Do rules ruin fencing? 🤔 I’ve taken a deeper look at fencing conventions from the 15th century through to modern HEMA tournaments. An in-depth analysis for anyone interested in the history and purpose of HEMA tournament rules.
The following text deals with the theory of fencing from a modern point of view and is primarily intended for referees, fencing coaches but also fencers who need to think about fencing more analytically. Ultimately, however, I find it useful for all advanced swordsmen to be familiar with the following terms and concepts, which could also help to clarify and improve public debate. The concepts and terms used in the article are ruleset agnostic and do not imply any particular refereeing style required. All systems either with priority or “after-blow” are compatible.
AI Translation
In the next installment of this occasional series, I would like to offer you an alternative version of the Schilhaw against the long point or similar middle positions. Later, I will also discuss Schiller against Oberhaw, as both variants should interpretively converge.
Today I would like to contribute something that has no real basis in historical sources and is just an observation inspired by our training process. Perhaps it will be an approach that we abandon in a few years or it will take hold and spread beyond the Trnava Fencing Guild. I personally hope it is not an artificial delusion, which combat arts are unfortunately full of today.
Zornhaw ort is the very first technique described in Lichtenauer’s Kunst des Fechtens. It’s sometimes considered as the most basic piece of the Zedel and therefore often overlooked. But it certainly deserves the same attention as more popular techniques like Zwerch or Schiller.