The Course
This online course will give you a solid foundation for exploring spear-and-shield combat as a versatile martial system. Learn to throw, thrust, cut and parry with the spear, combine it with effective shield work, and control the changing distance of a fight—from the threat of a spear throw to close-range binding and wrestling.
Training progresses step by step from fundamental weapon handling and solo exercises to partner drills and free sparring. Along the way, you will explore Arttu Peltoniemi’s four-distance approach and learn how historically informed experimentation with weapons and shields can translate into practical martial skills.
This course is for you...
- if you want to build practical spear-and-shield skills from fundamental weapon handling to free combat
- if you are a scholar or experimental archaeologist and want to add an embodied perspective to your study of prehistoric, ancient or medieval weapons and combat
- if you are a living-history practitioner and want to expand your practical exploration of historical spear-and-shield combat
- if you are a martial arts instructor and want to add historically informed spear-and-shield training to your curriculum
- if you are a writer or filmmaker and want to bring greater authenticity, variety and martial depth to your fight scenes
Roland Warzecha:
I had long found Arttu’s and Hirdmenn’s methodology compelling: combining historical evidence with systematic practical experimentation and a sophisticated understanding of human movement.
When I finally had the opportunity to experience their approach first-hand, I was fascinated by the integration of throwing, thrusting and shield control into a coherent martial framework that is fully in line with period iconography.
Mikkel Pauli Mønsted:
For me it was a radically different take on spear and shield fencing. The most useful thing for me was the change of perspective, as his style is very different from my own. Certain elements like details on grip change are very useful as it enables style change mid bout.
Victoria Preziuso & Georg Cichon
What struck us first was the variety of Arttu’s approach, both in terms of actions and fighting distances, compared with what we had seen before. In particular, attacks with the right hand coming from the left, above the shield hand, were new to us. The way Arttu puts these movements into practice immediately makes you want to try them yourself.
Curriculum
Your instructor
Arttu Peltoniemi has trained and coached spear-and-shield combat since 2009. Combining a background in dance pedagogy and martial arts, he brings extensive experience in teaching and researching historical movement and combat. As a member of Hirdmenn, his main focus over the past decade has been Iron Age spear-and-shield combat. His practical research also includes interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists exploring prehistoric movement and material culture.