#German medieval weapons how to#
#German medieval weapons manuals#
#German medieval weapons manual#
#German medieval weapons professional#

However, the weapon is quite unsafe to use with a partner, so some HEMA practitioners practice it through solo training exercises. Typically, greatsword techniques involve large sweeping motions and changes in directions. However, some types also served as a weapon against multiple opponents. Greatsword Fighting A great sword from Germany – Credits: Kunst Historisches Museum WienĪ greatsword refers to a large sword designed to be used with two hands and often served as a breaching weapon in military warfare. It also does not cover fighting in armor or while mounted. However, the English longsword tradition is the most difficult to reconstruct due to few manuscripts.

#German medieval weapons manual#

HEMA longsword practitioners study the manual Paradoxes of Defence by George Silver, a 16th-century English fencing master. It was probably used by English noblemen and fencing enthusiasts. Less commonly studied than the Italian or German traditions, the English longsword tradition is based on the martial arts texts of medieval England. Many modern HEMA practitioners also study the manual Thorough Description of the Art of Fencing by Joachim Meyer. Many fencing masters, like Hans Talhoffer and Sigmund ain Ringeck, produced useful source material in this tradition.

However, there are no direct works by Liechtenauer. Generally, it covers armored and unarmored longsword fighting. The German longsword tradition is associated with the fighting techniques of the Brotherhood of Saint Mark (Marxbrüder), a 15th-century guild in the Holy Roman Empire. However, there are also other German traditions. It is also referred to as Liechtenauer’s tradition. The German longsword often refers to the Kunst des Fechtens (KDF), the fencing system of Johannes Liechtenauer. It covers the use of longswords in one or two hands, grappling techniques, armored fighting, and mounted combat. The Italian longsword tradition is focused on The Flower of Battle manuscripts by Fiore dei Liberi and the works of Philippo di Vadi. Generally, it is closer to the fighting methods the medieval knights would use. The Italian longsword may refer to the Bolognese tradition, or the Armizare-the martial art of Fiore dei Liberi. The Italian longsword tradition is based on an older source material than the German, though the latter is the most commonly studied. In HEMA, longsword traditions generally fall into Italian or German. It has thick edges and blunt tips to minimize sparring injuries. Today, the federschwert or feder serves as the training weapon for practicing longsword techniques. In the Middle Ages, the longsword was widely used in wars, tournaments, and dueling. It is the most popular sword type studied in most HEMA clubs. Also, it is small enough to be drawn from the belt. In HEMA, a longsword refers to a sword with a grip for two-handed use, yet lightweight enough to wield in one hand. Longsword Fighting A practice long sword, ca. The German fencer survives at close-range sword fighting, where his opponent is least skilled.Ģ. The Bolognese fencer tends to win at long-range sword fighting, where his opponent is least skilled.

Traditionīased on works of fencing masters Antonio Manciolino and Achille Marozzoīased on the Tower Fechtbuch manuscript and works of fencing masters Andre Liegniczer, Paulus Kal, and Hans Talhoffer. Today, HEMA fencers who study sword-and-buckler fighting follow Bolognese or German treatises. The sword and buckler were efficient against chainmail armor of the time. It was a single-handed sword with a simple crossguard and double-edged blade. The arming sword, sometimes called the knightly sword, was primarily used with the buckler. Buckled to the arm and shoulder, the buckler served as a handheld shield for parrying an incoming blade or offensively used against the opponent and his weapon. Sword and Buckler Fighting A sword and buckler fight reenactment – Credits: ChironĮarly medieval swords were used with a small shield called a buckler.

#German medieval weapons how to#

They were technical works about how to fight against opponents wielding all kinds of weapons.

#German medieval weapons professional#

Called fechtbuch in German, these fight books were practical combat guides for professional soldiers.

#German medieval weapons manuals#

The sword fighting techniques used in HEMA are based on historical fighting manuals and treatises. Let’s explore the types of HEMA sword fighting, their different styles and traditions, and how it compares to popular types of fencing. Today, there are various sword fighting styles and traditions studied by martial artists. Many people come to HEMA for sword fighting and to learn how to use a specific type of sword. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) reconstructs the fighting techniques of Europe, including medieval and Renaissance swordsmanship.