I was in a local used bookstore the other day when I saw an interesting newspaper clipping on a book shelf that caught my eye. It was a series of illustrations that appeared to be little more than pictoglyphs, depicting guards of the longsword.
Taking a look, I noted several of them, including "Tag" "Schankrut" and "Hangentorte". (This was the spelling that appeared by the pictures). Some of the illustrations looked different from the versions I have seen in certain fechtbuchs. I asked the guy there if he knew which newspaper it came from, but unfortunately he did not. Sadly, the only medieval books found in the store are those that have battle techniques that are litte more than generalizations. I guess nobody wants to give up their medieval fencing books yet. <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />
I also read an interesting survival book that included instructions as to how to survive a sword attack. Interestingly, the author recommended to step in to an attack in order to cut it off. He also recommended displacing, rather than just blocking your opponent's attacks, stating that you should strike after displacing when your opponent cannot defend himself.
However, he recommended against using thrusts, stating that they would throw one off balance! <img src="/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I know from experience that a well placed thrust is very effective. Even more odd, the swords illustrated looked like fencing foils, and it is my understanding that these weapons are made almost exclusively for thrusting. Any idea why the author would recommend against thrusting?
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