Kölner Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150)

Kölner Fechtbuch
MS Best.7020 (W*)150, Historisches Archiv Cologne, Germany
125px 125px ff 1v - 2r
Hagedorn Leng —
Wierschin Hils 25
Type	Fencing manual Wrestling manual
Date	ca. 1500s
Language(s)	Early New High German (Ripuarian)
Author(s)	Unknown
Size	22 folia
External data	Handschriftencensus
Treatise scans	Microfilm scans
Other translations	Traduction française

The MS Bestellen 7020 W*150 is an anonymous German fencing manual created in the early 16th century. It resided in the holdings of the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln in Cologne, Germany, but was unfortunately housed in the wing of the Archive that collapsed in 3 March 2009;^{[citation needed]} its current status is unknown, and it may be lost or destroyed. The so-called Kölner Fechtbuch (Fencing Manual of Cologne) contains a few verses resembling Johannes Liechtenauer's epitome, but it has few other obvious parallels to the teachings of the high master. However, as James Wallhausen points out, it does bear a certain resemblance to the syllabus of the Marxbrüder fencing guild as described by Hans Sachs.

Provenance

The known provenance of the MS Bestellen 7020 W*150 is:

• Created in the early 1600s by an anonymous scribe; the dialect of German used in the text (Ripuarian) suggests an origin in Cologne, Germany.
• before 1824 – acquired by scholar and collector Ferdinand Franz Wallraf (donated upon his death, 1824).
• 1824-2009 – held by the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln (potentially destroyed, 2009).
• 2009-present – status unknown.

Contents

Folio	Section
1r - 1v	Metallurgical recipe  Images English Translation Transcription by Dieter Bachmann [1r] [No text] [1v] Salamonais j loitt Wijßs victoriale j loitt Spainsgroen j loyt Salpeter j loytt Seyer nach anderhalff so vyll sylbers als goltz
2r - 8r	Anonymous longsword devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Here distinguishes the text and the recital of the long sword, to do it best from the start and to stretch the arm freely so that whatever you fight, you’ll be prepared. [2r] Hyr hebet sich aen der text vnd zedell ym langen sweerd Zom eersten mach gudt bossenn vnd streck dy arm fry wastu dan fichts das wapent sich. Note: the four cuts are explained thus: the descending cut from the right shoulder with the long edge, and do it best with the left foot. The same goes for the left descending cut performed best with the right foot and cut with the long edge dropped through the head :~ Item dy .V. hewe vernym also, den ouer hewe van der rechter achselin myt langer snyden vnd mach bossen myt dem lincken voysz des glichen yst auch der linck ouer hewe mach bossen myt dem rechten voysz vnd hawe myt der langen snyden durch ym deen koff ym stortz :- Note: cut around again through the head in to the shield, and again around by the head to drop, and lay the sword trailing over the back, let it sink to the right side. Turn the pommel toward the opponent and the point out behind so that it comes in to do the right middle cut. Continue to cut around forward around the head in to the left middle cut, and again around the head in to the right shifter with the long edge down with the short edge up round the head in to the left shifter. Those are the four cuts, learn each one to show the opponent how to fight correctly :~ Item hewe veder vmb durch ym den koff yn schylt vnd vidder vmb durch ym den koff yn stortz, vnd lech das swert vff den ruck laysz esz syncken vff dy rechten syten Keer den knouff gegen den man vnd den ort hynder vsz so komstu yn den rechten myttel hewe Hewe vur ewech vmbden koff yn den lincken myttel hewe, vmd vidder vmb yn den koff yn dy rechte weschel myt der langenn snyden nydder myt der kortzen snydenn [2v] vff vmb den koff yn den lincken weschell. das synt dy .V. hewe dy eyn ycklin[g]er leren sail der anders recht fechten wil:- 200px Note: hereafter follows the text and explanation on how one shall cut. Item hyr volgt nach der text vnd gloysz dar na man hewen sael. Note: it is according to this figure that one shall cut; always cut through the face with outstretched arms, and perform it best in all things so that you cannot fail. Item nach deser figuren sall man hewen, alle hewe durch das gesicht mit gestreckten armen vnd mach gut bossen yn allen dyngen so mach dir nyt misseligen. Note: hereafter follows the recital on the long sword, If you want to drive strongly, fight with the entire body, both low and high, these two things strongly drive; that I wish to abide. [3r] Item hyr nach volget der zedell des langenn swerts wastu starck wils dryben das fecht myt gantzem lebe beyd vnden vnd obenn dy zwei dyngdryb starck das will ich lobenn. Note: if thou art intimidated easily, no fighting shalt thou study. Who wants to fight shall have the heart of a lion and the sharp sight of a falcon, and shalt be as nimble as a bird. Item erschrecks du gern keyn fechten nummer enlern, Wer fechten will der sall haben eyn hertz alsz eyn lewe vnd sall al so scharff seen alsz eyn valck vnd sall also behende syn alsz eyn vogel. Note: the four openings of the sword explained thus: the two upper openings of the head and other two lower openings under the arms on both sides. Item dy vyer bloyß ym swerd vernym also, dy zwo ouer bloyß am haupt dy ander zwo vnderbloyß zo beyden syten vnder deen armen. Note: the four postures explained aswell; place the sword at the right shoulder and in order to perform it best, hold your body balanced, and the left upper posture is the same as this, but positioning the right foot forward. Item dy veyr leger vernym al so. lege das swert vff dy rechte aschel vnd setz dyn liff yn wage myt guden bossen des glychen yst auch der lynck ouerleger stell den rechten voyß vur. The lower right posture explained thus: position the left foot forward and lay the sword with the hilt at the right leg with the point toward the opponent’s face, the same applies to the left low posture turn the sword to put the point toward the opponent’s face. Das rechte vnder leger v[er]nym also stell den lyncken voyß vur vnd lege das swert myt dem geholtz [3v] vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegent das gesicht, des glich yst auch der linck vnder leger keer das swert denn ort dem mann gegen das gesicht. Note: the four engagements of the sword explained thus: bind on him with the short edge on the upper left opening. Step forward and bind him with the long edge on the upper right opening. Step forward and strike him aiming at the lower left opening with the short edge and step forward and strikeaiming at the lower right opening with the flat. Item dy vyer an bynde ym swert vernym also bynde ym an myt der kortzen snyden an dy lincken ouer bloyß trydt vort vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden an dy rechte ouer bloyß tryt vortvnd slage ym nach der lyncken vnder bloyß myt der kortzen snyden vnd tryt vort vnd slage ym nach der rechten vnder bloyß myt der flech. Note: a technique called “the wing”; bind high with the short edge and strike him aiming at the lower right opening with the long edge and soon with the short aiming at the high opening and cut through at the opponent in to the lower left position. Item eyn stuck heyst der flogel bynde ym ouen mit der kortzen snyden vnd slage ym nach der rech-ten vnder bloyß mit langer snyden. vnd bald myt der kortzen nach der ouer bloyß vnd hewe durch van dem man yn das lyncke vnder leger. Note: a technique called “the flinch”. Act as if your would engage on the right and bind him on the left and act as if you would engage on the left and bind him on the right and cut with your strength with the long edge to the opponent in to the lower left posture - thusly are you not open to exposure. Item eyn stuck heyst das verzocking. do als wul[4r]stu ym recht anbinden vnd bynd ym lincks an vnd do als wulstu ym lyncks an bynden vnd bynde ym rechs an vnd hewe dich starck myt der langen snyden van dem man yn den lyncken vnder leger so bist tu nicht bloyß zo vinden. Note: a technique called the “through-shift”. Expose (lit: ‘free’) yourself on both sides thus making your opponent want both, and cut freely whilst stepping from one opening to the other, so having a joyful journey. Item eyn stuck heyst der durch weschell. fry van beyden syten so machs du des mans woel beyden vnd hewe myt schryden fry van eyner bloyß zoder andern so machs frolich wandern. Note: a technique named “the iron door”. Position yourself in the lower left posture and let the point sink to the ground and cut “the wing” and strike forward from the right side in to the shield and again from the left side to plunge so that you come out of the iron-door into “the trench” cut. Item eyn stuck dy yser porte geheyssen. lege dich yn das lynck vnder leger vnd layß den ort synckenn vff dy erde vnd hewe den flogell vnd strych vß der rechten syten vur yn schylt vnd vß der lincker syten widder vff yn stortz so komstu vß der ysern porten yn den gassenhewe. Note: a technique called “the tenacity”. The tenacity is explained thus turn from the right posture into the left and from the left again into the right so that whatever the opponent wants to drive at you, you can break his strikes. Item eyn stuck heyst der pluck. den pluck vernym [4v] also wendt vß dem rechten leger yn den lincken vnd vß dem lincken widder yn rechten so sichstu was der man vff dych dryben will ader stycht her du kanß ym brechenn. Note: a technique called “the fool”. The fool explained, thus turn the point in with ease and hold the shield in front of the head therewith to break what the opponent strikes From the Roof :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der olber. den olber vernym also kere den ort yn dy lucht vnd halt den schiltvur den koff was der man slecht van dach das kan man dar myt brechenn:- Note: a technique called “the squinter”. ‘The squinter’ explained thus, squint left and strike right, and squint right and strike left, so you proceed against the opponent with a joyful facial expression (lit: “with a face of Joy”) - so his is not. Item eyn stuck heyst der schilder. den schilder vernym also schyl lincks vnd slach rechs, vnd schil rechst vnd slach lincks. so veruerß du den man mit dem gesicht des frewet her sych nycht. Note: a technique called “the [bell-]ringer”. The “ringer” explained thus; chime one time, two, three against his blade so that you make his openings ;~ Item eyn stuck heyst der scheller. den scheller vernym also schelle eyn mael. Zwei. dry. vidder syme clyngen so machst du yn bloyß vynden :- Note: a technique called “the inverter” explained thus: place your sword in front of your head, lay the point sinking down behind and twist to the right side and to the left flying from one to the other, so can he not guard against you, so you perform in there soon as you find an exposure, so is this the correct way to invert :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der verkerer. den verkerer [5r] vernym also lech dyn swerd vuer den koff. layß den ort hinder nidder sincken vnd kerre yn vff dy recht syten vnd vff dy lincken flucks van eyner zo der ander so kan er sich vur dyr nyt huden so machs du yn gare balde bloyß vynden so yst der verkerer gerecht:- Note: a technique called “the Ox”. The Ox explained thus: place the pommel at the chest and point the sword toward the opponent’s face, and penetrate strongly at him and cut in to “the wing” and fly from the right side in to the “squint” strike from “the shield” aiming for the upper left exposure and swing to the right, so he must forestall or he shall be struck hard :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der ocks. den ocksen vernym also sets den knouff an dy brust den ort dem man gegen dem gesycht vnd drynge starck zo ym vnd hewe yn den flogel vnd flucks vß der rechten syten yn schyll slach vß dem schylt nach der lincken ouerbloyß vnd swyndt nach der rechten so muß er versetzen ader wyrt hart geslagenn:- Note: a technique called “the speaking window”. This explained thus; make a wind for the head so that you arms are cross-wise, thus shall you proceed there upon what the opponent wants to drive, and go get great strikes thereafter. From the Speaking-Window you can break him from both sides striking left or right :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der sprech vinster. das vernym also mach eyn winde vur dem kopf das dyn armen krutzwerß synt so sychstu dar zußen vß was der man dryben will vnd gayn gare grosse streych dar nach [5v] vß dem sprech vinster du kanst yn zo beyden syten slagen lyncks ader rechs:- Note: a break comes from the speaking-window. Thus your opponent’s strong stroke falls with the short edge forward to push his sword blade away, continuously exposing his head to you :~ Item eyn broch komt vß der sprech vinster. so dyr eyn man starck zom kopf sleget valle ym mit der kortzen snyden vuer syn clynge stoysz ym syn swerte weck so entbloyß du ym syn kopf:- Note: a technique called “the golden cut”. Act as if you want to bind on the left at the strike in two or three strikes after another, aiming out his upper right opening is thus the “golden cut” correct :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der gulden hewe. do alß wolstu ym rechst an bynden vnd bynd ym lincks an slage ym zween ader dry slege nach en andern nach siner rechten ouer bloyß so yst der gulden hewe recht:- Note: a break over “the golden cut”. When you shall seek the use of one of the golden cuts, so strike him with the short edge at his left upper opening so that whatever he then strikes you can fore-stall him, and step to his back and cut with the golden cut to drop through at the opponent and lay yourself in to the lower left posture so that are you prepared again :~ Item eyn broch ouer den gulden hewe. Wan du suchs das eyner den gulden hewe bruchen wyll so slage ym mit der kortzen snyden an syn linck ouer bloiß was er dan slecht das kanstu versetzenvnd tryt zo ruck vnd hewe dich mit dem gulden [6r] hewe van dem man durch yn sturtz vnd lechs dich in das linck vnder leger so bistu widder gewapent:- Note: a technique called “the Triangle”. The Triangle is explained thus: place yourself in the right shifter and stepforward with your right foot to his right side, and push his sword away with the short edge, and leap with your left foot forward in behind him so that you find his head exposed. Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangel. den dryangel vernym also lech dich in dy rechte weschel vnd schrydt myt dym rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd stoß mit der kortzer snyden ym syn swert vff, vnd springe myt dynem lincken voyß hynder yn so vynstu yn bloyß am kopf:- Note: a break for “the Triangle”. When you want to break an opponent who does the Triangle, so pose in the shield, and tread to his back and fore-stall him with the “golden fore-stalling strike” aiming in at the next anterior opening. Item eyn broch vuer den dryangel. wan du sychs das eyner den dryangel bruchen will so lege yn den schylt vnd tryt zo ruck vnd versetz em myt der gulden versetzynge slage ym nachder neyster vuer bloyß:- Note: the “Twisted engagement” explained thus: should you attempt to engage him on the right and bind him with the long edge on the left and pull away how you were in the right engagement and open on the same side to strike in at the upper right opening with the short edge, swing to aim at the left and cut away from you with “the golden cut” that shall make him