Meyer Staff Question

[Jaron Bernstein]

This is from Dr. Forgeng's Meyer translation (pg. 255 3.24r.1)

Another with the Crest Stroke

Note when you have bound your opponent as have taught, then covertly reverse your right hand on your staff, and meanwhile deceive him with body language, so that he does not observe your intent. Then when he least expects it, rapidly step to him with your right foot, and with this, strike a powerful and swift stroke straight from above at his head, palm away from you, so that you stand with your upper body well lowered after the blow. Then go quickly back up with your staff, and the same time step back again with your right foot, and recover your staff with your left hand, so that you can reestablish a strong parrying.

I have tried walking through this and it just feels really awkward. Any thoughts?

[Jeffrey Hull]

Does he mean to sort of slip the staff back and then snap the staff down and forth again, all consequent to reversing the grip?

And is not the left foot advanced at one point there?

Just some ideas -- guys who know the staff far better than I do are certainly in our ranks.

[Jaron Bernstein]

By my understanding you start this one off in a left foot forward Mittelhut. There plenty of ways that Meyer describes to hit the other guy on the head from there, but they all flow well. This one contorts the wrist awkwardly and I see no way to get a powerful hit from it.

[Ken Dietiker]

But he says, "Note when you have bound your opponent as have taught, then..."

I don't know Jaron. Seems to me he's saying that it's something to do after you've "bound" your opponent. I don't have the reference, but is there something preceding, or do you know what this particular bind he is speaking of should be? Sounds like there's more to it than just being in left foot middle guard, but some action to be taken while engaged in an actual bind.

Unless the meaning of "bound" is different here?

Otherwise, yeah, it is awkward and doen't make any sense.

Cheers!
Ken