I and a few members of the GHFS have been focusing on the transitions between the longsword stances in Joachim Meÿer’s treatise of 1570. Some stances are a bit unclear, like the Mittelhut, so we are also comparing a bit to slightly earlier sources like Paurnfeindt and Mair, for reference regarding the “unclear” stances.
We would like to collaborate with others in focusing on this topic and would like to invite everyone to join us in exploring both the material and ways to increase our strength and agility as well as building the physical “framework” so we can perform better.
We are of course also open to suggestions on how to expand this topic.
If you wish to join us, then just register on the site and let us know that you wish to participate so we can add you as a group member.
About Roger Norling
Roger Norling is an instructor on Joachim Meÿer's Halben Stangen (Quarterstaff) with
Gothenburg Historical Fencing School.
His main focus in his research is the "Kunst des Fechtens" and primarily the longsword, dussack and polearms. The last few years he has been focusing on the works of Joachim Meÿer and in this have enjoyed working together with the
Meyer Frei Fechter Guild and in May 2013 he became a Fechter of the MFFG. Recently, he has begun researching Meyer's dagger quite systematically using the same method he applied to his staff teachings.
Currently, he is writing on a series of books which will explore the teachings of Joachim Meyer, in collaboration with researcher friends in the HEMA community.
The upcoming two years he will be teaching Meÿer Halber Stangen at various HEMA events in Europe and the USA. For more about this, read his
instructor's profile.
Gothenburg Historical Fencing School
This is delightful. We’ll have great fun here!
This is a great topic to discuss. And one that is close to the study of Meyer. The guards and the actual positioning of our bodies is contingent upon what physical affect is taking place. And often that physical movement of our bodies, combined with wide stepping, and exaggerated body leaning, will help the sword to go faster to where you need it. Imagine you are throwing a Zwerch hau to an oppenent’s left ear, with a step of your right foot in the guard of the Dach, but lets say you wanted to zucken immediately at point of impact. Were you to immediately step to the opponents’ left as you are stepping to the right after doing the zwerch, with a Zucken, your momentum actually pulls your sword along. and you can easily develop a power that facilitates the umbschlagen, or striking around to the other side. Where, surprisingly enough, the opponent is usually open. Plus your body is moving on a line that is mostly 45 degrees and away, past the opponent, If you can stay behind your sword when doing this, it offers more protection. Keeping your hands high is advised by Meyer also. This is a simple example of body and cutting mechanics. there are many within the art of Meyer.
So to practice something like this, you could start without a sword. but keep your hands out in front of you. Make exaggerated steps, and lean deeply with your body offline. This is a great workout too. It works the right muscles. Maybe step first with the right foot deep to the opponents’ left side, and then quickly spring with your left foot pointed at the opponent around to his right, and quickly swinging your right leg behind your left. Your body should ideally remain facing the opponent. So you gotta turn your hips, this is helped by keeping your lead foot open. if you keep practicing this, it will make you quicker. And quicker is better. Also you can add an abzug strike after you have first stepped to your right, then around to your left with the triangle step, you can immediately step backwards, behind your right foot with a full step of the left foot and reverse the process, by turning your right foot open to the opponent and again turning your hips. You end up where you began, and are free to do it again! Practice this without a Sword frequently, and then try it with the Sword. Also reverse it, by starting to the left instead.
Lots of fun. and remember to lean your head and shoulders and try to stay behind your sword. Meyer advised this several times. So it is a prime example of Body mechanics that often affect the Cutting, thrusting and parrying mechanics. Body mechanics are useless though without advantageous stepping. Not only is it the stepping, but the foot placement that affects the body positioning. And lest we forget the most important thing is the feet take us in and out of measure. Footwork and Body mechanics are a great topic for continuous discussion, i think.
Hi Roger,
Great idea and I would like to join, but I can’t seem to register.
After filling in the required fields I don’t get a confirmation mail
greetz
Krist
Should be working now though. I got an email that you had registered and I have given you “contributor” rights so you can post articles. Let me know if you don’t receive any confirmation email and I will help you get things sorted.
Indeed Roger, it works
We started practicing Meyers longsword transitions in our club.
Looking forward in sharing ideas