Few Questions - Footwork & Next Book

[Jim Reed]

After research here and on Amazon I recently purchased Tobler's "Fighting with the German Longsword" and have begun trying to work through the basics. I think I'm doing ok with the basic guards and understand most of the basic footwork, though I need some further reading on the difference between Tobler's slope pace step and the triangle steps I've seen in other forum posts here.

First question - I'm having a problem with the footwork in a particular drill in Tobler's book. The drill is made up mostly of transitioning between vom Tag and Alber (drill #2 if you have the book) using slope paces. In the middle of the drill there is a transition from left Alber to left vom Tag with a 180 degree turn.

That turn has me flumoxed. I understand how to transition from one guard to another and 'follow the sword' with my body and feet. How do I do that with a complete turn? If I just pivot on both feet I can turn quickly but I'm left with the wrong leg leading for left vom Tag.

Second question - I'm planning on buying several more books over the next several months. What I'm looking for initially are books that contain detailed drills, diagrams, etc. that I can build a training curriculum from. I'm coming at this with basically no martial arts experience, so the more basic step by step instructions I can get at first the better.

In that light, which would be my best next purchase: Medieval Swordsmanship by JC, Ringeck by Lindholm or something else? I'm leaning towards JC's book first, but the various reviews seem to indicate it is more comprehensive. Normally that's a good thing, but can anyone confirm it contains footwork diagrams, detailed drills, and other step by step basics? I'll eventually get them all in my library, but which would be best for the next step in truly beginner solo study?

Thanks for the assistance.

[Will Adamson]

Comprehensive manuals are going to contain alot of interpretations that not eveyone agrees with. (Imagine that! ) JC's Medieval Swordsmanship and Guy Windsor's Swordsman's Companion are two that I have. Like many folks starting out, I used JC's books. I got Windsor's later, but I found that I didn't agree with, or just maybe couldn't understand some of his solo stuff. Much of JC's material has changed over time from what I understand.

The Lindholm Ringeck is fantastic, but doesn't necessarily offer as comprehensive of a guide as the other two I have mentioned. (I don't mention Tobler's book because I have never even seen it.) It does offer good explanations of basics as far as guards, cuts, and strategy, but you'll just have to put together a training regime for yourself.

Getting some in person instruction is the key, and then keep seeking it out to get a broad range of viewpoints and methods while gaining experience. Pretty soon you should be able to work off of the devices in Ringeck. I like Forgeng's Meyer book because it is purely a translation and has good reproduction of the great artwork. For that you'll have to go to Amazon UK. I don't seem to have the link anymore.

[Benjamin Smith]

Not having the book I can't tell you, but... I can tell you how to transition from left Alber to left Vom Tag with a 180 turn. Also I don't know how Tobler has arranged his footwork naming, (whether names for things are determined by the forward foot or the side the sword is on (back foot)). So here goes...

Assuming left Alber has your right leg forward, pass backward (this will have some swivel in it if you want a full 180) and turn on your toes to face what was behind you. As you do this raise your sword from Alber to Vom Tag over your left shoulder.

Assuming Tobler's left alber has the left leg forward, pivot your right leg behind your body to the left, so that you can face directly behind you, and again perform a volta (turning with your weight on your toes and not moving your feet appreciably) to face the other direction bringing your sword up to Vom Tag.

In reality you should practice doing both, as well as independent voltas which should get you a 135 -160 degree turn with a basic stance, and the variations of these two steps with the alternate foot forward so that you turn to your left not your right.

[Aaron Kavli]

I like Forgeng's Meyer book because it is purely a translation and has good reproduction of the great artwork. For that you'll have to go to Amazon UK. I don't seem to have the link anymore.

Plain ol' Amazon.com has Forgeng's book now, and it is only $40 from $65(and qualifies for free shipping). I got mine right after Jake's Meyer seminar. Also looking at Lindholm's books on Amazon, they seem to have been reduced in price too and qualify for free shipping.

There's just too many books for me to read...

[Jim Reed]

Thanks guys. Will, from what you're saying it sounds like JC's book might be the next to get - or at least it sounds like Lindholm's may be something I'd be better suited to wait on until I've read some others first.

I agree on the in person instruction. I haven't found anybody in the area yet, but I'm eagerly awaiting the next NTP to show up within a several hour drive radius.

Assuming left Alber has your right leg forward, pass backward (this will have some swivel in it if you want a full 180) and turn on your toes to face what was behind you. As you do this raise your sword from Alber to Vom Tag over your left shoulder.

This is the exact scenario in the drill. I guess I was missing the pass back, which kept leaving my left leg leading once I'd turned on my toes. I'll have to try this out and see if I can put it together with the guard transition itself.

[Jim Reed]

There's just too many books for me to read...

That's exactly the problem I'm having I'll eventually get to a lot of them, just trying to plot the best course for now.

[Will Adamson]

I forgot to point out that JC's Medieval Swordsmanship uses English names for guards. In discussions they usually end up being called by either thier German or Italian names. Some just getting started might find this easier.

[Randall Pleasant]

I forgot to point out that JC's Medieval Swordsmanship uses English names for guards. In discussions they usually end up being called by either thier German or Italian names. Some just getting started might find this easier.

Be sure to check out John's Second Edition Closing Comments on Medieval Swordsmanship.
http://www.thearma.org/MSsup.htm

[Nathan Dexter]

I think the best things are the period manuals. (that is if you can get them, and then decifer them )