Johan Liechtnawers Fechtbuch geschriebenn (MS Dresd.C.487)

Johan Liechtnawers Fechtbuch geschriebenn
MS Dresd.C.487, Sächsische Landesbibliothek Dresden, Germany
ff 1v - 2r
Hagedorn Leng —
Wierschin 4 Hils 16
Type	Fencing manual Wrestling manual
Date	1504-1519 (?)
Language(s)	Early New High German
Author(s)	Johannes Liechtenauer Andre Liegniczer Ott Jud Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck
Compiler	Unknown
Material	Paper
Size	126 folia
Format	Double-sided, with black and red ink
Script	Bastarda
External data	Library catalog entry
Treatise scans	Digital scans (1800x2500) Digital scans (900x1500)

Johan Liechtnawers Fechtbuch geschriebenn ("Johannes Liechtenauer's Written Fencing Book"; MS Dresden C 487) is a German fencing manual created between 1504 and 1519. The original currently rests in the holdings of the Sächsische Landesbibliothek in Dresden, Germany. This manuscript is often wrongly attributed to Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck, but although his gloss of Johannes Liechtenauer's Record forms a significant portion of the text, he is referred to in the third person in its introduction and was most likely not responsible for the manuscript itself. The rest of the manuscript consists of an assortment of treatises by several different masters who stood in the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, though unlike most such manuscripts, none of the individual treatises have attributions apart from Ringeck's.

Dating this manuscript has been problematic in the past. In 1956, Martin Wierschin dated the manuscript to the first half of the 15th century and noted that it might date to as early as the late 14th century, based on the assumption that it was an autograph or archetype prepared for Ringeck himself as a copy of the MS 3227a and that Ringeck was a direct student of Liechtenauer in the mid-late 14th century. In 1985, Hans-Peter Hils postulated a date between 1438 and 1452, based on assumption that the manuscript was dedicated to Albrecht III of Bavaria and the source for the Cod. 44.A.8. While the original text of Ringeck's gloss may still date to that time period, in 2010 Werner J. Hoffmann arrived at the currently-accepted and much later date through watermark analysis.

Provenance

The known provenance of the MS Dresden C.487 is:

• Created in Swabia or Bavaria using paper made between 1504 and 1519.
• before 1755 – acquired by the Sächsische Landesbibliothek in Dresden, Germany.
• 1755-present – held by the Sächsische Landesbibliothek.

Contents

1r - 2v	Front matter Images Complete Translation by Michael Chidester Transcription  by Dierk Hagedorn [01r] [Image of a heraldic shield] C. 241 [01v] Nr~ 805. Here begins the chivalric art of the long sword... [02r] Hie hept sich an die Ritterlich kunst deß langen schwerts ~ [Library stamp:] Regia Dresdensis Bibliotheca (Including a library stamp Dresdensis Bibliotheca Regia.)
3r - 9v	Recital by Johannes Liechtenauer
10v - 48v	Gloss of Liechtenauer's Bloßfechten by Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck
49r - 54r	Longsword by Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck
54r - 55v	Sword and Buckler by Andre Liegniczer
55v - 57r	Bloßfechten by Johannes Liechtenauer (fragment)
57r - 59v	Anonymous gloss of Liechtenauer's Bloßfechten Complete Translation by Keith Farrell Transcription  by Dierk Hagedorn Further commentary on the Zornhau He who strikes at you is threatened by the Zornhau-ort. If he notices this then take off above without danger. When someone strikes at you from above, cut a Zornhau with the long edge — as has been described earlier — against his cut onto his sword with the long edge and immediately wind your point towards him, to his face, with might; that is to say, powerfully. And if he becomes aware of this — that is to say, the point — and defends with an "open" parry, so take off above — just as the taking-off has been shown to you, how you shall take off when someone parries you "freely." Or otherwise hold the strike against the nearest opening in the bind — as I have shown for you — with that, you should come to him with a technique