The Longsword of Paulus Hector Mair Part 2

Paulus Hector Mair was an avid collector of Fechtbucher/Fencing Manuals. He eventually

undertook the task of producing a large Fechtbuch of his own that brought together material

from various sources in his collection. Several variations of this work were made. This was an

expensive undertaking, since each one was hand-made and heavily illustrated by talented

artists of the day. Mair was employed as a government official by the city of Augsburg and was

driven to embezzle municipal funds in order to bankroll his projects. He was hung for this in

1579.

The material you see here are my translations from the edition of Mair’s Fechtbuch that is in

the collection of the Sachsische Landesbibliothek in Dresden Germany. It is dated to 1540 and

is in two volumes, labeled as C93 and C94. It is one of the most artistically illustrated

Fechtbucher known. The Longsword section is found in C93, which the SLUB has put up on-line

here:

http://digital.slub-dresden.de/sammlungen/titeldaten/275428508/

Mair has an extensive section on the Longsword consisting of 120 illustrated plates. I have

divided my translation of this section into three parts, with the third part being his

Halfswording techniques. Mair owned a manuscript that is now often referred to as the Codex

Wallerstein as well as several works by an Augsburg Fencing Master named Jorg Wilhelm Huter.

So it is likely that the Longsword sections from these works influenced Mair. Mair’s Longsword

is clearly in the Lichtenauer tradition, but departs from it in some interesting ways. I will

produce a detailed analysis of Mair’s Longsword method once the translating task is completed.

The page numbers reflect the numbering of the plates in the PDF scan of the Longsword section

of the Dresden version of Mair’s Fechtbuch.

The following translation is copyright November 2011 by Keith P. Myers. It can be used freely

with appropriate credit given.

Keith P. Myers

Meyer Freifechter Guild

A Thrust against the Einschiessen (Shooting In) 51/97

Strike like this at the closing with the opponent: set your left leg forward and shoot in

the point to his face or chest such that your half edge stands downward.

If you then stand with your right foot opposite him and he fires the point at you like this

over your crossed arms (as in illustration) and you have shot in at him as well, then wind

your short edge to your right side and with that set his thrust aside. You may work from

here whatever you will, weak and strong and take note of the word “Indes”

(Immediately).

If he intends to work towards you like this weak and hard on your sword, take heed of

the level of the opening at his body with your point. Then step outward with your right

leg and at the same time strike with the long edge to his head.

If he works quickly on you like this, then displace him with the Krieg (war/in-fighting)

from one side to the other. Because of this you may at the same time bring strikes,

thrusts, and cuts.

A Thrust against a High Nachraisen (Traveling After) 52/98

It happens like this when you come to the opponent: stand with your right foot forward

such that your long edge is wound upward and the hilt is in front of your head. Then fire

the point opposite his face or at his throat.

If he fires the point opposite your face or chest like this, then stand with your left foot

forward and travel after him long and high to his head with outstretched arms (as in

illustration). Then follow outward with your right foot and wind into the Hanging Point

and with that strike him again a high long one to his right side.

If he strikes towards you like this, then displace this with your long edge, step outward

with your left foot, and strike with the Zwirch to the right side of his head. If he displaces

the Zwirch, then yank back your strike and hit him again quickly.

If he strikes at you double like this, step away from his strike with a false step on your

left side and strike him to the right.

A Zucken from Both Sides 53/99

Strike yourself into the Zucken like this such that your left foot stands forward and you

strike to his right side with crossed arms (left side of illustration). Then immediately

wind your sword at your right side, step in with your right foot, and strike yourself into

the low Zucken such that your hilt stands in front of your head with your point opposite

the opponent.

If you then stand like this opposite the opponent with your right foot forward and arms

extended such that the long edge stands opposite him (right side of illustration), then

hang on your right side, follow outward with your left leg, and strike high to the top of his

head. If he displaces your strike, then strike the Zwirch towards the left side of his

head.

If he Zwirches towards your left side like this, set this aside with your short edge, follow

outward with your left foot, and strike to his right arm. If he displaces this, then wind to

his face.

If he winds towards you like this, shove this out with your long edge, follow outward with

your right foot, and strike to his high opening.

A Zucken with Short and Long Edges 54/100

It happens like this in the Zucken: stand upright with both feet together and lift the

sword across in front of you with outstretched arms such that the short edge stands

opposite you (as in illustration). Then take the Fligel (Flying Strike) in from below from

your left side, follow outward with your left leg, and strike to his right side.

If he strikes the Fligel against your right side and you stand with your right foot forward,

then drop a Krump on his sword and follow outward with the left foot. Thus you may cut

him on both sides to the head and to the body wherever you want.

If he intends to cut you like this, displace it with winding on your sword, follow outward

with your right foot, and strike with the short edge to his head. Then immediately yank

back your sword and wind the point to his face or chest. If he sets this aside, then take

all hits double and with that strike to the right side of his head.

A Binding with a Sword Capture 55/101

When you both come together at the closing and the other has you in the bind, step

forward with your left foot and grab with your left hand over his right to his pommel.

Thus you may capture his sword.

If he then grabs over your right arm like this and has caught your sword near the

pommel, then thrust at his left elbow with your left hand as you set your left foot in front

of his left (as in illustration). Thus you push him back and may well come out of harm

from him.

