during hacking. The Spear-head is raised not more than 5-inches from a levelled position.
qiāng tóu qǐ bú guò wǔ cùn
Strike down vertically from that position, with the power coming from the rear hand. zhí pī ér xià hòu shǒu yī chū
While striking down, the rear hand is simultaneously thrusting forward. To attack the enemy’s front hand.
yǐ jī qí shǒu
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 chán zhě
wǒ xiān xū dā
I shall make a fake movement of touching the enemy’s Spear with my Spear from the top.
bǐ qiāng zhuǎn xià
This will provoke him to turn his Spear downwards. I shall then lower my Spear downwards from the right.
wǒ qiāng zài shàng zì yòu ér xià
bǐ yòu cóng zuǒ zhuǎn shàng
This will provoke him to turn his Spear upwards from the left.
wǒ yòu cóng xià zhuǎn zuǒ ér ná zhī yě
I shall then turn my Spear upwards from the left to Parry his Spear.
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3. Flowing Spear liú zhě
When his Spear comes in, whether on the left or right, I shall shift my body backwards slightly
lóng lái huò zuǒ huò yòu wǒ shēn shāo tuì
suí qí zuǒ yòu ér pī zhī
And strike down his Spear accordingly on the left or right.
dài lóng lǎo zhí dǎo qí zhǔ rén
When his Spear becomes “old”, this is my opportunity to thrust him straightly.
Note: “Old” meaning the enemy’s Spear is now in a disadvantageous state, such as off-center, energy fully expended, or over-committing.
45
4. Tie Spear hé zhě
jǐ āi chě tuō yě
jí hòu suǒ wèi xiān qīng kāi yě
This is used in close-quarters battle, to move and subdue the opponent by harmonizing with his movements, consisting of 4 techniques: 1)
Forcing the enemy aside.
2)
Withstand enemy’s force.
3)
Pull enemy away.
4)
Prop enemy up.
(This is the so-called “Slightly deflect and open his Spear first”, which will be explained in the latter chapters.)
Note: This is a high-level internal arts technique.
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5. Strike Spear jī zhě
This is used by striking at the enemy’s Spear left and right, then continue with the 2. Coiling Spear technique.
zuǒ yòu jī zhī jí jì yǐ chán
This technique is used for finishing the opponent after his Spear has been paralysed.
rù sǐ lóng zhī fǎ yě
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6. Cover Spear gài zhě
jìn bù xié yā qí qiāng yě
Step in and press down diagonally on his Spear.
bǐ dòng jí chuō
Once he moves, you shall thrust in.
7. Lift Spear tí zhě
This is used for defending against low attacks.
gé dī lái qiāng zhě yě
(
(Generally, a Spear’s rear shouldn’t be held high. Only in the Lift Spear technique, the rear end is held high.)
)
qiāng gēn jì gāo wéi tí qiāng gēn gāo
Note: The Spear’s rear end is held high, so that the tip is pointing low, to defend against low attacks.
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8. Pounce Spear pū zhě
sì juǎn ér dǎ yě
This resembles the 2. Coil Spear technique, followed by beating down on the enemy’s Spear. 9. Hook Spear
gōu
jí lán yě
qí jǐn mì zhě zhǒu tiē xié xià
This is a Sweep technique (rotate the left-hand to the left, palm facing up, to intercept the enemy’s thrust). The ‘most tightened’ version is having the elbow closely adjacent to the side of body.
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10. Seal Spear fēng
This is a Parry technique (rotate the left-hand to the right, palm facing down, to intercept the enemy’s thrust).
jí ná yě
11. Prick Spear tiǎo zhě
The enemy lays his Spear over mine (6. Cover Spear).
bǐ gài wǒ qiāng
I shall examine the situation, and loosen my Spear a little. When he raises his Spear and there is loosening of pressure
wǒ sì qí qǐ qiāng shāo sōng
Suddenly, I shall prick upwards and thrust into him.
jí tiǎo qǐ zhā zhī yě
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12. Wrap Spear juǎn zhě
Step sideways to squat low, and Parry the enemy’s Spear
kāi bù dūn zuò ér ná
To move in until the enemy’s front hand to achieve victory.
zhí zhì bǐ qián shǒu qǔ shèng yě
cǐ shí èr dǎo shǒu zhě
This is the 12 Defensive Techniques
kāi qiāng zhī fǎ yě
To open up the enemy’s Spear for an opportunity to attack.