have no joy :~ Item das krom anbyndung. dy krom anbyndung vernym [6v] also do wy du wuls ym recht anbynden vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden lincks an vnd zock wy du ym wuls rechs anbynden vnd blyue an der seluer syten slage yn dy recht ouer bloyß mit der kortzen snyden swyn[dt] nach der lyncken vnd hewe dich aff myt der gulden hewe des mach er sich nyt frewen:- Note: He who sees an other hit cannot afford to rejoice in his Art. Strike high what thou wilt, so that no shifts may come inside your shield, to the head to the body, retract do not avoid, I say to you, no man can go on, if you are easily intimidated, do not learn to fight. It is not the best fore-stall if the opponent can do a strike. Item wer sycht vff eyns ander hewe der darff syn konst nyt frewen, hewe ouen aff was du wylt, sich kompt keyn wescheler yn den schilt zo koff zo lybe dy zuck nyt vermide ych sach dyr verware schoen kyn man am faren. erschrecks du gerne keyn fechten nummer erlern. Es yst keyn besser versetzungk dan dy man myt den streyche duyt. Note: a sword disarm. that is also explained as a high bind on the opponent and seize him high on the outside his arm with the left hand with a reversed[/inverted] hand on his hilt, and back after you so you take the sword :~ Item eyn swert nemen. das vernym also byndt dem mann ouen an vnd gryff myt der lyncker hant [7r] vszen vff syn arm mit verkerter hant yn syn gehultz vnd ruck nach dyr so nymstu ym das swert:- Note: but one more sword disarm. This is explained thus: do as you want when you engage strongly, and fall in with your hilt in front of his blade and with the left hand on his hilt pull back strongly so that you take his sword and stay in combat :~ Item auer eyn swert nemen. das vernym also do als wuls du ym starck anbynden vnd valle ym myt dynem gehults vuer syn clynge vnd myt der lincker hant an syn gehultz ruck starck zo dyr so nymstu ym das swert vnd steyst ym kampff:- Note: a libertous technique how one may throw the opponent in swordsmanship is also explained: bind strongly up high and grasp him on his right elbow with the left hand, push him strongly at his face, thus you can throw him on his back. Item eyn fry stuck wy man den man werffen sall ym swerdt. das vernym also byndt ym starck ouen an vnd gryff yn mit dyner lincken hant an syn rechten elenbogen stoyß ym starck vff an syn gesicht so wyrff du yn vff syn ruck:- Note: when you want to throw an attack at the opponent’s head, do how you do by opposing with strength and take your left hand watching his hilt, and strong back after you, so that you make his head exposed :~ Item wan du eyn man vff den koff wyls smißenn. do wy du ym starck wuls anbynden vnd gryff mit dyner lincker hant zußenn syn gehultz vnd ruck [7v] starck nach dyr so machs du ym den koff bloyß:- Note: a “clothes-line” (lit: “over-run”) in swordsmanship, how you shall throw your opponent, also explained: Act as though you would engage on the right, and bind him twisted to wind (byndt ym kromß an wynd) with the short edge from his blade gripping with your left hand on your own blade, place in the sword at the neck and tread with your left foot behind his left, back in according to your strength, aiming so he must fall :~ Item eyn ouer lauff ym swerdt wy du eyn man werffen sals. das vernym also do we du ym wuls recht an bynden vnd byndt ym kromß an wynd myt der kortzen snyden vff syn klyngen gryff mit dyner lincker hant an dyn clynge lege ym das swertan den hals vnd tryt mit dynem lincken voyß hynder synen lincken, ruck yn starck nach dir so moyß er vallen:- Note: a tackle (lit: “under-run”) in swordsmanship, that is explained also, how thou shalt engage in high and with the Cross at his hilt push it upward, so you seize him therewith, or whatever you can get hold. Item eyn vnder lauff ym swerdt. das vernym also do wy du ym wuls hoch an bynden vnd stoeß myt krutz ym syn gehultz ouer sych, so gryffsdu yn da mit ader wa du yn geuaßen machs:- Note: “weak” or “strong”; that is explained thus: up by the point is the weak, and from the middleparts of the blade is the strong that you shall see the sore drives with the short edge :~ b Item swech vnd sterck vernym also oben by dem ort yst dy swech vnd der myttel deyl der cly[n]gen yst dy sterck das sulles du myt der kortzen snyden seer dryuenn:- Note: “weak” and “strong”, “short” or “long” are from which all Art begin, thereon you adhere (lit: “fasten”) all Art holds expansion (lit: “size”, “length”) and contraction (lit: “mass”, “structure”, “gravitas”) :~ [8r] a Item swech vnd starck kortz vnd langk yst aller konst eyn anphanck dar vff dicht vast alle konst halt lengen mayß:- [The marginal "a" and "b" probably signify that the plays are in reverse order.] Note: a technique called “the Lion” is explained also. Place yourself in a balanced position (dy wage) and with your head not too high, hew the four points with strength so hath thou a lion’s bite, and you may make another two good strides forward. Item eyn stuck heyst der leue. den vernym also setzdych yn dy wage vnd mit dynem koff nyt zo hoych hewe vß vyer orten myt stercken so hastu des leuen moyt vnd byst vur ander zween ym stryt guett..
