The hoplomachus would wear a bronze helmet, a manica on his right arm, loincloth, heavy padding on his legs, and a pair of high greaves reaching to mid-thigh. His weapons were the spear and a short sword. The small, round shield was as much a weapon as a sword or spear, not unlike the original hoplites, who used it primarily for defensive purposes, but also employed it in their charges, using it to ram their opponents at the onset of a fight. He wears no shoes so the floor chafe his feet and give him a challenge.

The sword (gladius) is two-edged for cutting and had a tapered point for stabbing during thrusting. A solid grip was provided by a knobbed hilt added on, possibly with ridges for the fingers. Blade strength was achieved by welding together strips, in which case the sword had a channel down the center, or by fashioning a single piece of high-carbon steel, rhomboidal in cross-section. The owner's name is engraved on the blade (Commodus).

The small, round shield (cetratus) was primarily used for offensive purposes, rather than defensive purposes - such as bashing, or ramming. The spear (hasta), is about six and one-half feet in length, with a shaft generally made from ash, while the head was of iron. It was used for both thrusting and throwing.

"If there be light, then there is darkness; without one another disruptions will occur in this world." Commodus of Rome faces his target with his feet, shoulder distance apart, keeping his right shoulder (holding the spear) in direct line with the direct. He brings up his spear so both the shaft and the head form a straight line and are pointing diectly at the target. Making sure that his right hand is holding the spear in close to the right side of his head, with his thumb almost touching his cheek and that the shaft is over the point of his shoulder. Once he is correctly lined up, he makes an impulse and calculates the amount of hold-over necessary to compensate for the spear's notorious rainbow trajectory. 

Commodus focuses his gaze on the appropriate spot of his target (upper torso) and takes on step forward with his left foot while simultaneously drawing back his spear arm until it reaches the cocked position. He rotates his body forward and pushes off his right foot, sending the spear on it's way, ensuring accuracy with a spine breaking throw to pierce through the flesh and bone of his opponent.