Johannes Liechtenauer:
"Zornhau, Krumm, Zwerch, Schieler, Scheitler, Alber, Versetz[en], Nachreisen, Uberlauf, Hau, Durchwechsel, Zuck, Durchlauf, Abschneiden, Handedruck, Hangen, and using openings the strike, the catching strike ('Vach Streich'), thrust, and simultaneous thrust."Equipment
From the evidence present we believe the late Medieval German longsword style of fence was more inclined towards thrusting and cutting rather than large open striking. As a consequence it is important for the weapon simulators we use to reflect, as closely as possible and as is practical, the characteristics of the weapons used in the manuscripts we are interpreting.
The practice weapons we use reflect this style.
Anatomy of the Medieval Longsword
A beginner will use a basic longsword simulator consisting of a shinai with a wooden cross guard and counterbalance weights within the grip. Although these simulators do not necessarily reflect the true weight and dynamic of a steel longsword, they do offer the student a safe alternative, allowing them to become familiar with the general proportions and handling characteristics. The lightweight structure of the shinai and the specific design features incorporated within the simulator reduce the possibility of injury and means that inexperienced fencers can apply technique safely.
The more familiar student, who has gained suitable fitness and strength to handle the basic
simulator, can then graduate onto the next generation of shinai weapons. These consist of an
authentically weighted and balanced shinai with a steel cross guard and metal pommel, achieving
a more accurate dynamic in the movement of the weapon. Although the reflex is still not accurate
to the steel longsword, the extra mass offers a more realistic feel to the bind, deflection and
strike. This simulator copies the proportions and characteristics of a generic late medieval
longsword including the weight, point of balance and point of rotation.
For form work nothing can replace a steel longsword. The pattern longsword we prefer, of the
schools own design and based on extensive research, incorporates a blade that is tapered along
its length to the point where it ends in a button to reduce the possibility of injury from the
winden and the thrust. The edges are ground to a section of 1mm and a 3/4 length fuller reduces
mass but maintains rigidity in the bind. The blade copies the proportions and characteristics
of a generic late medieval longsword including the point of balance, point of percussion and
point of rotation.
A large part of the principles used in the Liechtenauer method rely on the confidence and
ability of the student. Although we promote an environment of prevention rather than cure, we
do prefer to discourage the excessive use of body protection during form work and controlled
sparring. We do prefer that inexperienced students wear a pair of stout gloves to protect the
hands from blows and a fencing mask. The School owns a limited supply of gloves, masks and basic
shinai for beginners. but encourages more experienced fencers to purchase their own protective
equipment.