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zhā fǎ piān
Thrusting Techniques Chapter
yǒu dān shā shǒu zhā
There is the 1. Single-handed Thrust
yǒu zuǒ yòu chuàn zhā
2. Left/Right Cross-Over Thrust
yǒu zuǒ yòu quān zhā jí shí zhī dié chuān
3. Left/Right Circular Thrust (Shi Family style’s “Repeating Thrust”)
yǒu chuān lián zhā jí diān tí
4. Pierce-Curtain Thrust (also known as Jolt-Lift)
5. Striking Thrust yǒu dài dǎ zhā
6. Left/Right Offer-Flowers Thrust
yǒu zuǒ yòu chā huā zhā
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7. Insert-Pot Thrust (named as “Pierce” in the Shi Family yǒu tóu hú zhā shí míng chuān style) 8. Firm Thrust yǒu shí zhā
yǒu huí lóng zhā shí míng jiù
9. Returning-Dragon Thrust (named as “Immediate Thrust” in the Shi Family style)
yǒu jié qiāng zhā jí shí zhī mù jī
10. Intercept-Spear Thrust (a.k.a. Shi Family style’s “Wooden Chicken”)
yǒu wú zhōng shēng yǒu zhā
11. “Create Something From Nothing” Thrust
12. Receive-Spear Thrust yǒu yíng qiāng zhā
13. Fake Thrust (a.k.a. Shi yǒu xū zhā shí míng quān shǒu Family style’s “Circle Hands”)
(
)
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14. Crescent Spear yǒu yuè yá qiāng
15. Meridian Spear yǒu zǐ wǔ qiāng
16. Flying Serpent Spear yǒu téng shé qiāng
17. Mandarin Ducks Spear yǒu yuān yāng qiāng
18. Descend Spear yǒu jiàng qiāng
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1. Single-handed Thrust dān shā shǒu zhě
jìn bù jìn shǒu zhā zhī
This is done by taking a step forward, and fully extending the arm to thrust.
shāng rén suī měng zì yì yǒu kōng
Although it can hurt people fiercely, it exposes oneself to attacks too.
bù kě qīng yòng
Thus, it must not be used easily or frequently.
(
Only with jumping (Shi Family Spear’s Sneaking Spear is to jump and do a single-handed thrust.)
)
wéi shì téng tiào shí míng tōu qiāng
It can be used without worries, by first striking at the enemy before thrusting singlehandedly.
xiān yǐ dài dǎ zé wú yú yǐ
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2. Cross-Over Thrust chuàn
This is just a general thrusting move, considered to be an unrefined technique.
jí liú sú tōng xíng zhě cū fǎ yě
However, the E’mei method ér é méi yòng zhī bié yǒu shén has a different set of meaning. jiě
3. Circular Thrust quān zhě
This is to perform the Cross-Over Thrust one after another, thrusting alternately between ‘inner-circle’ and ‘outer-circle’.
chuàn ér chuàn yě
Note: Assuming you’re holding your Spear with the left-hand forward, your ‘inner-circle’ will be on your Spear’s right, while your ‘outercircle’ will be on your Spear’s left. The
Cross-Over Thrust is to cross over from the ‘inner-circle’ to
the ‘outer-circle’ to perform a thrust, and vice versa.
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chuān lián zhě jí diān tí
4. Pierce-Curtain Thrust (also known as Jolt-Lift)
pò chā tǎng zhě yě
This technique can defeat the Trident.
(
)
5. Striking Thrust dài dǎ zhě
This is to strike down first, before thrusting.
pū jī fā zhā yě
(
(This is different from Cheng Chong Dou’s method.)
)
yǔ chōng dòu bù tóng
Note: Cheng Chong Dou is the author of the Shaolin Staff, Long-Spear, Long-Saber and Crossbow manual. Find them at: www.chineselongsword.com
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6. Offer-Flowers Thrust chā huā
The Offer-Flowers Thrust can be done left or right, and can defeat the Trident.
yǒu zuǒ yòu pò chā tǎng
Note: Begin by holding the Spear high skyward, then sweep across to make a horizontal strike. 7. Insert-Pot Thrust tóu hú
As though you’re inserting the Spear into a pot on the ground, this technique defends against low attacks.
pò dì shé zhī zhā yě
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8. Firm Thrust shí zhā
yì bù xià zhāo jià
When the enemy makes a low ground-level thrust, there is no time to block/intercept it.
kāi qián zú zhā qí zhǔ rén
Evade by stepping your front foot sideways, thrusting firmly and confidently at the enemy.