If he intends to push you like this, let your sword drop, release your left hand from his

sword, yank your left leg back and then immediately grab with both hands to his left foot

and with that yank towards you. Thus you may throw him backwards.

If he will throw you like this, then catch him by his throat and turn his face against the

sun.

A Krumb Aufsitzen (Set Upon) from Both Sides 56/102

When you both come together at the closing and have each struck your swords in the

weak, take note of his weak and set the Krumb upon his hand with your short edge with

crossed hands such that your left foot stands forward (as in illustration).

If he is setting the Krumb upon you like this and you stand with your left foot forward,

follow outward with the right and strike Krumb against Krumb. Then with that cut high to

the right side of his head. If he displaces this cut drive out with the short edge over your

head and let the weak run on his left side. Then strike high to his head.

If he strikes high towards you like this, then displace this with the long edge and

immediately strike with crossed arms to his right ear. If he displaces this, hang and

wind and immediately thrust with your point to his face or chest. Then strike yourself

back away from him.

An Aufsitzen with an Einschiessen 57/103

When you come together at the closing and both have thrown the high strike and the

other intends to set upon you, then set your right leg in front, follow outward with your

left , set the short edge over his hands, and with that press directly downwards to the

ground (as in illustration).

If you then stand with the right foot opposite him and he sets the Krumb upon you, yank

your right leg back, go out with your hilt in front of your head such that the point hangs

to the rear, and hit him strongly from above. If he displaces this, then wind into the

Zwirch and strike him double to the left side.

If he seeks the opening on your left side like this, then shove this out with the

Krumphaw, immediately follow outward with the right foot, and cut to his head. Should

he perceive this cut and take it away, then step with your left foot to his right side and

strike him double.

The Underhaw with their Lower Uberlauffen 58/104

It happens like this in the lower Uberlauffen (Running Over): stand with your right foot

forward and hold your sword in front of your face with extended arms such that the long

edge stands high and the point is opposite the ground (as in illustration). Then follow

inward with the left foot and strike from below to his right side with crossed arms.

If you then stand with the right foot opposite him and he intends to do the lower

Uberlauffen, then shove out with the long edge, step with your left foot behind his right,

and strike high to the top of his head.

If he strikes high towards you like this, then displace this with the long edge and wind

into the upper Hanger on your right side. Then immediately follow outward with your

right foot and strike with crossed arms to his right ear.

If he strike towards your right side like this, then displace this with your long edge,

immediately follow outward again with the right foot, and strike once more to his right

side.

The Mittelhaw from Both Sides 59/105

Conduct yourself like this in the Mittelhaw (Middle Strike) such that your left foot stands

forward and your sword is extended from your body on the right side (as in illustration).

Follow outward with your right foot and strike quickly through in front of the opponent in

the Sturzhaw (Plunging Strike). Then step in with the left leg and strike to his right ear.

If he displaces this, then strike again quickly to his head.

If then strikes towards you to the other side over your Versazung (Parry Position) and

you stand with your right foot forward, then yank your sword upward from his blade,

step backwards with your right foot, and with that stab to his chest with crossed arms.

If he stabs towards you like this, set this aside with your short edge, follow outward with

your right foot, and with that cut to his head. If he displaces the cut, then step back with

your right foot and shoot the point to his face.

If he fires the point at you like this, set it aside with the long edge, and with that Schill

and Schaitler to his head.

A Feler at the Pflug upon Joining 60/106

When you will strike the Feler (Feint), it happens as follows: stand with your left foot

forward and hold your sword extended in front of you with outstretched arms such that

the long edge stands below (as in left side of illustration). Follow outward with your right

foot and let the Feler run double on your left side to his right.

If you then stand opposite him in the Pflug with crossed hands and with your left foot

forward such that the point is opposite the opponent (as in right side of illustration) and

he strikes the Feler double at you, then step in with your right foot and wind out with the

hilt over your head such that the point hangs to the rear on your right side and

immediately Hang as he strikes. Then strike to the right side of his head. If he

displaces this, follow outward with your left foot and strike with crossed hands to his

right side.

If he strikes towards you like this, displace this with your long edge, follow outward with

the left leg, and strike directly to the top of his head.

Two Openings from the Left Side 61/107

Thus you both come together at the closing, so stand with your left foot forward and

take note of his high opening. With that strike a long high one to the opening at his

head.

If you then stand with the right foot opposite him and have likewise struck to the opening

at his left side (as in illustration), then step back with your right leg and wind out with the

hilt in front of your head such that the long edge stands high. Thus his strike is

displaced. Then immediately yank your sword back behind your head and shove the

point into his face from your left to his right side.

If he intends to thrust towards your face like this, set this aside with the long edge and

immediately strike him quickly to his head. If he displaces this, step backwards with

your left foot and strike from below to his right arm. Then immediately follow outward

again with the left leg and seek his openings from one side to the other.

Two Openings from the Right Side 62/108

When you come before the opponent and stand with your right foot forward, take note of

the opening at his right side with your long edge with extended arms.

If he then strikes towards your right side like this, do not displace this but rather strike

high to his head (as in illustration).

If he then strikes a long high one towards you like this, drive with your sword up over

your head, spring with your left foot behind his right, and likewise strike him to the top of

the head.

If you should perceive this strike coming around, then step in towards him with the right

foot and strike over both of his arms. With that you may also shove him away from you.

