A Historical Martial Arts blog by Jens P. Kleinau
Gloss Liechtenauer wants the young knights to love God. As Alanus de Insula said in his Summa de arte praedicatoria relying on Ephes. 3, “Amor Dei mater est omnium virtutum, amor saeculi mater est omnium vitiorum.”, the love to God is the mother of all virtues, while the love for worldly things is the mother … Continue reading Liechtenauer New Glosses – Preface Part 1
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. Two simple explanations come to … 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
On the translation of the manuscript I tried to translate the transcription very literal. That makes the reading of some lines hard but 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. I commented the … Continue reading GMN 3227A 64r-65r Bloßfechten (transcribed, translated)
Transcription of GMN 3227a 60r WEr abe synnet *- vechtenß czu fuße begyn[n]et // Der schicke syn sper * czwey sten am anheben rechte wer // Sper und orte * den vorstich one vorchte // Sprink und setz recht an * wert her – czuk das sigt ym an // wiltu vorstechen mit czuc= ken lere … Continue reading Kampffechten GMN 3227a 60r (translated and explained)