9. Returning-Dragon Thrust (named as “Immediate huí lóng zhā zhě jìng yán míng Thrust” by Jing Yan of Shi jiù Family style)
bǐ qiāng lái wǒ suí qiāng shāo tuì
When his Spear comes in, I shall follow suit and retreat slightly.
bǐ shōu qiāng wǒ chéng xū ér rù
When he retracts his Spear, I shall take the opportunity to thrust in.
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10. Intercept-Spear Thrust chuō zhě
Lightly contact the enemy’s Spear to displace it, using internal arts principle of sensing energies
qīng yòng jǐ āi shǒu fǎ kāi zhī
Then deliver a thrust. jí zhā yě
wú zhōng shēng yǒu zhě
11. “Create Something From Nothing” Thrust
yú bǐ chán qiāng zhōng tuì chū
In the midst of the enemy’s Coiling Spear defensive technique, retreat suddenly
ér yòng huí lóng qiāng yě
Then return with a thrust (9. Returning-Dragon Thrust).
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12. Receive-Spear Thrust yíng zhě
When he uses the technique, which is to swing and thrust in 2 directions
liǎng lái qiāng
I shall thrust straight into the center to deflect and open up his Spear.
ér wǒ zhōng bǐ kāi yě
13. Fake Thrust xū zhā zhě
Perform the Cross-Over Thrust to a level which leaves no “shadow”, so as to thrust him unexpectedly.
chuàn zhī wú yǐng zhě yě
14. Crescent Spear yuè yá zhě
This is to perform the CrossOver Thrust along the centerline (meridian line).
chuàn ér zǐ wǔ yě
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15. Meridian Spear zǐ wǔ zhě
This is the marvelous technique of thrusting in with one-hand.
dān shā shǒu zhī shén miào zhě yě
Note: Meridian Line is a straight upright vertical line. Picture a clock, while
is 12-noon at the North of the clock,
is 12-midnight, at the South of the clock. The
line from top to bottom vertically is called
(zi wu).
16. Flying Serpent Spear téng shé zhě
This is to thrust in a hoop or ring fashion.
tāo huán zhī zhā yě
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17. Mandarin Ducks Spear yuān yāng zhě
Step forward in a low posture, with the Spear-head slightly zuò xī jìn bù lóng tóu shāo gāo high.
zuǒ yòu lián zhā
Thrust left and right continuously.
miào zài shǒu fǎ yǐ zhì qí dòng
The secret is in the hands controlling the Spear’s movements.
rán wù duō yóu yǐ shuāi wǒ qì
However, do not roam around too much, as one may run out of breath.
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18. Descend Spear jiàng qiāng zhě
When his Spear comes in, I shall press down on it diagonally to prevent it from coming up.
lóng lái wǒ xié yā zhī bù lìng de qǐ
If he uses the Prick Spear technique, I shall thrust in immediately.
bǐ tiǎo qǐ jí dǎo qí zhǔ rén
If he doesn’t use the Prick Spear technique, I shall wait for his Spear to become “old”, then move in.
bǐ bù tiǎo dài bǐ lóng lǎo jí jìn
Note: “Old” meaning the enemy’s Spear is now in a disadvantageous state, such as off-center, energy fully expended, or over-shooting. These are the 18 Thrusting Techniques to attack someone.
cǐ shí bā zhā zhě gōng rén zhī fǎ yě
64
Defeating Various Weapons Chapter
pò zhū qì piān
The Spear has different techniques which are more qiāng pò zhū qì yòng gè yǒu yí advantageous in defeating various other weapons.
dài dǎ chuān lián zuǒ yòu chā huā
The Striking Thrust, PierceCurtain Thrust and Left/Right Offer-Flowers Thrust
pò chā tǎng yě
Is suitable for defeating the Trident.
gōu pū pò biān jiàn yě
The Hook and Pounce technique is suitable for defeating the Whip or Sword. A long shaft may be advantageous, but it can be defeated by the Lift Spear and Strike Spear techniques.
cháng gān suī lì tí jī kě jiàng
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The Dual-Sabers may be unconventional, but it will shuāng dāo suī qí dài dǎ bì luò surely fall against the Striking Thrust. Against the Crescent-Moon Saber Polearm, a Fake CrossOver Thrust will demolish it.
sān tíng yǎn yuè xū chuàn yòng ér wáng jīng
Against the divine Staff shén gùn yī gēn
The Descend Spear technique shall immobilize it.
jiàng qiāng jǔ ér shù shǒu
A fake Receive-Spear Thrust technique can defeat the sharp pointed end of the Halberd.
xū yíng jiān yòng cuò jǐ fēng máng
The Left & Right OfferFlowers Thrust technique can enter the openings of the Shield.
chā huā hù shī rù pái mén hù
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The key to defeating other weapons is to be familiar with this.
pò yì yào jué xī tǔ yú sī
Using the Spear to do a beating down action is effective against the Carry-Saber Stance
dài dǎ kě yǐ pò tí dāo shì
But it cannot win if the enemy is spinning and circling his weapon furiously.
