Sigmund Ringeck:
"...this is the first lesson of the long sword, which is that you should learn to strike blows from both sides correctly, if you intend to fight well and with strength. Mark this, that if you intend to strike from the right side, you must ensure that your left foot is forward. If you are striking the Oberhau from the right side, then follow the blow with your right foot."Grades
Grade 1
A minimum of 3 months worth of attendance.
Internal class examination.
A basic understanding of the fundamental components of the system.
Step A
- Recognise and name the 4 guards as well as the schranckhutt, langen ort and zornh ort, as well as the 5 strikes and their relationship toward each another.
- Recognise and name the anatomy of the sword.
- Recognise and name the 4 openings.
- Explain the proper way of striking and the striking sequence.
Step B (demonstrating includes showing an understanding and explain).
- Demonstrate the strikes and the guards proficiently.
- Demonstrate the use of the different parts of the sword (including the strong (forte), weak (foible), long edge, short edge, pommel and quillions).
- Break the 4 static guards with compliant partner.
Step C
- Breaking a static guard with opposition.
- Entering with the half step and the proper way of striking (i.e. time of hand, body and foot).
Grade 2
A minimum of 5 months, or equivalent attendance, after achieving Grade 1.
Internal class examination.
Grade 1 in a dynamic environment to demonstrate proper body coordination, balanced movement and correct posture.
Using the Zorn as defence.
- Recognise and understand the 4 true times in relation to striking and distance.
Step B (demonstrating includes showing and teaching using wooden training swords).
- Teach the entirety of Grade 1 to a beginner.
- Demonstrate the true time using a dynamic guard change (moving from one guard to another) and a guard change with a strike (using a strike to move from one guard to another). All against a compliant partner.
- Enter using the half step and use the Zorn to deflect an attack and either strike your partner, end up in an advantageous position or finish in the bind.
Step C
- As in step B but against a non-compliant partner (i.e. the partner moves between guards with an offensive manoeuvre, returning to a guard of his choosing without informing the student graduating).
Grade 3
A minimum of 7 months, or equivalent attendance, after achieving Grade 2. Understand your opponents' movement using good balanced and proper motion.
Step A- Explain the differences, advantages and disadvantages of steel over wood as a practise weapon.
- Explain the Narchraisen / Aussere.
- Explain the Uberlauffen.
- Explain the Zucken.
- Explain the Durchwelchsel.
- Explain the piece against the Abnehmen.
- Explain the Feiler
- Explain the Verkerer.
- Explain the 3 pieces of the Zornhau (ie winden basis).
Step B (demonstrating includes showing and teaching using wooden training swords).
- Demonstrate step A with an experienced, and inexperienced, partner.
Step C
- Step B but semi-sparring with wood (your partner tries to win but must keep to the exercise).
- Perform exercises from Grade 2 step B and C in a controlled environment with blunt steel
Grade 4
A minimum of 9 months, or equivalent attendance, after achieving Grade 3. Explain and demonstrate the relationship between the principles to use and the relative position and intent of the opponent. Show an understanding and demonstrate the 'feel' within the bind.
Step A- Explain Mutieren / Duplieren
- Explain Shnit
- Explain Krone
- Explain Versetsen and Absetzen
- Explain Hangen
- Explain Winden
- Explain the Durchlauffen & Ringen am schwert
- Explain the 'fuhlen' and 'in des' within the bind and its relationship relative to the anatomy of the sword.
Step B (demonstrate includes showing and teaching, using wooden and blunt steel training swords)
- Demonstrating step A with a compliant partner.
- Demonstrate how using the 'feel' can offer an advantage within the bind.
Step C
- Step B but semi-sparring with wood and blunt steel. (The partner tries to win but must keep to the exercise, especially with Ringen and Durchlauffen).
- Controlled sparring with wood and blunt steel.
Grade 5
A minimum of 12 months, or equivalent attendance, after achieving Grade 4. Demonstrate an understanding of how the system is self sufficient. Demonstrate your ability to "read" and consequently pre-empt your opponents' intent.
Step A- Explain Vor.
- Explain Narch.
- Explain the pieces of the Krump and how they relate to the generic principles.
- Explain the pieces of the Zwerch and how they relate to the generic principles.
- Explain the pieces of the Shiel and how they relate to the generic principles.
- Explain the pieces of the Scheitler and how they relate to the generic principles.
Step B (demonstrating includes showing and teaching, using wooden and blunt steel training swords).
- Demonstrating step A with a compliant partner.
- Analyse and correct a given piece performed by a student up to Grade 4.
Step C
- Step B but semi-sparring with wood and blunt steel.
- Free sparring with wood and blunt steel.
Grade 6
A minimum of 12 months, or equivalent attendance, after achieving Grade 5. Need to pass a recognised coaching award or BFHS IL and first aid. Explain and demonstrate your understanding of how the system is self sufficient. Show confidence in using the system to control your opponent and the fight.
Step A- Explain the pieces of the Scheitel and how they relate to the generic principles of the system.
- Explain the pieces outside the manual and how they relate to the generic principles of the system.
- Apply your understanding of these principals to a given piece from another manuscript and/or period.
Step B (demonstrating includes showing and teaching, using wooden and blunt steel training swords).
- Demonstrate step A.
- Take a lesson on a given piece.
Step C
- Step B but semi-sparring.
- Free sparring with blunt steel.