10v - 12r	Anonymous wrestling devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Note: here immediately follows the wrestles When you will wrestle, so it is best to place your body in “the balance” [“equilibrium”] and do it best whether he seizes you low or high, thus you can break him with these prescribed techniques :~ [10v] Item hy na volgt das Ryngen. Wan du wylt ryngen so setz dyn lyb yn de wage vnd mach guytten bossen er gryff dych neder ader hoech so kanstu es yme brechen myt desen nach geschryffen stucken:- Note: the Four weaknesses and four strengths that are explained thus, at both elbows and at both knees is a man weak and strong at the elbow such that behind the bend of the knee joints (lit: “knuckle”) they are weak, and in front of the knee and in front of the elbow are they strong. Item vyer swech vnd iiij sterck dy vernym also an beyden elbogen vnd an beyden kneen da yst der man swach vnd starck an dem elbogen by den knuchell. hynden an dem knee bogen das synt de swech vnd vur dem knee vnd vur den elbogen das synt dy sterck:- Note: If a man seizes you with his right hand close to the upper weak, so grip around his arm with the left hand and with the right hand back in towards you at the lower weak thus you throw him hard or soft :~ Item gryfft eyn man zo dyr myt syner rechter hant na der ouer swech so vmb gryff yme sinen arm myt der lincker hant vnd myt der rechter hant an dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn hart ader weych:- Note: the same goes on the left. One seizes you so that he has his left hand near your upper weak, thus grip around his left arm with the right hand, and with the left hand at the back of the lower weak at the back [of his knee], so that is how you may thrown him forwards :~ [11r] Item des gelychen das linck. gryfft eyner zo dyr myt der lincker hant na dyner ouer swech so vmb gryff yn myt der rechter hant synen lincken armvnd myt der lincker hant dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn we vur:- Note: a free technique from the “lesser weak” seize, when the opponent grasps your left shoulder, so take the little weak in your right hand and with your left hand by the others weak, push in his hand from the chest, so you throw him or his arm may break :~ Item eyn fry stuck vß der kleynner swech. gryfft dyr eyn man vff dyn rechter lincke achsell so nym yn mit dyner rechter hant mit der kleyner swech vnd myt diner lincker hant by der anderenn swech stoes yme syne hant zom buch zo so wyrffs du yn ader der arm moeß brechen:- Note: in all wrestles grasp the opponent with firm [lit: short] fingers. Item in allen Ryngen gryff eynen man myt kurtzen fyngern. Note: If he is a stronger opponent and he seizes you on the middle weak, then grip around in your next weak with your right arm and you sink, and grip with the other hand close to the little weak, pull the left foot backwards, so that you can throw him to the ground or may break his arm:~ Item als dych eyn starck man gegryffen hayt ynder myttell swech so vmb gryff ym deine nechste swech myt dym rechten arm vnd senck dych vnd [11v] gryff myt der anderen hant na de klyner swech zuck den lincken voyß zoruck so wyrffs du yn zo der erden ader der arm moeß brechen :- Note: Should you begin wrestling and are stronger than your opponent, then with one hand grip him with one hand near you, so grasp in with the upper middle weak, push him from you and grip him with the inverted/supinated hand at the lower left weak, and place in the elbow to his solar-plexus back in, and push him with an other :~ Item so du myt eynem ryngen salt der starcker ist dan du myt eyner hant gryfft er na dyr so gryff yn mit der ober myttell swech stoeß yn van dyr vnd gryff yn myt der verkeyrder hant by der lincken vnder swech vnd setz ym den elbogen yn dat hertz kuyll ruck yn vnd stoeß yn myt eyn ander:- Note: Wrestling out of the Fork. Position yourself in the shaft grip once with the right hand so that you are close to the lower weak, thus stand in thereinin with the gabelen and back in. He must thus fall into you, or his arm may be broken :~ Item ryngen vß der Gabelen. stell dych in dy gabell gryfft eyn myt der rechter hant zo dyr na eyner vnder swech so sytz ym dar vff myt der gabelen vnd ruck yn Zo dyr so moeß er vallenader der arm moeß brechen:- Note: That is easier when he grips you with the left hand close to the lower weak, place in thereon with the reverse hand to fork back in, so that you may make him fall, or may break his arm :~ Item des gelychen yst auch. gryfft er dyr myt der [12r] lincker hant na der vnder swech sytz ym dar vff myt verkerder hant gabelen ruck yn zo dyr so moeß her vallen ader der arm moeß brechen:- Note: Who makes his Art measured and unforgettable and holds his sword up high, there is another 3 to keep in good stead :~ Item wer macht syn konst gemessen. vnd dy vnuergessen.vnd helt syn swert yn hoyt. der yst vur ander .iij. ym streydt guett:-
