Category Archives: Fencing

What’s with the crazy rapier pose in Meyer?

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Grauenwolf

What’s with this crazy posture found in both Meyer’s manuscript and printed manual? Currently we think it’s a teaching exercise associated the the Oberstich (High Thrust) device (Meyer Forgeng 2.61r.1 Garber page 203). Here is the commentary from our Meyer … Continue reading →

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When to step during a cut? A lesson from Suiō-ryū.

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Grauenwolf

For the past couple of decades, I’ve been taught and teach that you should time your cuts so that your foot lands at the same time your sword hits the target. And I continue to think that this is a … Continue reading →

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Rethinking Meyer Chapter 10

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Grauenwolf

Here’s how we currently see the 12 patterns from Meyer Chapter 10. The first pattern is the well known Meyer’s Cross, which opens with three slashes, then one of the four 4-cuts sequences, and finally a Zwerch to withdraw. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Longsword, Meyer's Longsword | Leave a comment

Schedelhauw (Scalp Cut) 1

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Grauenwolf

Meyer 2.55v.1 Also referred to as a Oberhauw (High Cut). This play feints a beat to create an opening on the other side. Agent Eisenport (Irongate) or Gerade Versatzung (Straight Parrying) Patient Eisenport (Irongate) or Gerade Versatzung (Straight Parrying) 1 Raise … Continue reading →

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Meyer Longsword Foundations: Pattern 1 [Script Draft]

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Grauenwolf

Meyer’s longsword manual is divided into an introduction, 12 chapters, and part 3. While it is important to read it in this order, for actual exercise it is more useful to start with chapter 10. This is where he starts … Continue reading →

Posted in Longsword, Meyer's Longsword | 2 Comments

Suiō-ryū Notes March 3

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Grauenwolf

Katana The second row of knuckles on the left (lower) hand must in alignment with the blade. The right (upper) hand rotates around the handle as necessary through the cut, turning the wrist outwards. In Tag, the arms must be … Continue reading →

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Capoferro: Retiring in Quarta

Posted on October 16, 2022 by Grauenwolf

An often overlooked aspect of the first play (plate 7, paragraph 35) is the final passage, and in such a conclusion would retire into a low quarta Far too often people just end the play when the opponent is struck. … Continue reading →

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Vier Versetzen: How does the Zwerch Defeat Tag?

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Grauenwolf

There are two ways the Zwerch (Thwart cut) can defeat Tag (High guard). The difference is not so much in the action itself, but rather the timing and distance. When Given a Tempo There are several ways an opponent can … Continue reading →

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What Part of the Sword to Cut With

Posted on August 11, 2022 by Grauenwolf

In Suiō-ryū class, we were told that the older styles would begin their cut at the Yokote, or transition from straight to curved part. As it slices, the point of contact will move towards the Kissaki or tip. Source: Katana … Continue reading →

Posted in Katana, Suiō-ryū | 1 Comment

Footwork Starts with the Shoulders

Posted on August 11, 2022 by Grauenwolf

As we have covered many times in the past, most steps should be made with the balls of the feet rather than the heel. The heel, if it touches the ground at all, should only do so lightly. Stepping in … Continue reading →

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