Throwing Spears & Shield Combat- Partisan, Javelin & Rotella

Several Italian sources at the start of the 16th century talk about the use of Partisan and Rotella, as well as the use of a second or even third polearm which allows you to throw one or two at any time whilst still having a pole weapon to fight in close quarters. In these sources all types of spears were used for this purpose, ranging from light javelins to quite sturdy partisans and everything in between.

The partisan can be used to cut, but only when wielded in two hands. The thrown spears we use here could represent a javelin or the heavier partisan, but for safety purposes we used light pole weapons for throwing due to the low mass and relative safety for that purpose. The javelins used here are rattan bo staffs with foam tips added. The Partisans are the synthetic head partisan model by Black Armoury and mounted on the 30mm octagonal ash stave they sell. The rotella shields are by Windlass are are quite a typical representation of the shield type of the era.

This was filmed at Fightcamp Skirmish, 2024. The fighters are Nick Thomas of the Academy of Historical Fencing in Black and Oxblood jacket, Jordan Mock of the Academy of Steel in black jacket.