Fighting against Red Weapons:
I first look to see who I am fighting and what types of moves they normally do. Since you normally fight the same people in your realm, learning someone's overall fighting style isnt' that hard. In doing so, see what kind of moves do they do, do they spin in and out a lot? Are they ranged red-swordsman (They get in, get a shield hit then back out?) Do they mostly go for legs?
Then based on that knowledge employ your attack moves with the anticipation of what they are planning. Lets take spin moves for example. (A red swordsman attackes, one way, then uses the momentum for a 360 degree turn or more to hit your side. ) In that instance, get your shield in the right guard position, and wait for his stance to get in the prepatory style then strike. Hopefully, you can step in an nail them in the back.
One other important thing that most red fighters will tell you is that you should try not to get that first hit on your shield unless it is necessary. When you have that hit, it actually can do 2 things. 1) Get you to charge so you don't risk the second hit; or 2) Get you to defend your shield while they go for a leg or something. To counter these, get more sword blocks in. (Gloves recommended.) It may sting, but you would be suprised how hand-on-weapon blocking increases your survivalbilty across the board.
Spears.
As for spears, If you die to someone with a side arm (I'm guessing Obryn is making your life difficult
) Then try a feint. Get into a position and feint that makes your attack believe that you are going to rush. Mostly they will switch the spear to one hand, then get their weapon at the ready. If you do this and are not inside, then you don't have to rapidly close in, but you can pin the spear with your leg off to the side, then engage the spearman. They've lost their block with the spear, and they can't get the over the back shot as you almost run them down.
Don't hestitate for too long though, or else they will capitalize on your slowness.
Glaives
A little different but really the same as a spear, except to gain the momentum they need to swing, they will either have to keep spinning, or backpedal really fast. Keep that in mind when you close in on them. (Greaves are also especially imprortant.) Also, if you use a decently weighted sword, use it to swipe the glaive away before rushing in. You can use a good counter swing to bring the sword back unto the glaiver before they can launch their next attack.
Hope this helps.
Borric