Longsword
The longsword, prevalent from the 14th to the 16th century, spanning the medieval to the Renaissance period, had an average length of 100 to 130 cm and weighed between 1.1 to 1.8 kg. It featured a double-edged blade with a sharp point. Primarily wielded with both hands, it was also possible to use it with one hand when necessary, and even employ the Halbschwert (half-swording) technique, gripping the blade halfway, for combat purposes.
German Longsword
Kunst des Fechtens(KDF), also known as "The Art of Fighting," is a German medieval martial art that originated in the 14th century. The teachings of this martial art were shrouded in secrecy by its master, Johannes Liechtenauer, who only shared them with his select students. Liechtenauer composed a series of verses, which served as a secret code for his students to decipher and understand his teachings.
As Liechtenauer's students became masters themselves, they spread his teachings and documented them in various manuals. These manuals, written by masters in the Liechtenauer style, serve as the primary source of our knowledge about KDF. Some manuals heavily rely on illustrations, while others focus more on textual explanations. One notable example is a manual by Sigmund ain Ringeck, who provided his own commentaries on Liechtenauer's original verses, aiding others in decoding their meaning.
Our Technique Training Courses will practice Sigmund ain Ringeck's Longsword system.
Joachim Meyer
Joachim Meyer (ca. 1537 - 1571) was a prominent 16th-century German cutler, Freifechter (free fencer), and fencing master. He is considered the last major figure in the lineage of the German grandmaster Johannes Liechtenauer.
Meyer's writings aimed to encompass the entire art of fencing, a feat he claimed had never been accomplished before. His treatises drew from various sources and traditions, resulting in a diverse compilation of teachings. Rather than merely presenting underlying theories or listing techniques, Meyer structured his treatises as progressive lessons, providing a systematic process for learning fencing. He illustrated his techniques with depictions of fencers in courtyards, employing the training Longsword"Federschwert".
The initial section of Meyer's treatise focused on the Longsword, which he considered the foundational weapon of his system. This section dedicated significant space to fundamentals like stance and footwork. Meyer incorporated teachings from Freifechter Andre Paurenfeyndt and insights from Liechtenauer glossators Sigmund ain Ringeck. He also introduced unique terminology found in Martin Syber's Recital. Unlike his contemporary, Paulus Hector Mair, who compiled teachings, Meyer sought to update and reinvent them to suit the martial climate of the late 16th century. He adapted techniques to accommodate the increased momentum of the 16th-century Longsword. He modified others to comply with street-fighting laws in German cities, emphasizing beats with the flat and winding slices over thrusts, aligned with Fechtschule rules.
Our Essential course teaches Joachim Meyer's Longsword system and is also included in our Technique Courses and Training Courses.
Federschwert
By the 16th century, the longsword was not commonly used in military or civilian contexts. Nevertheless, it continued to be practiced in fencing schools as a weapon of tradition and sport. In Meyer's treatise, like in many other German fencing manuals, practitioners use steel "Federschwert" for training. These practice swords resemble sharpened longswords but are blunt with a rounded point. They also feature distinctive "winged" ricasso areas known as the schilt or shield. This type of sword seems to have been popular for training purposes since at least the 15th century, as depicted in period iconography.
competition
As we practice with steel longswords, appropriate protective gear is necessary. With sufficient protective equipment, we can engage in full-speed, full-force sparring, which is where HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) comes closest to real combat. Currently, there are more and more formal HEMA competitions worldwide. So, if you're interested in testing your skills against athletes from other countries, the longsword would be one of your best choices for participating in these competitions.