If he then shoves you away from him, immediately work quickly with him in the Vor and

in the Nach and at the same time take note whether he is weak or strong at his sword

and seek the next opening from both sides. If he displaces this, then wind your point to

his face or chest.

Feeling for the Weak and the Strong 63/109

You come together at the closing like this in the bind. Set your right foot forward and

immediately determine whether he is soft or hard at his sword. If he is weak, then step

in with your left foot and strike with crossed arms to his right ear. But if he is hard at his

sword and holds strongly against you, then let the weak off and strike to his head.

If he strikes a high one out of the weak towards you like this and you stand with your

right foot forward, then shove this aside with the long edge, drop a Krumb on him and

with that cut to the next opening on his left side.

If he intends to cut you like this, then shove aside the Krumb and immediately cut to his

head. If he displaces this, wind your point in his face and then travel after him double

with cuts and strikes.

If he travels after you long like this, then hang and wind, spring backwards to your right

side and at the same time seek his high opening.

Schrannkhut from Both Sides 64/110

So you lie in the Schrannkhut (Barrier Guard) like this with extended arms such that

your left foot stands forward and he strikes high towards your head. Follow outward

with your right foot and take his strike away with your short edge and then strike high to

the top of his head.

If you then stand opposite him likewise in the Schrannkhut and your left foot stands

forward, then step with your right foot behind your left and set his strike aside with your

long edge and then wind to his neck. Thus you may cut or slash him wherever you

want.

If he will then cut you, follow outward with your left leg and strike with the Zwirch to the

left side of his head. If he displaces this, then strike him with crossed arms to his right

side.

If he strikes towards you like this, then displace this with your long edge and

immediately counter with strike, thrust or cut from one side to the other.

The Wechselhaw from Both Sides 65/111

When you come to the closing with the opponent and strike in the Wechsel (Changer),

set your left foot forward and strike from below at his face such that the short edge

stands high. Then step outward with your right foot and strike with the long edge to the

right side of his head.

If you then likewise stand opposite him in the Wechselhaw (Changing Strike) and have

your left foot set forward (as in illustration) and he strikes in high towards you, then

follow outward with your right foot and displace this with the long edge. Then

immediately strike from below to his right side with crossed arms and with the long

edge. If he displaces this, then take your strike again from below and Wechsel high

double to his head.

Should you perceive the Wechsel, displace it with your short edge and strike to his head

with your long edge. If he displaces this, strike to the right side of his head with the

Zwirch with crossed arms.

Two Positions from which the Einkiren Proceeds 66/112

If you will perform the Einkurn (Unicorn), it happens as follows: stand with your left foot

forward and do an extended strike well out towards the ground (as in illustration). Then

immediately Dopelier (double) out and release your left hand from your sword’s

pommel, step outward with your right foot, grab with an inverted hand on the pommel

such that your thumb stands high, and shoot the point to his face.

If he shoots the point towards your face like this and you stand with your right foot

forward, set the thrust aside with your long edge, follow outward with your left leg and

strike quickly with the long edge high to his head.

If he strikes a high one towards you like this, displace this and immediately change

through low into the cut from below and with that cut to his arm. If he will displace the

cut, then immediately wind around and out, follow outward with your left leg, and seek

his next opening.

High Abgenommen and Striking to the Opening 67/113

When you come together at the closing, stand with your left foot forward and strike to

his high opening (as in illustration), then follow outward with your right leg, yank back

your strike again, and with that quickly strike him once more high on the right side of his

head. If he displaces this, then drive out at his sword’s blade with your sword such that

you high Abgenomen (force it upward) and then stab to his face.

If you then stand with your right foot opposite him and hold your sword under your left

shoulder and he stabs towards your face, then grab to your half blade, drive out in front

of your head, and thrust his point away with the Kron (Crown). Then you may thrust

your point to the face or chest, and may also hit to his head with the pommel.

If he intends to hit you with the pommel like this, displace this also with the Kron and

immediately stab your point in his face and then hit with your pommel to his head.

A Reissen (Snatching) with a Sword Capture 68/114

When you come together at the closing and the other binds on the Schildt (shield), set

your left foot forward and strike to his left side with your short edge.

If he then strikes towards your left side and you stand with your left foot forward, then

drop a Krumb on his sword and step with your right foot outside behind his left. Thus

his sword comes under your left shoulder. Drop your right hand on his handle and

come to the aide of your right with your left. With that turn to your left side and you may

throw him or capture the sword.

If he will capture your sword, then release it and grab with your right hand forward onto

his right and with your left on his right elbow and with that shove away from you. Thus

you may lock his arm.

Should you perceive this armlock, step with your left foot onto his right side and come to

the aide of your right hand with the left (as in illustration). Then you turn yourself out of

the armlock.

The Wechsel from which the Thrust Proceeds 69/115

It happens like this in the Wechsel (Changer): stand with your left foot forward and

strike with your sword out in front of his face such that your short edge stands high and

then wind your sword at your left side with crossed hands and put the point in his face

as you follow outward with your right leg. Thus the point comes in at him twice.

If you then stand like this in the Wechsel opposite him such that your right foot stands

forward and you perceive the double thrust, then step back with your right leg and

shove the thrust away with your long edge. Then immediately wind your short edge

onto his sword, step in again with your left foot, and press his sword at your right arm.

