A Historical Martial Arts blog by Jens P. Kleinau
Two "Hangs" arise in one-handed fencing in general, in all fencing be it strikes or leger, be it soft or hard. Make the "Speaking Window" and stand cheerfully and see what his cause is. Hit him in the mouth when he wants to pull out. I tell you again and again: no one protects himself … Continue reading The Hanging
A nearly critical edition of the "original" Liechtenauer poem with modern translation! Written:Junger Ritter lerne Gott lieb haben, Frauen ja ehreSo wächst deine Ehre.Übe Ritterschafft, und lerne Kunst, die dich zieretund_in Kriegen sehr hofiehret.[Des] Ringens gute Fesser,Glefen, Speere, Schwerter und Messer[die] Mannlichen bedürfen,und_[sind]_in andern Händen verderben. Hau drein und hurrt dar,rausche hin, triff oder lass … Continue reading Liechtenauer New Glosses – Preface
The analysis of the Liechtenauer fencing poem was the first step to create a critical edition based on content and linguistic aspects. The preconditions that lead to this method of analysis had been discussed in the article entitled: The Path to the Origininal Poem of Master Liechtenauer. For the analysis of the Liechtenauer version I … Continue reading Analysis of the Liechtenauer Poem
If we compare the versions of the Zedel by Master Liechtenauer to each other, and to the poem originated by Magister Beringer we will recognize at first sight the different number of verses. Same happens in comparison of the Nürnberg Hausbuch with most of the other variants of Liechtenauer Zedel. Comparing Versions by the Word … Continue reading The path to the original poem of Master Liechtenauer
The understanding of the terms "Vorschlag" and "Nachschlag" in the teaching of Johannes Liechtenauer is widely based on the interpretations done in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The early reception of the texts had been flavored by the modern understanding of 16th century fightbooks like those of Joachim Meyer. While Joachim Meyer himself never … Continue reading The true meaning of “Vorschlag” and “Nachschlag”
In the first surviving manuscript based on the teaching of Johannes Liechtenauer, the GMN 3227a, we already find several references to the Fechtschule, a fighting sport/show event. Not only that the author begs to differ the Liechtenauer way from the Fechtschul fencing (on 14r), he gives some recommendation how do a good show yourself and … Continue reading Fechtschule in the GMN 3227a – transcribed and translated
I tried to translate the transcription not too literal. That makes the reading of some lines easier while it safes as much from the original intention as possible. If you like to compare the transcription with another one, have a look at the work of Dierk Hagedorn. In the translation to modern German and English … Continue reading GMN 3227A 28v Schielhau (transcribed, translated)
The art of fighting is brutal, bloody and incorporates an unhealthy mindset based on the most effective destruction of human life. But it is unquestionable an art. And as a art it is cultivated and honored as one of the high and noble arts during the history of mankind. The article series on "The virtues … Continue reading The virtues of fighting – The Liechtenauer manuscript GMN 3227a
The text in this chapter of the book is one of the easiest to understand in comparison to some of the other parts of this book. That does not mean, that it is easy at all. Here I added some comments of my understanding side by side to the propositions in this medieval text. And … Continue reading GMN 3227A 64r-65r Bloßfechten (explained)
The so called Döbringer Manuscript is transcribed and translated by enthusiasts all over the world. So there seems no need to for a new transcription and translation. But I felt not that way. The reason is easily explained: a transcription and a translation is always a work of interpretation. Presenting another one is sharing a … Continue reading Transcriptions and translations of the GMN 3227a
Hans Talhoffer 