German school of swordsmanship

The German school of swordsmanship comprises the techniques of the two-handed long sword taught in Germany in the 14th to the 17th centuries as described in the Fechtbücher.

Most of the authors are, or claim to be, in the tradition of the 14th century master Johannes Liechtenauer. The earliest surviving treatise on Liechtenauer's system is contained in Ms. 3227a. The system as presented puts much emphasis on simplicity, speed and efficiency, forming a deadly martial art fit for serious combat.

At the basis of the system are four basic wards (Leger, Huten) and five 'master-strikes' (Meisterhau).

A characteristic introductory verse of Liechtenauer's, often repeated in later manuscripts, echoes classic 14th century chivalry, notwithstanding that during most of its lifetime, the German school was very much in bourgeois hands:

(fol 18r) Jung Ritter lere / got lip haben frawen io ere / So wechst dein ere / Uebe ritterschaft und lere / kunst dy dich zyret und in krigen sere hofiret

"Young knight, learn to love god, and to honour noble women, thus your honour will increase. Practice knighthood and learn arts that will adorn you, as well as be of good use in warfare."

At the center of the art lies emphasis on swiftness, as well as balance and good judgement:

(fol. 20r) vor noch swach stark Indes / an den selben woertern leit alle kunst / meister lichtnawers / Und sint dy gruntfeste und der // kern alles fechtens czu fusse ader czu rosse / blos ader in harnuesche

"'Before', 'after', 'strong', 'weak', Indes ('meanwhile'), on these five words hinges the entire art of master Lichtenauer, and they are the foundation and the core of all combat, on foot or on horseback, unarmoured or armoured."

The terms 'before' (vor) and 'after' (noch) correspond to offensive and defensive positions. One should always strive to gain the offensive. 'Strong' (stark) and 'weak' (swach) relate to the amount of force that is applied. Here, neither is better than the other, but one needs to counter the opponent's action with a complementary reaction. Indes is a somewhat mysterious term. It seems to refer to the instant of contact with the opponent's blade, where an experienced fencer may by 'feeling' guess his next intentions and decide on a favourable move.

Terminology

What follows is a list of technical terms of the system (with rough translation; they should each be explained in a separate section)

basic Wards

• vom Tag 'from-day', 'from-roof' (Langort; 'long-point')

vom Tag seems to be a purposedly opaque term. It denotes a basic position with the sword held to the right side of the body, or above the right shoulder. Langort seems to be identified with vom Tag in 3227a, but takes on independent meanings in later treatises.

• Ochs: 'ox'

a position with the sword held to either side of the head, with the point (as a horn) aiming at the opponent's face.

• Pflug: 'plough'

a position with the sword held to either side of the hip, with the point aiming at the opponent's face.

• Alber: 'fool's guard'

low position, the sword is pointing to the ground

Master-Strikes

• Zornhau 'strike of wrath'

energetic strike dealt from vom Tag to the opponent's temple.

• Krumphau 'crooked strike'

strike that reaches across the direct line to the opponent, striking left from a right position and vice versa.

• Zwerchau or Twerhau 'queer-strike'

any horizontal strike, typically with the 'short' (backhand) edge.

• Schielhau 'squinting-strike'

a feint that strikes a part of the opponent's body while pretending to be aiming at another part.

• Scheitelhau 'top-strike'

wide strike dealt from directly above to the top of the opponent's head

other terms in Liechtenauers system (most of them referring to positions or actions applicable in mid-combat, when the blades are in contact) include:

• Versetzen: 'displacement' (upper/lower, left/right)
• Hängen: 'hanging' (upper/lower, left/right)
• Doublieren: 'double'
• Mutieren: 'mutate'

• Nachreisen: 'pursuit'
• Überlaufen: 'going-over'
• Absetzen: 'setting-down'
• Durchwechseln: 'switching-through'
• Zucken: 'twitching'
• Durchlaufen: 'going-through'
• Abschneiden: 'cutting-off'
• Händedrücken: 'pressing of hands'

External links

• The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (http://www.thearma.org/)

See also historical fencing, Historical European Martial Arts.