Spear (Yari and Naginata)
Spear Fighting in Armed Combat & Tactics
The spear is one of the simplest (but not simplistic) and most powerful weapons in the ACT arsenal. It offers exceptional reach, speed, and impact, allowing the practitioner to control distance and dominate space in both offensive and defensive engagements.
The primary weapon trained in ACT is a straight-bladed spear approximately 2.2 meters in total length, with a blade of about 40 cm. This configuration provides substantial thrusting power and high-speed delivery while maintaining balance and maneuverability. Its extended reach makes it effective for bridging distance and disrupting the opponent’s movement before they can enter striking range.
The spear can be used both as a bladed and an impact weapon. Its length enables long deflective motions, powerful linear thrusts, and the ability to control space with minimal exposure. The butt end of the weapon can also be used for striking, especially when reinforced with a steel tip, as was historically common.
ACT spear training focuses on individual combat, not formation tactics. It is pressure-tested through sparring, where the weapon’s range, timing, and structural control are developed under resistance. The tactical nature of spear fighting demands patience and precision; openings are difficult to create and easy to lose. It is a method that rewards strategic thinking, constant adjustment, and disciplined execution.
Spear work in ACT is straightforward, but not simplistic. It requires refined control and a clear understanding of timing, range, and initiative, much like fencing, but with a weapon that leaves no room for error.