This was taken at the Vancouver, BC Beat the Crap Out of Cancer VI event. This is a really unusual pairing and makes for some plays and some moves that you usually only see in demos and movies. For movie buffs it has shades of the Hector vs. Achilles fight from Troy. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJCFhZOyfgY"]Gary vs Red Spear Shield - YouTube[/ame]
Apart from the fencing masks, do they have any armour? I'd imagine a stab from even a blunted spear might be problematic?
Very cool skills display. Some of those turns are rather hard to do. With a shield so small I'd rather just ditch it and have two hands on the spear.
I'd say it looks effective. Although I would also like more control of a weapon. Imagine metal on the end must weigh quite a bit.
Well it's somewhat balanced out by the back spike but it's still a huge moment arm to turn with one hand. Although I image that in an age where most everyone farmed that would be less of an issue.
My understanding is that the Thai shield is bigger than the buckler in use here. I suspect these are just what were available. But yes, I would agree with you.
Huh. I didn't know spear and buckler was a thing. What arts practice that? Spear is an awesome weapon. Swordsman's worst nightmare. They are so fast and can withdraw so quickly. One spearman can take out two swordsmen in reasonably short order. Jerks.
My understanding is that this is drawing from krabi krabong, the old Thai weapon system(s). I don't think this size buckler was normally what they used, the Thai shields are larger than this, I think these were simply what were available.
Ah, OK. Still it's cool. I did a bit of sword & buckler last night. Super fun, though not my specialty.