Then you may cut to his high opening.

If he intends to cut towards you like this, displace him with the Krumphaw and with that

cut to his head. If he sets this aside, then wind into the Hanging Point such that your hilt

stands in front of your head, follow outward with the left foot, and wind the point double

to his face.

The Einkiren with an Absetzen 70/116

When you come before the opponent, it happens like this in the Einkiren (Unicorn):

stand with your left foot forward with arms inverted in front of your head such that the

short edge stands below and the point is opposite the opponent (as in illustration).

Follow outward with your right foot and with that stab your point to his face or chest.

Then immediately wind into the Zwirch and strike to his right side with crossed hands.

If he then fires the Einkiren at you like this, set your left foot forward and set aside the

Einkiren with your long edge. Follow outward with your right leg and strike high to his

head with your long edge. If he displaces this, then immediately work quickly from one

opening to another low and high, wherever he makes you.

If he seeks your openings like this, then immediately work with him quickly at the Vor

and at the Nach. If it is the Vor, you come to the lead. If it is the Nach, you strike after.

(Das vor ist, so du vor kumpst. Das nach ist, so du nach hawest.)

A Right and a Left Thrust 71/117

It happens like this in the left thrust: set your right foot forward and hold your sword

over your head with extended arms such that the point stands to the rear (as in

illustration). Then follow outward with your left leg and shoot the point to his face from

your left to his right side. If he displaces this, wind into the Hanging Point and strike

again at his left side.

If you then stand like this opposite him with your right foot forward such that the hilt is in

front of your head and the point stands opposite the opponent and he strikes double at

you, displace this and let the weak run double. Then immediately seek the next upper

two openings.

If he seeks your upper openings like this, block this and immediately strike quickly with

the short edge to his head. If he displaces this, immediately wind quickly to his face,

follow outward with your right leg, and strike high to his head.

A Thrust to the Face out of the Bind 72/118

When you come together at the closing and the other has bound at the swords, stand

with your right foot forward in the bind, then follow outward with your left leg and strike

to the high opening.

If he then strikes a high one towards you like this and you stand with your left foot

forward, displace this. If he then yanks back and intends to strike again, bring your

pommel in between both his arms towards his face (as in illustration). Thus you split his

arms one from another and can also strike, cut, or stab through his head.

Should you perceive this previously described technique and he will counter you with

his pommel, then press downward with your hands on his arms and immediately cut to

his head.

Should you perceive this cut, set your long edge on his right arm and with that slash and

cut on the right side to his next opening.

A Position out of the Pflug against the Oberhaw 73/119

It happens like this: stand with your right foot forward with your sword flat such that the

point is opposite the ground. If he then strikes the Oberhaw at you (as in illustration),

step in front with your left leg and set his strike aside with crossed arms with the long

edge, then stab to the left side of his face. Thus you wind into the Hanging Point.

If he stabs towards your face like this and you stand with your right foot forward, spring

with your left foot onto his left side and set the stab aside. Then step with your right foot

well onto his right side and strike quickly high to his head. If he displaces this, then take

the Dopelhaw (Doubled Strike) with a thrust and work towards his next opening.

If he seeks your opening like this, follow outward with your right leg, hang and wind

against his strike so that his blow is displaced. Then immediately strike with crossed

arms to the right side of his head.

Two High Strikes to the Head 74/120

When you come to the closing with the opponent, set your left foot forward and

immediately take note of the level of his strike. If he strikes high towards your head,

step with your right foot behind your left and wind the hilt out in front of your head. Thus

his strike goes aside on your flat. Then follow outward with your right foot and with that

hit high to the top of his head.

If he then strikes a high one towards you like this and you stand opposite him with your

left foot, set his strike aside with your short edge and cut through his face with your long

(edge).

If he intends to cut you like this, release your left hand from your sword and thrust on his

right elbow. Thus you shove him away from you and have taken his strength so that he

cannot work further.

A Reissen with a Sword Capture 75/121

When you come together at the closing, stand with your left leg in front and strike high

to the right side of his head.

If you then stand opposite him like this also with your left foot forward and he strikes

high towards your right side, displace this with your long edge, and during the

displacement release your right hand from your sword and grab his left with it.

If he has then released his right hand from his sword and grabbed your left, release

your left hand from your sword as well and grab his blade as well as your own (as in

illustration). Then step with your right foot behind his left and turn from him to your left

side. Thus you capture his sword.

If he will capture your sword, let him! But set your left hand on his right elbow and with

that turn to your left side so that you lock his arm.

A Reissen with a Throw 76/122

When you come to the opponent at the closing, stand with your left foot forward and

bind on his sword. If he holds strongly against you in the bind, then drop your pommel

over his arm and with that snatch him towards you (as in illustration).

If he snatches you towards himself like this, set your right leg behind his left, let your

sword fall and grab his jaw with your left hand and his left leg half-way above the knee

with your right hand. With that you may throw him backwards.

If he holds you like this, grab your sword’s blade with your left hand near the point and

set your sword between between hands onto his neck. With that you shove him away

from you and he must release you.

If he has then set upon you like this and has shoved you away from him, turn yourself to

the rear and cut to his head with doubled cuts. That is, with short and long edges.

