Tim,

I am new to the Internal arts and want to learn more about the spear/pole exercises. Can these exercises be practiced at the beginner level?

Sure, once you have a clear understanding of correct alignment and body mechanics.

Sigmund Freud was once asked about the psychological significance of his ever-present cigar. He is reported to have answered with a sour smile: "Sometimes a cigar is JUST a cigar".

i wonder what he would have thought of the desire to hold a long shaft of wood at crotch level with both hands? ;-)

someone should have asked Freud why he had a morbid fear of ferns.

If you play with a 12 foot spear in the park, cops will give you crap.....at least in Fresno.

-Chris Hein

If I had been the guy to whom Freud replied "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar"

I would have said, "okay, and what do you think it is those other times?"

Bob#2
(talkin' to you)

it helped me a great deal in learning how to explode with my whole body into my attacks, without injuring (hyperextending) my elbow, though i just worked on thrusting it straight forward, sometimes with a little hop, it also helped me learn accuracy and focusing my energy to a point, i would practice in my backyard on low hanging oranges on my tree. cheers! or should i say banzai! jk.