The Evolution of the C-Div Boy's Group Sparring Routine- Spear vs Broadsword with Shield

This was the first incarnation of the Spear vs Broadsword Routine.
Basically, I chose the weapons that the boys were most comfortable with got them to play around with height, angles and direction.(7th Mar)


Later, after doing some research and watching videos of prize winning events in this category, I realised that it was not enough just to have the parry / strike exchange between the weapons but rather, the combatants needed to cover ground and seek to dominate space towards each other to make the fight look more intense. So we see the addition of charging entries, penetration of defence, etc. (21 Mar)


Finally, 'ISO Quality Control' check with Sifu Loh Poh Swee. Sifu Loh added a new dimension to it. He introduced the notion that the blows between the parry / strike exchanges need not just be mere hit and block: i.e. the weapons need not cancel each other out. In order words, in a quarrel, it need not be a shouting match to drown out your opponent with the loudest voice. Likewise, not the number of blows exchanged by also the quality. Using the same analogy of a quarrel, you can use sarcasm, insult, humor, etc; likewise, we can redirect the weapons, redirect the strikes and allow the logic chain of combat to move a little further up.(27 Mar)


This stabilises into the final version we see during the actual competition. The crafting, reworking and refinement of this routine was a learning experience in itself for me as a martial artist, a teacher and a student of my teacher. I look upon it as something I crafted with pride and dedication.

It contains the best of my knowledge in martial arts and physical education and the best of my teacher's experience in his many years of training. I taught and learnt along the way and it is something I look on with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Sifu, thank you for teaching me and for taking time to help me teach my students. I know, you don't read English and don't go on-line but I want all to know that what I have achieved today as a teacher because I in my time had good and generous teachers who imparted their best to me: my parents, my school teachers, my University lecturers and my 2 sifus.

By giving me your best, you have allowed me to give my best to my students.
Thank you for making me who I am.