ér bù néng pò fēng léi gǔn zhuǎn
Carry Saber Stance from
Shou Bi Lu (Qing Dynasty Ancient Manual) 67
Body & Hand Techniques Chapter
shēn shǒu fǎ piān
shēn fǎ nǎi yì zhī mén hù
Body movements is the door to the art.
jìn tuì pán xuán jiē yóu shēn fǎ
Advancing, retreating or turning comes from training in body movements.
shēn fǎ jì zhèng zé shí èr dào shǒu
Once the body movements have been properly developed, the 12 defensive techniques
shí bā zhā fǎ wú bù yìng xīn yǐ
And 18 thrusting techniques shall be coordinated with the mind and executed without problems.
shǒu fǎ
Next, is the hands’ movements.
68
A stance will be more stable if the rear-hand is kept low.
fán kāi qiāng hòu shǒu dī zé jiān shí
The Spear-head should be raised not more than 5-inches from a levelled position.
tóu qǐ bú guò wǔ cùn
Raise the rear-hand only for the Wrap Spear technique.
wéi tí hòu shǒu zé gāo juǎn qiāng zhī fǎ
Use the Wrap Spear technique first, then thrust out, and you will definitely inflict great injuries.
qián juǎn hòu chū wú bù shāng rén
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For the - Coiling Spear - Lift Spear - Cover Spear - Parry techniques
chán tí gài ná
Observe if the enemy’s Spear is coming in from the left or guān bǐ lái lóng wéi zuǒ wéi yòu right Then I shall step forward to achieve victory.
jìn bù jí shèng
For the - Hook Spear - Pounce Spear - Tie Spear - Seal Spear techniques
gōu pū hé fēng
The secret lies in skilfully using both hands.
jìn zài liǎng shǒu
70
shí zhā yí shēn ér jìn
For the Firm Thrust, move the entire body forward as one unit.
yuān yāng kāi fǎ xíng yí
The Mandarin Ducks Spear technique for moving out of the way.
zuò xī xū shēn fǎ duǒ shǎn
To be in a low posture requires good body movements.
nǎi shēng sǐ zhī mén
Dodging and evading, is the door to life or death.
The Meridian Spear and Crescent Spear technique zǐ wǔ yuè yá liǎng shǒu wēi xì require highly refined skills in gōng fū both hands.
71
The Single-handed Thrust and dān shā shǒu zuǒ yòu chā huā Offer-Flowers Thrust Both rely on the Prance technique (to move with high springy steps) to move in and out.
quán lài téng tiào jìn chū
Continuous thrusting, Striking Thrust, and Hacking Spear are considered fierce and aggressive techniques.
lián zhā dài dǎ pī qiāng jiē wéi hěn shǒu
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Essentials Chapter zǒng yào piān
The important point on holding the Spear is in bending the knees and adopting a low stance.
chí lóng zhī fǎ guì hū zuò xī
shēn xīn shǒu zú xiāng yìng wéi jiā
It is best when the body, mind, hands and feet work as one.
fán zhā zhī qiú zhōng
Whenever one makes a thrust, one seeks to hit accurately. However, even if one’s thrust lands on the enemy, that doesn’t mean that he has mastered the art.
ér zhōng zhě wèi jìn shàn zhě yě
The master doesn’t seek to hit the enemy, yet he hits accurately.
jìn shàn zhě bù qiú zhōng ér zhōng
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bù qiú zhōng ér zhōng
When one is able to hit the enemy, without consciously seeking to do so
rén zhī suǒ bù jí fáng
The enemy will not be able to defend against the attacks
shén miào mò cè
As one will become unpredictable.
Note: Seek for unconscious competence.
qiú zhōng ér zhōng zhě
Those who consciously seek to thrust the enemy, and managed to do so
yǐ qiǎo qǔ rén
Are using technique to achieve victory.
wéi bǐ shí pò zé fǎn shòu shāng yǐ
If the enemy recognizes my technique, I shall be harmed by him instead.
