He began with the reorganization of Zulu warriors by implementing new attack formations, new blade weaponry that replaced the traditional spear, a rigorous training program and a severe code of obedience. However, before Shaka took over the empire in 1816, among various ethnic groups in the southern region of Africa, warfare was more ritualized. For example, if two rival ethnic groups were to have a battle, the two ethnic groups would stand apart from one another, chanting loudly and clashing their shields while launching their spears at each other. Eventually one tribe's formation would weaken and they would have to retreat, thus leaving the other side in control of the field. Unfortunately, this particular form of warfare was not productive because even though there were fewer casualties from either tribe, the battles would rarely offer any significant results.
Once Shaka was in control of the kingdom, he completely changed how the Zulu engaged in war. He taught his warriors hand to hand combat and shaped them into an effective fighting machine. All the young men in the empire were placed into specific age regiments and were also trained in military combat. According to the textbook, "The system was highly centralized with Shaka wielding direct control over the active regiments." (Reid, 2012) One of his signature innovations was the short stabbing spear in addition to the traditional long throwing spears, which gave the Zulu warriors an advantage in close combat. He armed his warriors with larger shields which allowed the Zulu to dramatically change their army's battle strategies. He also implemented new strategies on the battlefield, such as the "bull-horn" formation, which allowed the Zulu warriors to surround their enemies, thus, allowing Shaka and his warriors win many victories in his lifetime and changed the very nature of warfare in Southern Africa.
