Biomechanical analysis of Yang’s spear turning-stab technique in Chinese martial arts

Abstract

The Yang’s spear turning-stab was a legendary technique, applied in ancient battles in China. It resulted in numerous famous winnings. The mythical aspect of the technique is a victory in fleeing and back-facing a fighter. Now the skill is a spear technique of Chinese martial arts that is learned and excised by many Chinese Gungfu practitioners. Due to a dearth of scientific study on the skill, the uniqueness and its winning secretes are still unknown. The aim of this study is to demystify the skill by using a synchronized measurement of 3D motion capture (VICON 12 camera system), stab-force measurement (AMTI force platform). Six Gungfu athletes with more than 30 years training experience participated in the study. Both the Yang’s spear turning-stab (used by a fleer) and spear forward-stab (used by a chaser) were measured and biomechanically analyzed. The results reveal that there would be six secrets for its historical successes. They are 1) showing weakness (i.e. pretend to be defeated), 2) shortening the stab for quick turning, 3) hiding the stab for a covert attack, 4) leaving less reaction time for opponent, 5) generating higher stab-force than opponent, and 6) leaning backward for a stable stab-posture. These secrets identify elements necessary for systematic training toward a reliable execution of the skill. This skill shows the delicate characteristics of Chinese martial culture. Learning and training the skill would benefit trainees both physically and culturally.