as described earlier instead of with the taking-off. If he parries you and if this strike is also parried, immediately do the same again, or a continuous winding with a thrust or a cut. [57r] Nachraÿsen lere / zwifach schnid in die were [57v] den zornhaw° mittder lange~ schnide~ alß er dir gewÿst ist In sinen schlag an sin Schwert mitt der lange~ schnid~ dines schwerts Vnd wind im din ort an von stund an mitt zu° sinem angesicht mitt vermugen daß ist mitt störck [58r] so mach ainen selber von stund an dar vff / ode~ ain ewichs winden mitt aine~ stoß oder schlag Know also, if one cuts against you: that there are only benefits when you use the "Zornort", and you also defend yourself when you use it correctly — as you have learned here — and it is difficult to defend against. When you really want to come against someone, use this against him, whatever he then does, cutting or thrusting against you. He must defend against it, and so you can use the techniques named earlier. Auch wiß öb ainer vff dich schlecht daß du den zornot allain och wol darin magst trÿben / Vnnd du bist och verseczt wenn du den recht trÿbst alß du des vnderricht bist Vnnd ist böß zu° verseczen Wann du aine~ v~bel zu° wöllst So tr trÿb in vff aine~ er mach waß er wöl er schlach ode~ stech vff dich So mu°ß er den versecze~ So kumpstu zu° den vorgemelten stucken ~ To set aside with the Krumphau. When you fence with someone: all that he strikes against you that does not come directly from above, these you should displace with the Krumphau, as the markverses say: "He who uses the Krumphau well/ with a step, he is able to defend against cuts." If someone cuts against you, do the Krumphau against him in the manner you have seen before this. Work from the Fool [Alber], and wind your point against him or cut, thus he must defend himself against you. And then you come to more sweeps, which you can use against him. Feint or thrust, or wind continuously or else sweep; or fall onto, when he displaces you downwards or parries you too far out to the side. Item wann du mitt aine~ fichtest waß aine~ zu° dir schlöcht daß nitt recht gerichts von oben ab vff [58v] dich kompt daß versecz mitt der krinn Wann die Zedel spricht Wer kru~mp wol verseczt mitt sti strÿtten vil hew° verseczt leczt Das ist so ainer zu° dir schlecht So far im krump daruff vnd so hau~st du daß ee komen / aller arbaÿt arbaÿt / vnnd wind im dine~ ort zu° oder aine~ schlag So muß er dir verseczen So kümpst du aber zu° mer straichen die du denn vff in magst trÿben Veller / oder stoß oder / ewich winde~ oder sunst streÿch / oder überfallen Wann dir aine~ zu° nider verseczet oder zu° wit fört mitt der versaczung ~ ~  ~~   You shall also use handsome setting-asides against cuts and thrusts — as you have learned this, so that you do not do them bigger than necessary, and so that your point is at all times towards his face, ready for a thrust. And if he from the displacement strikes round to the other side, follow after him and wind, as if you wanted to parry to the other side. Or rather stand and thrust, as you have parried and he must save himself from your thrust, so you should do your techniques. Item och solt du hüpschlichen absecze~ [59r] trÿben vff hew° oder stich alß du deß vnder richt bist Dz du nitt zu° grob dar nach farst Vnnd dz dein ort allmal gege~ sine~ angesicht stee zu° aine~ stoß Vñ ist daß er von dine~ absecze~ schlecht vff die anderen sÿtten So far im nitt nach vñ wind sam v du vff die andern sÿtten wöllest och abseczen Vnnd blÿb vnnd stos stoß so bist du verseczt vnnd so mu°ß er dine~ stoß retten So kumpst du aber zu° dine~ arbaÿt If someone else also knows something about the markverses and uses the Krumphau to displace your techniques, if he winds and thrusts against you; be aware of this and resolutely set aside his thrust or cut, and in the same motion quickly deliver your own thrust or a cut, so that you are always working in order that he must defend himself before you must parry him. And when you have trained yourself in this so that you are skillful and ready for when you displace someone, so that you do not stress yourself against a