The lance was used throughout history as the primary shock weapon of the mounted warrior. Most horse-oriented cultures of the world developed their own variations on the use of the lance that attempted to address the tactics and weapons of their most common enemies. Staff weapons ranged from small three to six foot spears for over/under hand thrusting and even throwing as light javelins, to exceedingly long weapons, designed to be used with two hands from horseback. The Contus Sarmaticus and Macedonian Sarissa were two variations of the latter that were used to great effect throughout antiquity.

By the fourteenth century lancing in Europe had become a sophisticated martial art based primarily on the under-arm "couched" method of holding the weapon. The lance was held in one hand and tucked under the armpit, point forward. From this position, mounted fighters could swing the lance almost 360 degrees to parry and thrust at their opponents. Combined with a horse trained to respond quickly and precisely, lancing became a dynamic and versatile method of fighting.

It is important to note that this is not jousting. Jousting was always a show put on for the entertainment of a crowd. It involved limited horsemanship and was essentially a game of "chicken". What is studied here is lancing, a battlefield technique.

Training safely with the lance becomes possible by letting the lance slide through the hand upon contact. This allows practitioners to mitigate the force of the impact to the level desired. Add armour to this, and a safe method of training to fight with a lance becomes a reality.

Students learn proper fighting stances, known as postas, from which to defend themselves with the lance. As well as a number of drills designed to teach timing, precision and strength. When the student is comfortable with the lance in all three gaits of the horse- walk, trot, and canter, they may begin gentle sparring. Full sparring comes when the student can demonstrate sufficient skill, restraint, and consideration for the horse, their opponent and themselves.