Codex Wallerstein...

[Shane Smith]

I was perusing the local gun and knife show today when I came across a copy of "Codex Wallerstein" by Zabinski and our own Bart Walczak. Based on Barts instruction from this text at the International Gathering as well as studying Bart's personal copy one evening at the lodge,I knew I had to have it for myself.Now that I do have my own copy,I realize that I had forgotten just how thorough a treatment of the WMA this book really is.From empty hand, to messer, to longsword,this work really covers alot of ground and does it well. I got mine! <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Casper Bradak]

Yeah, it's not the neatest fechtbuch ever compiled, but I think it's my all around favourite. It has a lot of really excellent techniques and advice.

[Stuart McDermid]

It's indispensible to those who study German medieval wrestling. It is the only source that shows striking. The prevalence of axe hand type blows is pleasing to my eyes.
Stu. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Shane Smith]

So Stu,do you think the good colonel had a copy of the Codex? <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" /> Or... do you think people instinctively know how to inflict maximum harm on others and that's why we see the same techniques resurface all throughout the martial history of Western warfare in times of dire need?

[Derek Wassom]

After looking through Jake Norwood's copy, I decided that getting this book was high priority. I just now got around to studying it. Great Stuff.

[Stuart McDermid]

Hi Shane,

I doubt it. There is a vast difference in method IMHO between Kampfringen and the English system that Col. Applegate taught.

WWII combatives tries to disable through repeated blows on the centreline. If a block is used then attacks are simply rained down on the forearms until the defence is battered aside.

From what I can see, the Kampringen method of long range striking works just like the dagger. You make an attack from well above that is powerful enough that it must either be voided completely or blocked. Because the attack comes from so far above, the defending hand is quite widespaced and in the time that the defender brings his arm up and over to block, the attacker can change the line of his attack to advantage and therefore transition to close distance in relative safety.
Cheers,
Stu.