thrust or cut, you can trouble him and counter that which he does against you, because he must always counter and displace your techniques first. Item morck öb aine~ och etwas der zedel kan vñ dir dine stuck krump verseczt So windt [59v] er din den stoß och zu° So hab achtu~g daruff vnd secz im sinen stich ode~ schlag seüberlich ab vñ darin scheub im dine~ stoß mitt zu° ode~ aine~ schlag Also daß du allweg arbaitst daß er dir alß schier mu°ß verseczen alß du im Vnd weñ du dich deß übst daß du deß fertig bist weñ du aine~ verseczst / daß du nichtst arbaitst es eÿnen stoß ode~ schlag So magstu den Irre vñ pricht im daß er fürsich vff dich genom~en hat wann er mu°ß ÿe daz din vor brechen vñ verseczen etc~
66r - 77v	Anonymous grappling devices Draft Translation by "Alex and Almirena" Transcription by Dierk Hagedorn The First Piece: Neck-lever/hold Let yourself be seized by him, even if you could prevent it. If he has seized you under the arms around the chest and pressed you against him, then he intends to lift you up. In that case, you must let yourself sink down and seize him under the knee. Resist his pressing and bend him with both hands so that the head goes behind over his back. In this way you, as a weaker one, can throw a strong man to the ground. [66r] Hie heben sich an gu°tte ringen vnd ander gu°tt brich ~~ Gib Im zu fessen also Daß du das kündest brechen jo Wenn er dich nun gefasst hat / vnde~ den armen an der statt / Druckt er dich an in / darnach stät och sin sÿn daß er dich will vffheben mitt den armen soltdu nider schweben In vnder daß knÿ zefassen In sine~ trucken ste wol mitt hassen Im das haupt über den ru~ck mitt baÿden arme~ du nitt zu~ck Also wirfest du den starcken man mitt diner schwachait vff die ban etc~ The Second Piece: Throw at the Hair If you want to seize someone and he sets an arm-lever/hold, then let go immediately of his arm and grab him in the hair. Tear him by the hair to your shoulder, and then run his head against the wall. Thus he is defeated. [66v] Ain ander stuck Wenn du dich mitt aine~ wilt fassen / vnd nims nÿmst in mitt zorn vñ mirtt hassen / Wenn er dir tu°t den schwüch So lauß den arm farn Schnell ruck in bÿ den harñ Darzu° ruck heb vff mitt bant Vff die achsel all zu° handt / mitt sine~ hawp haupt lauff an die wand do / er ist deñ also versto ~~·~~ :~ The Third Piece: Throw Note: If you and your opponent approach each other and he pulls both arms to you, then step with the left side forward. Let the left arm slide rapidly wrongly around his neck, the right between his legs. In this way throw him over the head: then he is stunned. Ain ander stuck Zuo dem ersten mal mörck nun wenn du mitt aine~ le luffest zu° / Vnd er och die baiden arm zuckcet / mitt gancze~ lÿb vnd [67r] zucket So lauff an in mitt der lincken sÿtten den lincken arm lass schnell gleÿten Die zwer vmb sinen halß zu° hand die rechte zwischen sin bain bekant vnd stürcz in über daß haüpt darmitt wirt er bedau~pt ~~ The Fourth Piece: Out-levers/Out-locks If you and an equally strong opponent approach each other, then you MUST not hesitate. If you seize him in full run, he cannot prevent it. Grab him from below and throw him in that way. But take care that it does not happen to you! Ain ander stuck ~ Wenn du zu° lauffest mitt aine~ glÿchen Siner störck solt du nitt wÿchen In follem lauff zu° dem fassen / er mag er warlich nitt gebüssen Vnd fach in vnden mitt den henden / vnd stürcz in vff die lenden /  Doch ko lug daß es dir nitt geschiech   (noch)   The Fifth Piece: Throw over the Shoulde From a full run, seize his right hand with your left and hold on tightly. Duck through under his right arm, pass your left hand through and seize his thigh. Take him then on the shoulders and throw him on his head. [67v] Mitt / Ain ande~ stuck ~ Mitt v follem lauff grÿff im sin rechte hand / mitt dine~ lincken turck tück lau~ff thu~ Im begant Durch sinen arm gar schnelle mitt behende~ lauff mach dir ain gefelle Nÿm in bÿ dem schenkel faste doch sin hand halt veste Vñ secz in vff daß haupte sin nach allem willen din  Ich globß nitt The Sixth Piece: Turning your Opponent If you and your opponent