Two Entries from which Two Cuts Proceed 77/123

When you come to the closing with the opponent it happens like this: set your right foot

forward and strike a high one with the Sturzhaw (Plunging Cut) to his left side. Then

follow outward with your left foot, grab your sword’s blade with your right hand near the

Schildt, and cut through his face.

If you then stand with your left foot opposite him and he intends to cut you, release your

left hand from your pommel, thrust your sword through between his arms towards his

face and immediately grab with your left hand over his right arm forward on your

sword’s blade (as in illustration). Then step in towards him with your right leg and wind

your sword to your left side such that your pommel comes upward. Thus you cut over

both of his arms and may thrust the pommel into his face or chest.

Two Einschiessen with their Points 78/124

You stand with the right foot forward and shoot the point at his left side such that your

short edge is turned downwards with the hilt in front of your head. Then follow outward

with your left leg and wind your short edge to his face or chest. If he displaces this, step

back with your left foot and strike with the Zwirch to his left side.

If he strikes towards you like this and you stand with the left foot forward and hold your

hilt with crossed arms in front of your head, then follow outward with your right foot and

wind his sword to your left side with your short edge (as in illustration). Then follow

outward with your left leg so that you can strike or cut to his head with your long edge.

If he intends to cut you like this, drop the Krumb on his sword. Then immediately step in

and around with your left leg and with that cut to the right side of his head or wherever

he makes you.

A Sword Capture with a Cut 79/125

When you come to the closing with the opponent it happens like this: stand with the

right foot forward and take note of the level of his strike. Then immediately cut to his

head with the long edge (as in illustration).

If you stand with the left foot opposite him and he cuts high towards you like this, drop a

Krumb over his hand, wind your left arm over both of his arms, and with that snatch to

your right side. Thus you capture his sword.

If he intends to capture your sword like this, then let him! But step with your left foot

behind his left, grab forward around his throat with your left hand, and behind his left

knee with your right. Thus you throw him from below upwards.

If he intends to throw you like this, then let your sword fall as well, grab with your right

hand inside his left arm, and set the left hand on his throat. At the same time step with

your right foot behind his left and thrust him onto the back.

A Binding from which to Capture the Sword 80/126

You each have bound the other at the sword and you stand with your right foot forward

(as in illustration). Wind your left arm over his right with the pommel, step with your left

foot in front of his left, and with that turn to your right side. Thus you capture his sword.

If he holds you like this and turns himself, then release your left hand from your sword,

set it under his left elbow, and with that shove him away from you.

If he then shoves you away from him, let both swords fall and grab his left arm with both

hands. Then turn to your right side and lock his arm.

If he will lock your arm like this, grab with your left hand forward on his right and lift it

upward. Thus you are free of his arm-lock. Then immediately grab his throat with your

right hand, extend your arm, and shove high away from you. Thus you throw him

downwards.

An Inverting Thrust with a Throw 81/127

When you come to the closing with the opponent, act as if you will strike high to his

head. But then immediately release your left hand from your sword, grab behind his left

knee, and yank towards you as you thrust high with your pommel towards his face.

If he then holds you like this, likewise release your left hand from your sword and

capture him powerfully near the right elbow and with your pommel over his right arm (as

in illustration). Then yank towards you. If you have grabbed him powerfully like this,

shove upwards. Thus you lock his arm.

If he will lock your arm, then let your sword fall and thrust with your right hand on his

jaw. Thus you throw him backwards.

If he holds you low and high like this and intends to throw you, and you have your left

hand on his right elbow, yank your left foot towards you from below and shove high

away from you. Thus you will be free of the throw.

A Face Thrust with a Similar Side Thrust 82/128

When you come to the opponent at the closing, stand with the right foot forward and

strike to his right arm. If he displaces this, then act as if you will strike him high but

immediately thrust your pommel into his face (as in illustration).

Should you perceive this thrust, step inward with your right foot in front of his right and

put your head through his right arm. Thus you go out of the thrust and with that can

thrust the pommel into his right side.

If he thrusts to your right side like this, set the short edge of your sword on his neck.

Should you perceive this setting upon, step back with your right foot. Then you may

strike, cut, or stab him. If he will work against you like this at the same time, then work

with him also weak and strong. With that you take the initiative to his next opening.

A Throw out of the Strong to the Weak 83/129

When you come together at the closing and the other has you in the bind, let your sword

fall, stand with your right foot forward, and thrust your head into his abdomen. At the

same time sweep both of your hands behind his knees (as in illustration). Thus you

may throw him on the back or outward over your head.

If he then holds you like this and intends to throw you, thrust your pommel onto his

head. Then he must release you.

Should you perceive this thrust, put your arms on both his arms and with that lift

upwards. At the same time kick your left foot behind his right and thrust high away from

you. Thus he falls on the back.

If he intends to thrust you backwards like this, then likewise let your sword fall and grab

with both hands near the middle of his body. Thus you may carry him away or throw

him from you.

A Strike with a Verkerer (Inverter) 84/130

When you come to the opponent at the closing and he is opposite you, strike high to his

head.

If he then strikes a high one towards you like this, displace this and immediately step

inward with your right foot in front of his right. Release your left hand from your sword

and thrust against his right elbow. Set your long edge upon his right hand near his

sword and shove away from you. Thus you spin him around (as in illustration).

