HISTORICAL LINEAGE

Shaolin Thirteen-spear (Shi San Qiang) is a prestigious Technical Routine within the Songshan Shaolin Temple’s weapon treasury. Historically it is said that this routine was personally taught to the monks by Zhao Kuangyin the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty during his visits to the temple’s famous martial masters. The Thirteen-spear system represents a sophisticated synthesis of the temple’s spear quintessence condensed into thirteen high-value tactical movements. Master Chen Tongshan a highly respected figure in the Shaolin community presents this 'out of print' instructional DVD to preserve the authentic Song Dynasty lineage and the clinical combat efficiency of the Shaolin spear.

BIOMECHANICS OF THE SPEAR

Wielding the spear often called the 'King of Weapons' requires a profound understanding of the kinetic chain and point-control. Biomechanically the Thirteen-spear routine utilizes foundational stances—Bow Stance Cross Stance and Horse-ride Stance—to provide the necessary torque and stability for weapon manipulation. The Bow Stance is utilized for aggressive stabbing (Ci) while the Cross Stance facilitates rapid changes in direction and reverse thrusts. Power is generated from the ground through the legs and waist and expressed through the spear’s tip in explosive bursts of Fa-Jin. The routine emphasizes the 'Stirring and Stabbing' (Lan Na Zha) mechanics where the spear tip moves in tight spirals to deflect an opponent's weapon before delivering a decisive thrust.

Technical Routine AND COMBAT TACTICS

The Technical Routine of the Thirteen-spear is characterized by its 'Simple to Lean' yet profound tactical layout. It features a variety of specialized maneuvers including inverse stabbing for counter-attacks and horizontal stabbing for area control. The 'Spear-Stirring' technique is particularly emphasized as it allows the practitioner to 'strike the rival badly' by combining redirection with simultaneous attack. The form teaches the practitioner how to 'restrain the rival’s movements' through constant pressure and superior reach. Master Chen provides a meticulous breakdown of these applications showing how the 'Six Harmonies' are applied to weaponry ensuring that the spear becomes a natural extension of the practitioner’s intent.

MARTIAL LEGACY AND MASTERY

Master Chen Tongshan’s instruction is marked by technical precision and a deep adherence to traditional principles. He stresses that true mastery of the Shaolin spear requires a balance of physical prowess and mental focus. In this DVD he provides clear step-by-step demonstrations of the Thirteen-spear forms offering insights into the tactical objectives once reserved for the temple’s elite protectors. He emphasizes that the 'Simple and Unadorned' nature of the routine is its greatest strength as every movement is rooted in the reality of practical combat. This resource is an essential technical manual for any serious student of Shaolin weaponry providing a rare look into the Song Dynasty’s martial heritage and the sophisticated combat logic of the Shaolin warrior.