approach each other, then grab his left arm with your left, and his left leg with your right arm. Pull (tear) at him quickly, then he must turn his back to you. Then you can hit him on the head or punch him to the ground. However, if he ducks rapidly and slips through under your arm, then he has repelled this technique. Ain ander stuck Wenn du mitt aine~ laffest zu° sinen lincken arm fach du nür Gar schnell vß der ebichen hand mitt der rechten sÿn bain sÿ dir [68r] bekant Vnd mitt dem selbe~ zucken mu°ß er dir kören den rucken So magstu du vff sin haupt ain gefell oder stoß in gar schnell kain besser bu°ß ist dowider / dann er buck sich schnell nÿder Vñ schlÿff durch den arm din So hat er gewoñen die bu°ß din ~ The First Wrestle The first entrance to wrestling: lead your lower arm over his upper arm in front of his neck, and the other arm in the hollow of the knee. This works for both sides. Ain ander stuck ~ Das erst ringen / Nÿm din vndern arm v~ber sin obern arm / vor dem halß alß ferr du magst Vnnd den andern arm In knÿkelen daß gat zu° von bavden sÿtten ~  ~~~  The Second Wrestle One break: Turn over the hand that is above, and seize him in the front at the neck, with the other hand on his leg. Der bruch Der ai arm der oben ist den wechsel vñ grÿff [68v] im fornen an den halß mitt der andere~ hand aber an daß bain / If you can't achieve the first wrestle-hold, then turn over (or change) both hands, so that one is at his neck and the other is at his leg. This works for both sides. This break is called the Leg-break (at the leg set technique) at the arm. Item wann du zu° dem ersten Ringe~ nicht komen kanst So wechsel die vnderen handt oben vnd die obern vnden Also daß die ain hand sÿ an dem halß vñ die andern an dem bain daß trÿb von baiden sÿtten Der vil ringen gert Vnnd haisset der bainbruch an dem arm ~ ~ ~ ~ The Third Wrestle Strike your lower arm over that of his, seize also with the second hand and shift the foot of the same side to the rear. And throw him in front of you on his face. This works for both sides. ~ Ain stuck ~ Daß dritt ringen Welchen arm du vnden häst den schlach über sin arm vñ grÿff mitt der anderen hand der zu° hilff vnd [69r] versecz den fu°ß derselben sÿtten von sine~ bain wol hin dan vñ wirff in für dich vff daß antlicz Das get vff baÿden sÿttezn zu° ~ ~~ Or else seize with both hands interlinked, pull him down by the neck and step him with the feet behind you. These are the three Wrestles. One can execute these from the approaching-in on both sides, and also the defence techniques from them. It~ schlüß die vndersten hand in die obresten vñ zeüch in bÿ dem halß nider I vnd tritt in mitt den füssen hinder dich Daß sind die drÿ dreuÿ ringen die mag man triben och zu°lauffents vff baiden sÿtten Vnnd och die brüch die da wider sÿenn / ~ Counter-techniques If someone holds you under the arms and intends to carry you away or throw you with force: Ain ander stuck Ob ain man baide arm vnde~ gaffen hätt vnd wolt dich weg tragen oder werffen mitt störck Counter-technique 1 Attack him with both arms to his throat and press there. [69v] Der bruch Fall im mitt baide~ armen an sin kel vñ truck in ~ Counter-technique 2 Turn his head around with both hands, one at the chin, the other one at the back of his head. Ain ander bruch Wennd im den kopff vmb baiden henden die ain hand an daß kün die l ander hinden an dz hau~pt Counter-technique 3 Both thumbs to the throat and the other fingers in his eyes. Bruch Baid daumen vnden an die kell vn die andern finge~ an / die ogen ~~~  Counter-technique 4 Press both thumbs against his temples. Bruch Druck in mitt den daumen an den schlau°ff ~  The Seventh Piece: Leg Pull If you and your opponent approach each other, then lock both arms in front of the chest and punch him against the neck. Then bend down, seize his leg underneath the calves, and throw him. Ain ander stuck Wilt du mitt aine~ ringen zu° lau~ffen So / schu~ß schlu~ß baÿd arm über din bru~st Vn stos in für den halß Da mitt bück dich vñ griff in bÿ dem bain vnde [70r] den waden mitt baide~ hende~ vñ wurff in überdich ~ Counter-technique: Finger-lever/hold When