If he spins you like this and has released his left hand from his sword, then step

backwards with your right foot. Thus you will be free of him. Then strike with a long

high one.

If he goes out of the Verkerer (Inverter/Spinner) like this and strikes a long high one at

your head, drive out with your sword and grab with your left hand around to your

pommel. Thus you displace his strike, and then strike to his right arm.

A Verkerer with an Ansetzen 85/131

When you come together at the closing stand with your right foot forward and strike with

the Underhaw long to his left side such that your hilt stands in front of your head.

If he strikes one towards you like this and you stand with your right foot forward,

displace this and then immediately release your right hand from your sword and set it

upon his right elbow (as in illustration). With that wind your head through his right arm

as you let your sword fall. Then grab with your left hand onto your right side (likely at

your right shoulder) and with your right forward near his right (hand). Thus you can lock

his arm outward or inward.

If he will lock your arm like this, release your left hand from your sword, drop it onto his

right elbow, follow outward with the left leg, let your sword likewise fall, and grab with

your right hand behind his right knee. Thus you may throw him as well.

An Ansezen with a Verkerer 86/132

When you come together at the closing and the other has you in the bind and your left

foot is set forward, release the left hand from your sword, set it upon his right elbow,

and with that shove him backwards. Thus you spin him (as in illustration).

If you have bound him on the sword like this and he has spun you, then step backwards

with your right foot. Thus you go out of the spin. Then immediately strike in from below

from your right side to his right arm.

Another Ansetzen with a Nachraisen 87/133

When you come to the closing with the opponent, stand with your right foot forward and

strike with an Underhaw with your long edge from your left to his right side between

both of his arms. Then immediately pivot to the rear so that you yank the sword back

through his hands.

If he yanks the sword through your hands like this and you stand with your left foot

forward, travel after him and cut through the head with your long edge (as in illustration).

If he will cut through your head like this, then set this aside with the flat of your sword,

step backwards with your right foot, and strike to his right arm. If he displaces your

strike, then let a double Feler (feint) run and strike to his left side. Then immediately

hang, wind, and shoot your point to his face or chest.

A Verkerer with a Cut 88/134

When you come to the closing with the opponent, set your right foot forward and strike

high to his head.

If he strikes at your high opening like this and winds towards your neck, release your left

hand from your sword and grab both swords together (as in illustration). Then with that

snatch away from you.

If he snatches to the front like this and you stand with your left foot forward, follow

outward with your right, strike to his next opening, and shove him away from you so that

you spin him. Then immediately work quickly from one opening to another with strikes,

stabs, and cuts wherever he makes you.

If he strikes and thrusts at you like this, set this aside low and high with short and long

edges. Then immediately strike to his next opening. If he displaces this, then quickly

seek another opening.

If he seeks your openings like this, then Zwirch double to his right side and with that

strike yourself away from him to the rear.

A Throw with the Point 89/135

When you come together at the closing it happens like this: stand with your left foot

forward and strike a high one at the same time as him. Then immediately release your

left hand from your pommel and grab your sword’s blade. Press his sword towards you

with your hilt and set your point on his neck so that you can cut him (as in illustration).

Then immediately press to your left side and lift his right foot upwards with your left.

Thus you throw him with the point.

If he intends to throw you like this and you stand with your right foot forward, step with

your left to his right side and shove your hilt over your head strongly with the long edge

upwards. Thus you go out of the throw. Then immediately yank your left leg back and

strike to his high opening. If he displaces this, then hang and wind and thrust the point

into his face.

A Cut with a Throw 90/136

When you come together at the closing, stand with your right foot forward and bind on

his sword. Then follow outward with your left, release your left hand from your pommel

and grab at your half-blade, and set your long edge on his left shoulder over his chest.

Thus you may cut him.

Should you perceive this cut, step with your right foot in front of his left, release your

right hand from your sword, and grab him over the shoulder blades (as in illustration).

Then immediately grab your sword’s blade again with your right hand and press directly

downwards. Thus you force him to the ground.

If he intends to press you like this, grab his blade between your hilt. Thus you may

throw him just as he tried to throw you.

A Sword Capture with a Cut 91/137

It happens like this at the closing: stand with your right foot forward and strike a long

high one to his head. If he displaces this and strikes inward at you as well, then release

your left hand from your pommel; hold both swords together, and with that snatch to

your left side. Thus you capture his sword.

If he snatches from you towards himself like this, step with your left foot on his right (as

in illustration), then step outward with your right and cut him with your long edge. Then

shove him away from you. Thus you free your sword and immediately strike quickly

with a high one.

If he strikes one towards you like this, displace it with your long edge. Thus you come

high to the cut again and may strike, cut, or stab him.

If he will work at you at the same time like this, step back with your right foot. Thus you

may also go at him with a counter, strike, thrust, or cut and work quickly with him in the

Vor and in the Nach.

An Uberfallen with a Cut 92/138

When you come together at the closing and the other binds you, stand with your left foot

forward and at the same time feel whether he is soft or hard at his sword. If he is hard

and holds strongly against you, hang and wind and strike strongly to his right side.

Should you perceive this strike, displace it with your long edge such that your right foot

stands forward, release your left hand from your sword and grab in over his left arm and

between both of his arms. Then immediately yank your sword to your right side such

that the point comes onto the left side of his neck (as in illustration).

