Research and Discussion Forums

Ran makes a good point about pulling the hilt down. In practicing this technique, we had problems not only pulling the hilt down but tending also to pull the hilt in towards the body. It was awkward trying to extend and make good contact with a fully generated zornhau from the other guy without pass...

"Staying put" does seem rather un-Liechtenauer, doesn't it? Even with the following thrust, it's just not that aggressive to me.

Question on the notion of using the zornhaw as a counterstrike without passing forward as you strike. This book shows the zornhaw used against an incoming zornhaw by leaning into the strike rather than passing forward into it. Then after engaging your opponent's blade, you step forward with your thr...

Hmmm. I think Ran makes an interesting point about the right side zorn being a low trajectory one and not the same as one thrown from the shoulder. Actually, I think I've heard this interpretation before. The zorn is described as being from the side and not from the shoulder, although the shoulder i...

OK, I think we're getting to the meat of it here, Shane. You write, "We must conclude that a zornhau can come from the right shoulder where it can be broken by zwerch." It can certainly come from the right shoulder, but why would you conclude that it can be broken by a zwerch? "Note: ...

Shane writes "To me, "all downward strikes made from above" certainly includes zornhau, the most likely strike from above. it's also obvious from the text that you are zwerching in response to his oberhau." Agreed. I'm not arguing against the zwerchau being correct against a zorn...

Bill writes. "It still embodies what is a Meisterhau, it covers you(closes a line of attack from your opponant) and strikes your opponant, at the same time. Regardless of who strikes first." I really have to disagree here with the part about who strikes first. I think being the one who ini...

Just to further the arguement a little bit and to clarify my earlier remarks in answer to Rod. If your interpretation of a meisterhau is that it is an entering move designed to break a guard such as vom tag, then the zwerch works just fine regardless of the height difference between the fighters or ...

Upon further reflection, it could be argued (depending on your interpretation) that the zwerchau used as a meisterhau is not intnded to counter a zornhau, but rather a vertical downward oberhau from vom tag. In this case, we don't really see a disadvantage for the shorter fighter. It seems to work p...

We have that same situation here in Va. Beach as well. I have two shorter members in my group. I'm about 6'4" and both of these men are around 5' 7". We've encountered the same problems with the zwerch against the zorn. We're in agreement with the other comments. In addition, we've noticed...

Just an update on the wasters from Raven Studios. www.little-raven.com. They have lengthened the guards and made a few minor adjustments as per ARMA members input. There is now an option for pommels. You can get the original scent stopper or the newer flat disc type (pictured in the Virtual Classroo...

That's my favorite part of my Raven. The balance is excellent. Best I've handled for a waster. Makes my Wooden Weapons longsword seem like a klunky monster. I now use that one for strength training. No kidding. Chris Readle had a sprained wrist, and he borrowed it (the Wooden Weapons one) for that v...

The Raven wasters are available at www.little-raven.com. Sorry, I guess we forgot to post that. Or just do a search for Raven Studios.

Joel

I'd just like to throw my two cents in here. If you check their site, there are choices of different woods for the handles, pommels, and guards. I really like my waster. Mine is just like Shane's. Handles great, holds up well. We don't baby our wasters at ARMA VAB, and these are holding up very well...

Welcome to all the new members. As a four year veteran, I can only say that it gets better and more interesting as time goes by. You become more confident in your abilities. The techniques you learn become automatic, which allows you to see and understand more. We are all students, from John Clement...