someone grabs you from behind around the hips, seize the index finger of his upper hand. Turn yourself around to face him and step yourself behind him. From there you can wrestle as it pleases you. And also bend his finger. Ob dich hinder In begrifft In der mitt So nÿm sines fingers war / des zaigers an der obrosten hand vnnd wed wend dich vmb vñ volg hinder den man Darmitt trÿb ain ringe~ dar nach din bestes ist / also thu° oben vñ och vmb och mitt dem finge~ daß haiset ain lem bruch etc Counter-technique: Leg-pull When someone grabs you from behind around the hips, then turn yourself around a little and step with both feet close to his feet, on any side. Seize the next leg with both hands above the knee. If he does not release you, then throw him on his head. Den andern bruch Wend dich ein wendig vmb vñ tritt mitt baiden füssen nahent sine~ füssen vff welche sÿtten du wilt Vnd begriffe im daß nechste bain ober dem knÿ [70v] mitt baiden henden Last er dich nitt so wirff in vff dz haupt Counter-technique: ? Seize someone from behind you between the hands, and press him with that. Den dritte~ bruch Griff hinder dich aine~ zwischen die händen vñ truck in do mitt The Eighth Piece: Finger-lever/hold Seize one of his hands with both your hands, in any case two fingers right next to each other, and tear them apart. Ain ander stuck Begrÿff aine~ man mitt baide~ henden In ainer hand In ÿegclich hand zwen finge~ die bÿ ain ande~ steen vñ zuck die finge~ The Ninth Piece: Punch to the Neck In approaching: punch against him with the second hand against the neck; and then wrestle. von ain ander Daß ist zu° loffents Stos in mitt der anderen hand vnde~ den halß vnd domitt ring ~ Grÿff in ~~ The First Hold Seize in the wrestle with your right hand to his right arm behind his right hand, and seize with your left hand at his elbow. And lay his arm in your arm, step behind him, and hold him firmly. If you do not have him defeated, then seize his right leg under the calf with the right hand and throw him on his nose. And hold him with both hands, or with one hand, as you please, and you can also alter which hand you use on his arm. Daß erst vnde~halten Grÿff in dem ringen mitt dine~ rechten hand an sine~ rechten [71r] arm hinde~ sine~ rechten hand Vñ grÿff mitt dine~ lincken hand an sinen elnbogen Vnnd leg sin arm In din arm din arm vñ tritt hinder in vñ halt in föst Haust du in nicht gefölt So begriff im sÿn rechten fu°ß vnder den waden mitt diner gerechten hand Vñ wirff in vff die nasen Vñ halt in mitt baiden henden oder mitt aine~ wie du wilt / oder magst och zu° der anderen hand thu°n Sonder wechsel din hand an sinen arm ~ ~~ The Second Hold If you throw someone onto his back, then attack him with the left knee on his right arm, exactly on the joint. And attack him with the left arm on his neck, and press hard. Seize his left hand with your right, and hold him then with your left hand then you can do whatever you please with the right hand. This works also for the left side. Das ander vnderhalten Wirffest du ain vff den ruck so fall im mitt dem lincken knÿ [71v] vffe den rechten arm mitten in dem glencke Vñ fall im mitt dem lincken arm In sin halß vnd druck in hart Vnnd begrÿff im sin lincke hand mitt dine~ rechten vñ bring im sin lincke in s din rechte hand vñ fasß in den mitt dine~ lincken hand so magstu im thon mitt de~ rechten waß du wilt Daß magst du och thon zu° der lincken sÿtten ~~~~~~~~~~ If you wish to throw someone onto his back, then seize his legs (in falling) under the knee with both hands. And lift, as high as you can, and attack him between his legs with both knees into the testicles. And bend down, so that you can hold both of his legs with one hand, then you can use your other hand as you please. Daß dritt vnde~halten Item so du ain magst werffen vff den ruck in dem selben begrÿff im baide knÿ baÿ bain vnder dem knÿ mitt baiden [72r] henden vñ heb im die bain vff so du höchst känst vñ fall mitt baiden knien knÿen zwischen sine bain vff s sin hoden Vnd büg daß du mitt ainer hand sine baÿde baÿn gehalte~ magst So erwerst du mitt der anderen hand nach dine~ willen ~~ The First