If he sets the point on your neck like this, cut him with your long edge below his left

shoulder as you step outward with your right leg. Thus you shove him away from you

with the cut.

An Armlock with the Sword 93/139

When you come together at the closing, step with your left foot at his right side, release

your left hand from your sword, grab over his cross to his pommel, and with that snatch

upwards on your left side. Then follow outward with your right foot and strike to his high

opening with your long edge.

If you then stand with your right foot forward and he steps towards you with his left and

grabs your pommel with his left hand, then grab your blade with your left hand and

sweep his arm onto the hilt (as in illustration). Then immediately wind his arm back to

the rear on your right side. Thus you lock his arm aside.

If he will lock your arm like this, then grab with your right hand to his left and with your

left from below on his right and shove directly upwards. Thus you throw the armlock

free.

An Einprechen with a Cut 94/140

When you come together at the closing and the other has bound on the sword and your

left foot is set forward, drop out of the bind into the cut from below to his left side.

Should you perceive this cut, drop both of your arms over his sword, release your left

hand from your sword and grab to his left elbow, and set your right foot in front of his

left. Then shove him away from you.

If he shoves you away from him like this and you have your left hand on your sword’s

blade (as in illustration), then step backwards with your left foot and capture his sword

on his left shoulder. Then immediately strike high to his head. If he displaces this,

follow outward with your left foot once again and wind your point double to his face or

chest.

An Oberhaw with a Groin Thrust 95/141

When you come together at the closing and the other strikes in strongly in the Zornhaw

(Wrath Strike), determine whether he is soft or hard at his sword. If he is soft against

you, then cut to his head.

If he intends to cut you like this, then hang on your right side so that his cut is in vain.

Then immediately set your left leg between both of his feet and release your left hand

from your sword. Thrust between his arms and onto his chin with your left hand. Thus

you thrust him into a fall. During the fall grab with your left hand on your sword’s blade

and thrust the point into his groin or wherever you want (as in illustration).

An Oberhaw against the Cut from Below 96/142

You come to the opponent at the closing thus: stand with your right foot forward and

strike strongly with the Oberhaw to his head.

If he strikes in strongly against you like this and goes out high with his arms, then stand

with your left foot forward, release your left hand from your pommel, and grab your half-

blade. Then immediately drop a cut onto both of his arms and with that shove him

backwards (as in illustration).

If he shoves you away from him like this, step backwards with your right foot and strike

in towards his left side from below.

If he strikes in at you like this, shove it away with a cut between your hands, step back

with your left foot, and strike strongly to the top of his head.

If he strikes a high one against you like this, then follow outward with your right foot and

wind into the Ochsen with crossed arms. Then immediately follow outward with your left

leg and shoot the point into his face.

A Cut with a Snatch 97/143

When you come together at the closing and both strike in high at each other, stand with

your right foot forward and take note of the cut in the striking. With that cut in over his

chest.

Should you perceive the cut like this, step with your right foot in front of his right, release

your left hand from your pommel and hold him around his neck with it. Sweep his blade

into your left hand with yours, extend your right foot directly at the back of his right knee

(as in illustration), and snatch downwards strongly. Thus you snatch him to the ground.

If he intends to snatch you like this and has both swords held together, then yank your

right foot back and step behind his right on the outside. Then immediately cut strongly

away from you with the edge. Thus his snatch is countered. Then immediately strike

his head with the long edge. If he displaces your strike, wind with your point to his face

or chest.

A Verkerterhaw (Spinning/Inverting Strike) 98/144

When you come together at the closing and each strike together with the Underhaw,

come forward with your left foot and strike him from below from your right to his left side.

If he strikes towards your left side like this in the Underhaw, stand with your left foot

forward and likewise strike against him to his left side with crossed hands. Then

immediately release your left hand from your pommel, set it on his left elbow, and cut

under his left shoulder with your right hand with your long edge (as in illustration). Then

shove him away from you. Thus you spin him.

If he intends to spin you like this set your left leg back. Thus you go out of the spin.

Then immediately cut to his head.

If he cuts towards your head like this, displace it with your long edge, immediately step

in with your right foot, and strike to his left arm.

An Einprechen with a Cut 99/145

So you come together at the closing and strike out like this against the other: stand with

your left foot forward and take note of the Einprechen (entry) in the striking out.

If he then strikes out in front of you like this and goes out high with his arms, break in

upon him with the point between his arms such that your hand with your cross stands

upon his chest.

If he has broken in on you like this, then step with your left foot around the back of his

left knee from the outside, with that yank directly downward as you set your long edge

on his neck (as in illustration). Then cut him to the ground.

If he intends to cut you to the ground like this, step with your right foot in front of his left

and immediately set your cross on his chest. With that shove him away from you as

you yank your left towards you. Thus you throw the cut and the Hacken (Leg Hook)

free. Then immediately strike quickly to his right side.

Two Underhaw from Both Sides 100/146

When you come together at the closing with the Underhaw, set your right leg in front

and strike towards his left side (as in illustration).

If he then also stands with the right foot opposite you and strikes at your left side, step

with your left foot behind his right and strike high to his head.

If he strikes towards your head like this and you stand with your right foot forward, follow

outward with your left and displace his strike with your long edge. Then immediately

thrust your left foot to his groin.

