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Blossfechten: Difference between revisions
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''all the length and breadth of the art.''|'''Johannes Liechtenauer'''}}
Pronounced "bloss-feshten" or "bloss-fekhten" in English, this submanual is a treatise on swordsmanship in poetic format, written by the 13th century [[Master Swordsman|Sword Master]] Johannes Liechtenauer. Its poetic format is considered to have been a kind of code and mnemonic device; it would at once prevent outsiders to the art from deciphering its techniques while providing easy ways for Liechtenauer's own students to memorise its concepts. As such, it is nigh impossible to pull together a martial art with this gloss alone. Considered in conjunction with later manuals such as the ''Codex Dobringer''
Note that the Bloßfechten is only one part of Liechtenauer's works, describing how to deal with an adversary in no armour or light armour. Other sections of his work describe techniques for armoured combat, fighting on horseback and techniques for spears, daggers and unarmed combat.
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This work, along with many associated works, can be read in full in English and Middle High German [http://www.wiktenauer.com here.] The documentary ''[[Reclaiming the Blade]]'' deals significantly with reconstructing Western medieval swordsmanship, most of which is based on the Bloßfechten. See ''[[Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship]]'' for a modern commentary and method for employing these techniques.
=== Core Teachings ===
* There are four openings, numbered 1 to 4.
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* In all fights, it is your goal to cause your adversary to over-commit to the defense of an opening and strike at whichever opening is both closest and undefended.
* At all times, have the body straight towards or at a 45 degree angle from the opponent, with the left leg forward and the right leg back. The right foot should be at an angle somewhere between 45 and 90 degrees
* You may also step back or to either side when striking. The best step to take depends on the conditions of the fight, terrain and one's objectives. Most strikes, however, are done with a step forward for momentum.
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* Every time you strike with a sword, your strike should end in one of these guards or at ''longpoint'', where the sword is held out with full arm extension. Certain strikes can only end in certain guards. A horizontal strike will always end in ''Ochs'', for example, as will an underhand strike. Any overhead strike, however, can end in ''longpoint'', ''Pflug'' or ''Alber''.
* There are five ''Master Strikes'', which are essentially all basic strikes used at the correct time for the correct reason. In his books, Liechtenauer details various binding<ref> When two swords meet, such as in the case of [[Blade Lock]]</ref> techniques that make sure these strikes always have a contingency. Except for the ''Zornhau'', all of these strikes are ''displacements'' designed for defeating certain guards.
** The ''Zornhau'' or ''Wrath Strike'' is simply a strike from your dominant shoulder to the opposite hip of your adversary. It's named so because a diagonal strike, downwards, from your dominant side, is the most powerful attack you can unleash.
** The ''Krumphau'' defeats ''Ochs''. With it, you strike your adversary's hand or blade rather than their body while stepping out to the side you are striking from. For instance, if you're striking from the right to the left, you step out right. This way, you displace your enemy's guard and prevent them from striking you, giving you a clear opening for attack.
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