Ground Technique If you wish to apply the first ground technique, then allow yourself to fall down. Lift the knee as high as possible and hold him firmly about the back. Pull him with you on the knee; if you then stretch out your leg, he will slide off. Follow through with both the hands and feet, and immobilize him with one of the holds. Daß erst vff ston Wilt du daß erst vff ston brechen in dem ringen so fall selbert nider mitt guottem willen Vñ heb die knÿ vff so du höchst magst vñ halt in bÿ dem ruck Züch den man hart nach dir vff die knÿ dar nach streck [72v] ain knÿ welches du wilt so glet er ab So folg im nach mitt baiden hendenvñ füssen vñ halt in vnder dir mitt aim vnde~halten alß du wol waist ~~~ ·  : The Second Ground Technique If your opponent applies an upper grasp, then duck down until your head is under his chest and pull him with you. Bend your knee, seize him with any hand between the legs and throw him over you. Then throw yourself over him to make a hold. Das ander vff ston Item bewÿß dem man ain obern gry griff damitt so buck daß hau~pt im vnde~ die brust / vnd züch in nach dir / vñ fall nider vff den ruck / vnd beug dine knÿ so du höchst magst / vñ grÿff im die griff zwischen den bain mitt welcher hand du magst Vnnd wurff in überdich / vnd biß schnell vff in / vñ thu° ain vnderhalden welches dir eben ist oder werde~ mag ~  ~~ :·   The Third Ground Technique If a man has you under him, then observe which of his hands is above. Seize on the same side at his arm. This is called a Leg-break and is often used in wrestling. Seize with the full strength of your hands and your legs and with your entire body, until you have brought the man under you. Then make one of the holds described above. [73r] Das dritt vff ston Ob dich ain man gar vnder im hätt So nÿm war weche hand er oben hätt hat / die selben griff nach der sÿtten an dem arm Daß haisst ain bainbruch Vnnd gat in vil ringe~ / Ind em griff vol mitt henden vñ mitt bainen / vñ mitt gancze~ lÿb / bÿß du den man vnder dich bringst So thu° der vnderhalden ains alß vor geschriben stat ~ ~~ :· The First Death-blow Seize the man with the left hand above the belt, where you want. At the same time punch with your left fist with your full strength against his heart. Then seize him with wrestling, whichever you can do best, and follow the wrestling with breaks and Widerbrche. You can apply the same breaks and opposing breaks in all situations: on horseback, on foot, prepared or unguarded, in coming in close, lying down or standing. Von mort stossen Der erst Greÿff den man an mitt der lin lincken hand ober der gürtel wo du wilt Do mitt stoß in mitt diner gerechten hand zu°geschlossen [73v] mitt kröffen an sin hercz Do mitt greÿff ain ringen So es dir beste werden mag Vnnd folg dem ringen mitt brüchen vnd wide~ brüchen Die selben brüch vñ wider brüch thu° in allen ringe~ Zu° rosß / zu° füssen / gewäpnet oder bloß / zu° laff lauffens oder ligend oder vffstendig ~~ The Second Death-blow Seize the man with the left hand above the belt and punch your knee from underneath against his testicles. Then set about immediately with strong wrestling. Der ander mort stosß Grÿff den man an mitt der lincken hand ob der gürtel vñ stoß im mitt aine~ knÿ mitt welchem du wilt von vnden vff an sin hoden Vnd do mitt ain starcks ringe~ etc~  In all wrestles set the holds, when necessary, and also the ground techniques. Afterwards use also the death-blows and the throws over the leg (leg-breaks). Item in allen ringen die du tu°st [74r] so nÿm war vnderhalden ober gepürt vñ och vff ston Darnach nÿm war ob es dir nott tu°t mort stöß vñ bain brüch ~  The Third Death-blow Seize the man with the left hand above the belt. With the right fist, punch him as hard as possible against the temples. Then set about immediately with strong wrestles. Der dritt mort stoß Greu~ff den man an mitt der lincken hand ob der l gürtel vñ schlach in mitt gerechten hand zu° geschlossen an den schlauff So du hertest magst vñ do mitt ain starck ringen vff din bestes etc The First Under-break This is the usual wrestle at the arms, which is called under-break drive it by force. And