New Essay on Parrying

[Eric Dougherty]

The third part of JC's parrying essay is now up.

http://www.thearma.org/essays/parrying3.htm

The way John explains everything it is hard to see how anyone could still think that edge parries are supposed to be used. And as he points out, it's so logical. Great job, John!

[Mike Cartier]

yes great essay

[Guest]

Are there any such parries or deflections when you are using the murderstroke from Talhoffer ? Say if you are counter attacked when you throw the stroke at your apponent. So could you use the hilt/pummle ? Has anyone tried this out ? One other thing to consider is would it damage your own hands ?

Lots of techniques to play about with here ! Every technique must have a backup plan I beleive.

Corey L

[Shane Smith]

I am astonished that the edge vs. flat controversy has lasted this long.... The I33 manuscript is one of the oldest known and the parries and blocks shown are basically ALL on the flat from what I have observed in my studies.The works of the various Masters of the Lonsword are also full of illustrations of flat and sliding 45 degree parries. That alone should have solved the dilemma for us for all intents and purposes in my opinion. In all fairness though,the edge-on proponents would counter that the artisits at that time were not advanced enough to depict a sword edge-on due to a lack of ability to relay proper perspective...Given the high quality of the illustrations present however,I find that notion unlikely. <img src="/forum/images/icons/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I think what John has done is find written historical validation of what the illustrations were already telling those willing to listen. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Shane Smith]

Usually the murder-stroke would only be used in half-swording during armored combat.As such, it is not common that either you or your opponent would be relying on a slash and hack type of assault.You would be trying to wrestle one-another to the ground so that you could run a dagger through the others visor or throat.With that in mind,there would be little need to parry a cut from your opponent while armored as plate is largely invulnerable to such cutting attacks.Your primary concern would be the afore-mentioned takedown or simply running him through via a strong reinforced thrust.Also,the gauntlets worn while armored would protect your hands from most incidental contact.
Just to be thorough, while I don't believe the murder-stroke is a valid technique against an un-armored foe(why give him the hilt when the blade will do?)there are many half-swording techniques that ARE applicable to un-armored combat that are demonstrated in the manuals and it is good to practice all of these as part of your regular training and incorporate them into your sparring bouts.

[John_Clements]

Yes.
Here's one of the clearest images I've encountered of a flat parry, from a new manual we've acquired. This Hengen technique is described this way in several texts.

[George Turner]

Wow, that's beautiful! Will ARMA sell that as a poster? <img src="/forum/images/icons/ooo.gif" alt="" />