74
fán dǎo shǒu
Whenever performing defensive techniques
shēn xīn shǒu zú zhī yùn yòng
The usage of the body, mind, hands and feet
Shall be kept within 1.5 feet. bù lí chǐ wǔ
Knees should be bent to adopt a low stance
zuò xī
Such as the - Mandarin Ducks Spear - Coiling Spear - Tie Spear - Flowing Spear - Descend Spear techniques
rú yuān yāng chán hé liú jiàng shì yě
Body and mind must match with each other. Hands and feet must believe in each other.
shēn xīn xiāng qì shǒu zú xiāng fú
75
dòng zé bì dāng
If you make a move, then enemy will definitely attempt to block.
lái jí wù máng
When the enemy comes in fast, one must not be fluster.
ān xián jiǔ shú
When one is idle for too long, one becomes lazy.
zì rán zhōng jié
Naturally, lapses in movements will start to appear.
fán yù kāi rén
Whenever you want to create openings in the enemy for attacking One must first guard oneself.
xiān xū shǒu jǐ
Only then, can one achieve complete victory.
shèng nǎi kě quán
76
ruò yù xiān fā qǔ shèng suī bàn shèng yě
If one seeks to achieve victory by simply initiating the first move, it is only half a victory.
fán kāi qiāng
Whenever one wants to open up the enemy’s Spear
xiān qīng ná
One should first make a light Parry.
jìn bǐ shǒu nǎi zhòng qǐ shǒu
If one’s Spear is near the enemy’s hand, it is considered “heavy”.
zhòng zé wú jiù yìng
If it’s “heavy”, then it is difficult to recover. Whether to be “heavy”, “light”, “swift” or “slow”, it is better to do it considerably, according to the situation.
qīng zhòng jí xú guì xiāng dāng yě
77
If the enemy’s Spear comes in light, and easy to be moved
lóng lái yí qīng kāi zhě
One must fear that he may change unpredictably.
kǒng bǐ yīn yáng hù biàn liú ér wèi dìng
If I were to use brute force and become “heavy”
wǒ yòng zhòng lì
When I guard the right-side, I shall lose the left-side. When I guard the left-side, I shall lose the right-side.
zé gù yòu shī zuǒ gù zuǒ shī yòu yǐ
gù yǐ qīng kāi
Therefore, one should open up the enemy’s Spear lightly.
jiàng zhù shǐ bù de
Subdue his Spear so that he’s unable to use it.
zuǒ yòu biàn huàn
Change unpredictably to the left and right.
78
When his Spear becomes “old”, it shall be under my control.
lóng lǎo zé wéi wǒ yǒu yǐ
These 5 words “
”
dāng qǔ wù lìng sōng
wèi bù kě fàng guò yě
Means that when there is an opportunity to attack, one must not let it slip away.
ruò xiān fā zhā rén
If one wants to achieve victory by initiating the first move
It is easy to commit errors yí lín fàn qí xué
bì xū liú xìng
Thus one must restrain oneself
yǐ fáng qí āi lóng zhí xià
To prevent one’s Spear from being suppressed by the enemy’s Spear.
79
One must definitely avoid this! shēn yí jiè zhī
fán yìng chóu
Whenever reacting to the enemy’s movements
xū zhī xū shí
One must know which movements are true, and which are false
xiān wéi yùn bǔ de yí wéi miào
In order to take the best action.
pì rú bǐ lóng xū lái
For example, if his Spear comes in with no true intentions of attacking
wǒ dàn yòng qīng kāi zhī fǎ
And I open up his Spear lightly.
bǐ bì yú wǒ kōng chǔ jìn lì shí lái
He will definitely take advantage of my gentleness, and try to come in strongly.
80
Let him come in about 2-inches.
dài lín zhǔ rén èr cùn xǔ
With my body, mind, hands and feet working together
rán hòu shēn xīn shǒu zú jù dào
I shall use techniques such as Coiling Spear or Descend Spear to suppress his incoming Spear diagonally.
yòng chán jiàng zhī lèi xié āi lái lóng
zhí fàn qí zhǔ rén wú bù bài yǐ
Then, attack the enemy and one will definitely be victorious.
zhū zhā fǎ dǎo shǒu
Of the various Thrusting and Defensive techniques All are able to attack and defend simultaneously.
wú yī bù shàn gōng shǒu bìng de
It is an outstanding art that surpasses all others.
chāo qún jué lún zhī xué yě 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
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