13r - 16v	Anonymous Messer devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item: Hereafter follows the knightly art of the Messer :~ Item: the four cuts shalt thou freely cut the opponent through the face and the four opening you shall not forget :~ [13r] Item hy volget nach dy ritterliche konst ym messer:- Item dy .v. hewe solstu hewen fry dem man durch das gesycht vnd der vier bloyß solstu nyt vergeßen:- The high cuts cut from the right shoulder, the other from the left. Tread forward and cut through in the long stab, lay the messer over the back and tread forward and cut in to “the bend” and lay the messer again over the back and cut again in the long stab and repeat from behind and stab when both feet forward in the “bend” and cut the left side forward in the long stab. Those are the five cuts with the messer that you shall rightly learn each one, that others will tru;y fighting:~ do that strongly :~ den ouer hewe hew van der rechten ascheln. Den ander van der linckenn. tryt vort vnd hewe durch yn den langen stych lech das messer vff den ruck vnd tryt vort vnd hewe yn bogell vnd lech das messer vydder vff den ruck vnd hewe vidder yn langen stych vnd dobellere hynder vß vnd stich by beyden voyßen vur yn bogell vnd hewe der linckenn syten vur yn den langen stych. das synt dy vunff hewe ym messer dy eyn yckelicher recht leren sallder anders recht vechten wyll:- das do starck:- Note: If you want to drive strongly, fight with the entire body, both low and high, these two things strongly drive; that I wish to abide :~ Item was du starck wyls dryben das fecht mit gantzem lybe beyde vnder vnd ouen dy zwey dynck dryff starck das wyll ych louenn:- Note: the four postures explained thus: place your body’s four parts in the balance. Take your messer over the right shoulder and place the left foot forward which is what is best, as such can you break an opponent’s strikes or stabs :~ [13v] Item dy veyr leger vernym also. setz dyn lyff vß vyer orten yn dy wage Nym das meßer vff dy rechte schulder vnd setz den lincken voyß vur yn bossen was der man slecht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen:- Note: this is identical also for the left upper posture, placing the messer over the left shoulder and position the right foot forward is best :~ Item des glychen yst auch das linck ouerleger lege das meßer vff dy linck aschel vnd stelle den recht voyß vur yn boßenn:- Item: the lower right posture explained thus: position the left foot forward in best and lay the messer over the right leg and the point is threatening the opponent’s face, so that you may drive what you will against him :~ Item das recht vnder leger vernym also stell den lincken voyß vur yn boßen vnd lech das meßer vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht so sychstu was er dryben wyll:- Note: this is identical also for the lower left posture, placing the pommel over the left leg with the point threatening the opponent’s face. That is so you can break what he strikes or stabs, and this can be done well so that you are prepared and he cannot find any of your openings :~ Item des glychen yst auch das linck vnder leger setzden knauff vff das lincke beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht was er sleycht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen vnd mach gut bossenn so bystu ge-wapent vnd dich kan keyn man bloyß vynden:- Note: here after follows the four openings. The four openings explained thus: the high opening at the head and the low opening is by the foremost foot. The right opening is outside the angle of the hand. The fourth opening is inside the [angle of the] hands. Those are the four true openings thereafter an intelligent fighter needs to fight correctly. [14r] Item hyr nach volget dy vyer bloyß. dy vyer bloyß vernym also dy ouer bloyß am heupt dy vnder bloyß by dem vordern voyß dy rechte bloyß vß wyck an der hant dy vyerde bloyß ym wyck an der hant. das syntdy vyer rechte bloyß dar nach eyn ycklyger fechter slayn sall der anders recht fechten wyll:- Note: thou wilt wander joyfully, striking thus from some exposure to another thus he must fore-stall or be struck :~ Item wyltu frolych wandern so slach van eyner bloyß zo der andern so moyß er versetzen ader wyrt geslagen:- Note: a good technique from the upper right posture when an opponent strikes at you aiming at your upper right opening, then fore-stall him from the Bow and then strike him near to the outer opening :~ Item eyn stuck vß dem lincken ouerleger, sleyt eyn manna dyr versatzunng dem zorn hewe. so versetz ym myt dem langen stych vnd slach ym durch das gesycht nach ynwynicher bloyß:- Note: a technique from the left upper posture, when the opponent is close to your fore-stalling with a Scorn hew. Thus fore-stall him instead with a long stab and strike him through the face aiming at a revealed opening :~ na dyr versatzŭnng dem zorn hewe. so versetz ym myt dem | langen stych vnd slach ym dŭrch das gesycht nach | ynwynicher bloyß:- Note: a technique from the lower right posture, for when a man strikes a scornful stab at you, push him away with the hanging point and make a strike two or three times in after to the next opening. [14v] Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten vnder leger, stycht derman den zorn stych zo dyr, stoyß ym abe myt hangenden ort vnd slach ym nach der nechsten bloyß eyn streych zween ader dry:- Note: a technique from the lower left posture against a man who strikes at you, so fore-stall him with the Bow, and strike in after the next outer opening, so that he may be weakened or get struck :~ Item eyn stuck vß dem linck vnder leger. sleyt eyn man zo dyr so versetz ym myt dem bogell vnd slach ym nach der nechsten vsenbloyß so moyß er wychen ader wyrt geslagen:- Note:~ a technique called the “trench digger” shall you cut once or twice whilst standing, thus cut freely from the