If he thrusts towards your groin like this, release your left hand from your sword, sweep

his left leg, and lift it upward. Thus you throw him on his back.

If he has grabbed your left leg like this and will throw you backwards, set your point on

his neck and shove him away from you. Thus he must release you.

An Oberhaw with an Einschiessen 101/147

When you come to the opponent at the closing, stand with your left foot forward and

strike the Oberhaw in strongly from above to his head. If he displaces your strike, wind

your short edge on his neck and immediately strike quickly with crossed arms around to

the right side of his head with the Zwirch.

If he strikes the Zwirch against you like this, displace it with your long edge and step

with your left foot inside in front of his left. Then immediately release your left hand from

your pommel and grab him behind his left knee. With that lift directly upwards and

shoot your short edge over both of his arms (as in illustration). Then shove high directly

away from you. Thus you may throw him.

If he intends to throw you like this, cut strongly from high downwards. Thus he must

release you. Then immediately wind into the Hanging Point, step outward with your

right leg, and strike to his right ear.

A Throw at the Sword 102/148

When you both strike in at the other strongly with the Zornhaw and each intend to

displace high at his head, determine whether he is soft or hard at his sword. If he is soft

and does not hold strongly against you, then wind your short edge at his left ear. If he

displaces this, then immediately let your sword fall and stoop with your head between

his legs, grab around both of his knees with your arms, and with that lift upwards. Thus

you throw him or may carry him wherever you want (as in illustration).

If he holds you for a throw like this or will carry you away, let your sword fall, grab with

your left hand to his left foot and with your right inside to his groin. Thus you stop the

throw and lock him in so that he can no longer hurt you by throwing you from him.

Another Throw at the Sword 103/149

When you come together at the closing and the other has you in the bind, stand with

your right foot forward and immediately work quickly with him weak and strong and wind

your pommel between his arms.

If he intends to wind in upon you like this, set this aside with the Kron and immediately

stab with your point to his face or chest. If he sets your point aside, cut over both of his

arms and with that snatch his sword out of his hands.

If he snatches your sword out of your hands like this and you stand with your left foot

forward, then grab with your right hand at his right side and with your left at his left side

with extended arms. Thus you throw him onto his head (as in illustration).

The Sunnen Zaigen (showing the sun) with a Throw 104/150

When you come together at the closing, stand with your left foot forward and hit from

below at his left ear.

If you then stand with your left foot opposite him and he hits towards your left ear like

this, displace this with your long edge, immediately let the weak of your sword run, and

strike to his right ear with crossed arms. If he displaces this, let your sword fall, thrust

your right hand on his jaw, and grab high at the right side of his head with your left.

Thus you turn his face against the sun.

If he holds you like this, grab with your right hand around the back of his left knee and

with your left on his jaw and immediately work with him weak and strong (as in

illustration).

An Inside Armlock 105/151

When you come together at the closing and each hit together with high strikes, it

happens like this: stand with your right foot forward and immediately let your sword fall.

Then grab with your left hand on his right and with your right between both of his arms

inside to his right elbow bend. Then turn yourself upwards on your left side to lock his

arm (as in illustration).

If he will then lock your arm and you stand with your right foot forward and hold your

sword in your left hand, drop your pommel over his right arm and snatch directly

downwards. Thus you have countered him and may yank your long edge over his head

and quickly stab your point to his face.

An Outside Armlock 106/152

When you come together at the closing it happens like this: stand with your right foot

forward and strike high with the Zwirch to his head.

If he strikes the Zwirch towards you like this and you stand with your right foot forward,

displace it with your long edge, immediately let your sword fall, grab with your right hand

on his right elbow and with your left forward near his right (hand). With that turn

yourself to your right side so that you lock his arm outward (as in illustration).

If he will lock your arm like this, likewise let your sword fall and set your left hand on his

right elbow. Thus you lock his arm as well. Then immediately grab his right leg with

your right hand and with your left around his body on his right side. Then with that lift

upwards so that you throw him.

An Armlock with a Throw 107/153

When you come together at the closing, strike in the Schranckhut (Barrier Guard) on

your right side such that your long edge stands high. Then step with your right foot

behind his right such that the back of your right knee stands on his right.

If he then strikes against you like this and you lie in the Schranckhut, then take his strike

away with your long edge, immediately let your sword fall, grab with your right hand on

his right (hand) and with your left on his right elbow (as in illustration). Then press with

that onto your right side so that you lock his arm.

If he holds you like this and intends to lock your arm and you have the sword low in both

hands and your right foot set forward, then set your left leg behind his right. Thus you

will be free of the armlock and may work with him whatever you want.

An Underhaw with an Armlock 108/154

When you come to the opponent at the closing, set your right foot forward and strike in

the Underhaw. If he displaces this, step in front with your left leg and wind the point into

his face.

Should you perceive this thrust and stand with your left foot forward, set it aside with

your long edge, immediately let your sword fall, set your left hand on his right elbow and

the right below his right shoulder, yank towards you with that and shove high away form

you. Thus you lock his arm (as in illustration).

If he has set upon you like this and will lock your arm, yank your left foot backwards and

cut with the entire strong (portion of the blade) through the head.

If he cuts you like this, let your hand go from his elbow and step with a false step in the

triangle. Thus his cut is in vain and you cannot be harmed.

By Keith Myers

MFFG Dec 2011