2017-03-08 AHF Longsword

AHF Fencing 08-03-2017

Handwork Lessons: Verfliegen & Zucken, Felhen & Absetzen

Both sets of handworks are designed to allow you to decieve or interrupt your opponent and strike just after their strike. In each case the main movement of the handwork is delivered by the left hand on the pommel. The right hand acts as the pivot.

Verfliegen

Useful when you notice your opponent is keen to parry without striking back. Go to make the strike as usual, but before the blades make contact, quickly pull the blade back and around theirs to strike on the other side.

A: Zornhau, stepping out to the right

D: Attempts Zornhau parry

A: Before blade contact, pulls the blade back, stepping to the left delivers a cut on the other side to a high target zone

Zucken

Identical in form to Verfliegen but instead makes blade contact. At the point the defender goes strong, the attacker can pull the blade round their blade to strike.

A: Zornhau

D: Zornhau parry

A: On feeling D go strong, pulls the blade back, stepping out to the left, strikes a high target zone.

In both Verfliegen and Zucken there is a risk that a fast opponent will strike or follow through their attack during the quick pull back. The nature of these handworks favors catching your opponent off guard. Felhen and Absetzen are more defensive in that they natrually resemble a hanging parry during their transition.

Felhen

Works much like Verfliegn in that it is performed before blade contact. Requires a rotation of the pommel to allow you to pass their sword and strike. Works well against an opponent which is keen to rush in.

A: Zorhau stepping out to the right

D: Attempts Zornhau parry

A: Before blade contact is made, lifts the pommel and drops the point. Starts a rotational movement with the pommel that takes the point down, round and back against the opponent on the other side of the blade. Right hand stays mostly still, with left doing the rotational work. Performed whilst stepping out to the left.

Absetzen

Functionally identical to Felhen, however this time blade contact is made allowing attacker to determine if the defender goes strong or weak.

A: Zorhau

D: Attempts Zornhau parry

A: Makes blade contact to determines if D goes strong. Performs the same rotational movement as Felhen whilst stepping out to the left.

AHF Longsword 15-02-2017

Last week we covered the Shieldhau, when it was to be used and how to counter it.

This week we looked at the Krumphau. Two main use cases where presented.

• Offensively: as a preemptive strike whilst moving off line.
• Devensively: In response to an on-line attack like a thrust or Shieldhau

Offensive

Useful because it takes you off line and allows and should be delivered at maximum reach.

A: Does nothing

D: Steps off line to D's right, delivers Krumphau to A's lead arm or hands.

Defensive

A useful and unusual response to straight line attacks.

A: Thrusts

D: Steps off line to D's right and performs Krumphau. Binding with their blade, locking it down. (Sword pointing towards the floor).

D: Rotates the pommel again to deliver a Shieldhau to the head.

Another variant for D.

D: Steps off line to D's right and delivers Krumphau. Once (or regardless) blade contact is made continue the downward motion running off their blade to swing round and deliver either a Shieldhau or Zwerchhau to attackers head.

!3, A's counter to the Krumphau

The standard counter to a Krumphau is to go strong. D can counter this as shown.

A: Thrusts

D: Performs Krumphau stepping off line.

A: Goes strong attempting to lift their blade against the Krumphau.

D: Cannot risk releasing the blade to use previous.

D: Raises crossguard to A's hands attempting a grapple.

D: Moves underneath and delivers a pommel strike to the head.

When bound like this, A should drop their sword and grapple.

We also observed that A would likely attempt to back off to deliver an off tempo strike whilst retreating.

Noted that a correctly executed Krumphau against an opponents trhust should leave you in Shrankhut:

A guard delivered with crossed hands and the point towards the ground.

By keeping their blade low you prevent them from doing anything in response which is why A's counter of going strong proves at least troublesome for the Krumphau.