right side and aggressively up from the left, as free from a lower to another, so must he be weakened or would be struck :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der gaßen hewer sychstu eyn ader zween vur dyr staen so hew fry v§ der rechtersyten vnd frysch vff vß der lincken als fry van eym ynden andern so moyßen sy wychen ader verdenn geslagen:- Note: a good technique when you shalt fight when you are lower, break the long stab near his face strongly, twice, thrice or four times and strike in aiming for the next opening, so that is how you do this in the same moment :~ Item eyn gut stuck wan du myt eym fechten sulß der nidich yst, bruch den langen stych na sym gesycht starck ij. iij ader iiij mael vnd slach ym nach der [15r] nechster bloyß so hastu yn wy du seluer wyls:- Note: a technique called “the disguised/adjusted foot”, then you will break him and win the prize :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der verstell voyß den bruch myt synnen wyltu pryß gewynnen:- Note: a technique called “the disguised/adjusted foot”, then you will break him and win the prize :~ Item eyn stuck heyst das retlyn bruch den flogellhawe iiij mayl an eym stuck:- Note: a break for “the unicorn” as you are the one who breaks the unicorn, thus break the “wing hew” :~ Item eyn bruch vuer den eynhorn als du sychs das eyner der eyner den eynhorn brucht so bruch den flogell hew:- Note: a technique from the “charging bull” (lit: “the Ox’s thrust”), to point the opponent strongly in the face and strike him with the Wing hew under his right Bull :~ Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen stoeß den ort dem man starck gegen das gesycht vnd slach yn mit dem flogell hew vnder syn rechten ockßen:- Note: a technique break for the same Wing hew, when yours has been broken by a Wing hew, pull back the right foot behind you and strike in after the outer opening :~ Item eyn stuck bruch vuer den seluigen flogell hew so du sicht den flogell hew bruchen. zuck denn rechten voyß hynder dych vnd slach ym nach der vßer bloyß:- Note: a technique in the Plough for the Plough from both sides and not from you in striding and work him forcefully from one exposure to another :~ Item eyn stuck ym ployg. fuer den plogg van bey[15v]den syten vnd suem dych nyt. myt schryden scheyd vnd arbeyde ym swynde van eyner bloeß zo der andern:- Note: a technique called “the beoße” from behind the bind, with the messer up to the right side and pull away with an inverted/reversed hand and hew the closest outer openings ~ Item eyn stuck heyst der brozße vß zuch bint das meßer vff dy rechte syt vnd zuch vß myt verkerter hant vnd hew na der vßer bloeß:- Note: how one’s opponent shall be divided, stay standing drawing out the opponents cuts at you with a scorn hew, so back off in after with the hand following in after with the golden hew :~ Item wy eyn man van scheiden zyn sall. layß den man eerst vß zehen dan du. hewet er den zorn hew zo zuck vß ym nach der hant volge ym nach mit dem gulden hew:- Note: a technique from the Ox. The Ox uses his entire muscle for strength, and strike him from the Wing, two strikes forcefully one after the other :~ Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen den ocksen ganck starck vnd slach zo ym vß dem flogel .ij. streych swynd na en nander:- Note: What would have three Plough initially. Strike forcefully outside with the long edge aiming at the Skull, thus you drive him from the Plough so he cannot break you, so you don’t enter with the head not too high :~ Item wert was dry ployg eernt. slach swyn[d] vßer myt der langen snyden nach dem schedeler. so dryffs du yn vß dem ployg. zo dem broch layß dyr nyt zo ga[n]g mit dem kopf nyt zo hoyg:- Note: Thou wilt show thine Art, if you go from left to right with Cuts :~ [16r] Item wyltu konst schauwen sych linck geen vnd recht myt hewenn:- Note: A technique called “The Triangle”, stride with the right foot outside his right side, and turn him in with the nimble Bull stride with the left foot, a large stride behind him so you strike the top of his head from behind :~ Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangell. schryt myt dem rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd ger ym yn myt dem ocksen schryt behende myt dem lincken voyß eyn groyßen schryt hynder yn so slechs du yn hynder vff den kopf:- Note: a break for the triangle, thus you are to seek a break for the triangle, so back away with your right foot behind you and cut strongly from the opponent, that is no disgrace for you to go after the next opening :~ Item eyn broch vuer den dryangell. so du suchs das eyner den dryangell bruchen wyll. so zuck den rechten voyß hynder dich vnd hew dich starck van dem man das yst dyr keyn schande nach der nechster bloeß:- Note: so you shall be duplicating high, thus tread out as you do I laud, thou wilt rightly and the four openings artfully broken so duplicate up high :~ Item so du suchs doppeleren oben, so tryt abe das wyll ych lobenn wyltu dych rechen vnd dy veyr bloeß kunstelich brechen so doppelere oben:- Note: when you “over-run” throw and are labelled to be “no danger”, such that someone strikes a scorn hew so fall with your left hand in around the arm so that you may break his arm and take his messer :~ Item wan du vuerlauffen wurß vnd hayst keyn gewere. schleyt eyner eyn zorn hew so val myt dyner [16v] lincker hant ym vmb den arm so machstu ym den arm brechen vnd nymst ym das meßer:- Note: the opponent stabs at you, so fall in there off with the “skinner” and wind upward so that you break his arm and take his messer :~ Item stycht eyner zo dyr so val ym dar vff mit der gaffelen vnd wyndt fluck[s] vff so brychstu ym den arm vnd nymst ym das meßer:-
