The Rules of Martial Arts There are rules in martial arts. The rules in modern martial arts are many and varied. These arts are often oriented towards sporting applications or may be practiced for fitness or spiritual development rather than … Continue reading
Chronicon Helvetiae
Just some brief reflections on images from Chronicon Helvetiae by Christoph Silberysen, dated to 1576, currently kept in the Aargauer Kantonsbibliothek in Aarau, Switzerland. Christoph Silbereysen (* 1541 in Baden AG; † 1608 in Wettingen) was abbot of the Cistercian Monastery of Wettingen. The chronicle … Continue reading
Keywords: battle, catholic, chronicles, halberd, kappel, landsknecht, Longsword, Meÿer, pike, protestant, reisläufer, swiss, urban warfare, urs grafThe Secret Fechtbuch of the Little Fuggers.
The famous Augsburg family Fuggers are still considered to have been one of the wealthiest families in the world of all times, and since they were based in Augsburg, and also lived in Nuremberg and other well-known centres of fencing, … Continue reading
Keywords: Augsburg, Fechtbuch, Fugger, Mair, SchwartzFederschwert or a blunt longsword?
What kind of steel longsword should one choose for sparring? There are of course many aspects to consider. However, many instinctively discount the so called federschwert, since they look too weak and commonly are associated with sports fencing in late … Continue reading
Keywords: Federschwert, Longsword, Training swordDeutsche Fechtkunst im 16. Jahrhundert.
What was it like in a German 16th Century Fechtboden? Here is a glimpse written by Prof. Dr. G Panconcelli-Calzia in 1926, based on his studies of the manuscript entitled “Codex Guelf 83.4 August 8°, which still resides in the … Continue reading
Keywords: Fechtkunst, FechtschuleSpinning around Hollywood Style?
Never ever turn your back against your opponent sounds like a good, solid advice, but is it always so? What do you do for instance, when you face multiple opponents? This article will give a few examples of Renaissance sources … Continue reading
Keywords: Jogo do Pau, Stage fencingKnightly Arts: A true-hearted letter of warning of the sad state of current Christianity.
Knightly Arts: A true-hearted letter of warning of the sad state of current Christianity. Author: Roger Norling of Gothenburg Historical Fencing School How did one train soldiers and horses for war in the 17th century? These images give a small … Continue reading
Keywords: Battle Field, Combat, Horse, Horses, WarIs there really a Left Vom Tag?
Well there is a right Vom Tag, and a middle one… so there has to be a left Vom Tag as well, hasn’t there? We make all master cuts cut from both sides, so it is simple logic, right? Looking … Continue reading
Keywords: Guards, Leger, Liechtenauer, Longsword, Vom TagHow do you do the Vom Tag?
No, it’s not the hottest, new move on the dance floor. It’s just the old High Guard as it is taught by Master Liechtenauer and his disciples, may God rest their souls. But how should it be done, really?
Keywords: Guards, Leger, Liechtenauer, Longsword, Paurnfeindt, Vom TagHow long should a longsword be?
A simple reply would be long enough to reach your opponent. Stupid answer, I know… But the question is also stupid… sort of. Let me explain. Real longswords from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance can range from about 110cm … Continue reading
Keywords: Length, Longsword
Gothenburg Historical Fencing School