16v - 17r	Anonymous dagger devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Note: a free technique in the short dagger. The opponent tries to stab you with a lower scornful stab, so fall in thereof with the “skinner” back in free at you so you may take the dagger or break the arm :~ Item eyn fry stuck ym kortzen degen. stycht eyn man zo dyr mit dem vnder zorn stych so val ym dar vffmit der gaffelen. ruck yn fry zo dyr so moyß der degen ader arm brechenn:- Note: yet one technique from the lower stab hit him with the outer hand both point placed in the point toward the chest and grasp him with the left hand on the hip so he may similarly stab :~ Item aber eyn stuck vß dem vnder stych dryff ym mit vßer hant byde ort setz ym den ort gegen dy brost vnd gryff yn mit der lincker hant an das hefft so moyß er sych seluer stechenn:- Note: he stabs at you with an upper scornful stab, so you grasp with the left hand supinated by the little weak so that you break the arm or make him drop his dagger :~ Item stycht eyner den ouer zorn stych zo dyr so gryff mit der lincker hant verkeret. by der kleyner swecht [17r] so brychstu ym den arm ader der degen moyß fallen:- Note: a good technique against a Boar-spear. A man stabs at you thus undergo in with the hanging point and grip him with the left hand behind the knee and strike him with the messer near his hand so that you can take his spear :~ Item eyn gut stuck ouer eynen wyrfspeyß. stycht eyn man zo dyr so vnderganck ym myt hangenden ort vnd gryff ym myt der lincker hant hynder den kneuell vnd slach ym mit dem messer na der hant. so nymstu ym den speyß:-
20r	Abecedarium  Images English Translation Transcription by Dieter Bachmann [Abecedarium] [20r] a a b c d e f g h h i k k l l m m n o o p p q r r r s s s s t t v v x y y y z z Z Z W α abccd effghyklmnopqrrssstŭvxyz Z
20v	Anonymous spear devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Note: Here immediately follows a technique with the boar-spear. Stand in best and turn the little finger against the butt and the shaft toward the opponent’s position, or to stab with your boar-spear or halberd, so you can break it :~ [20v] Item hy na volget eyn stuck ym swynspeyß. Stant yn bossen vnd kere den kleynnen fynger gegenden kneypfell vnd de stang gegen den man sleyt er ader stycht zo dyr mit dem swynspeyß ader helbartten. so kanstu es yme brechen:- Note: thus he strikes, so break him with the stave in the outer weak, treading inward in the struggle (combat) so that you stab him and strike him :~ Item so er sleyt so brych ym myt der stangen yn de vßer swecht tryt zo ym myt dem kampff so stychstu yn vnd sleys yn:- Note: He stabs at you, so break it in close to the outer weak and strike in after the released hand thus assailing him in the struggle (combat), so that you have the best stabs and strikes. Item stycht er zo dyr so brych es ym na der vßer swech vnd slach ym nach der foder hant so buyt ym den kampff so hastu stych vnd streych zom besten:-
21v - 22r	Anonymous stick devices  Images English Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Note: the four engagements of the Staff. Bind him thus firstly up high close to the head with the right hand, and close there with step intward with with the left hand against the head, strike in close to the left leg with one step forward and strike in close to the right leg with the left hand with one step forward. So these are the four correct binds :~ [21v] Item dy iiij anbynd ym stangen. Bynt ym zo eyrst oben an na dem kopf myt der rechter hant vnd dar na myt eyme zo tryt myt der lincker hant weder zom kopf. slach ym na dem lincken beynn myt eym zo tryt. vnd dar na slach ym na dem rechten beyn myt der lincker hant myt eynem zo tryt. so synt dy iiij anbynd gerecht:- Note: a technique from the right upper engagement act as if you would engage on the right bind him on the left, so strike the staff away, and tread into the combat with him :~ Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten oberen anbyndunck. do wy du ym wylt recht anbynden vnd bynd ym lincks an so sleystu ym dy stangh vff vnd tryt ym zo ym kampfe.- Note: another good technique for the upper engagement act as though you would bind on the left, and bind him on the right so you strike his staff away and then fall in to combat with him :~ Item gut stuck ym anderen oberen anbyndunck. Do als wuls du ym lincks anbynden vnd bynt ym rechs an so sleys du ym dy stangh vff vnd dan vall yme zo ym kampf:- Note: still another technique in the lower right engagement is to act as though you would bind on the right and bind his left and thrust in close to the lower openings :~ Item noch eyn stuck ym rechten vnder anbyndunck [22r] do as wuls du ym recht anbynden vnd bynt ym lincks an vnd stoeß ym na der vnder bloeß:- Are you thankful, Thus a forceful strike is close at hand, That technique is one known to cause envy :~ Bystu bedanck So slach eyme swynde na der hant. Das stuck ist eyme icklichem neyt bekant:-

Additional Resources

• Bauer, Matthias Johannes. Langes Schwert und Schweinespieß. ADEVA Graz, 2009. ISBN 978-3-201-01920-0