if you seize his right arm, then step with the right leg to the rear and set the left foot in front of his leg. Then punch him in front of you over the hip. Von bain brüchen Der erst bain bruch ~ Das ist das gemain ringen an armen Daß do haist ain bain bruch das trÿb mitt kröfften Vnd begrÿffest du im den gerecht~ arm [74v] so tritt in mitt dem rechte~ fu°ß hindersich vñ ver secz im mitt dem lincken fu°ß für sin bain Vñ stoß in für sich über die huff damit volg ~ ~~ :  ~ The Second Under-break Seize whichever hand he reaches toward you. Grab the arm with both hands behind his hand and turn your back in front of his stomach. In turning around, lift his arm on your shoulder and force it down. Thus you break his arm. If he tries a counter-grip, then turn yourself around and wrestle. Ain ander bainbruch Mitt welcher hand ain man dich an grifft / der hand nÿm war vnd begrÿff den arm mitt baÿden hende~ hinde~ sine~ hand / vñ wend vmb sÿn din ruck für sein buch bau~ch an dem vmbwenden so heb sin arm vff din nächste achsel vñ druck do/mitt nider So brichst du im do/mitt den arm Ob dir der bruch volgt wend dich vmb vñ ring / ~~ The Third Under-break If someone stretches his hand forward and wants to attack you with clasping around you, punching, or wrestling, then seize his hand. Take it from underneath with the left. With the right hand drive through under the same shoulder, close in and step with the right foot behind his right leg. Press him to the rear over your hip, and hold him tightly with a grip. [75r] Der dritt bain bru~ch Wie dir aine~ die hand zaÿgt vnd will dich grÿffen mitt schlengenn oder mitt stossen ode~ mitt ringen Der hand nÿm war vñ begrÿff sÿ võ vnde~ vff mitt der lincken hand Vñ grÿff mitt der rechten hand durch sin v°chsen an dem selbe~ arm bÿ der lincken hand zu° lauff lauff vñ versecz din rechte~ fu°ß hinde~ sin rechts bain vñ truck in hindersich über die lende Do mitt thu° ain griff vñ halt in föst ~~   The Fourth Under-break Seize whichever hand someone is using to grab hold of you, as in the previous piece. And drive through with the head and body under the same arm, and then press hard against his arm. If you then pull away his following foot, he will fall. Der vierd bainbru~ch [75v] Mit wölcher hand dich ainer angrifft Der selben hand nÿm war vnd begrÿff im die hand alß du tu°st in dem andern bainbrüchen Vñ wisch im mitt dem hau~pt vñ lÿb / durch den selben arm vñ truck im dann sÿn armhart Vñ ruck im denn sin nechsten fu°ß so fölt er ~ ~ The Fifth Under-break There are two breaks possible against the leg: In dem bain sind zwen brich The First Break Seize his leg with both hands, one over the ankle, the other at the knee. From this comes a leg break. Der erst Begrÿff im sin bain mitt baiden henden an / mitt de~ ainen hand ober dem enckel / mitt der andern an dz knÿ / dz gät dar alß der erst bainbruch ~~ The Second Break Seize his leg with both hands over the ankle and tear it over the shoulder; with that you will break his leg. [76r] Der ande~ bruch Begreÿff Im ain bain ober dem anckel mitt baiden hende~ vñ ruck im dz über die achsel so brüchst du im dz bain ~ The Fourth Death-blow Punch him with both fists against the neck, as hard as you can. After that, wrestle. Ain mort stoß Stoß in mitt baiden fernnsten hende~ zu° geschlossen So du hartest magst an den halß Darnach ring ring ring ~~~  Ain mort stoß Tu° Im baÿde daumen in baÿde bachen vñ die andern finge~ oben an/daß haipt haupt vñ stoß in mitt de~ rechte~ hand mitt ganczer macht ~ ~ ~  The Fifth Death-blow: Hip-throw Punch him with the right hand against the navel, as hard as you can. [76v] Ain mort stöß Stos in mitt der rechten hand an den nabel so du hertest magst ~~ ~~~ :~ Then seize his right arm at the height of the biceps with your left hand. With your right arm, grab him tightly around his left side. Hold him firmly by the jacket or the hose (pants, breeches, whatever), move your backside in front of his hips, so that your right leg stands in front of his right, and throw him thus over the hip. Item Nÿm din lincken arm vñ grÿff im vff sin rechten arm vff die maüß vñ mitt dinem rechten arm hand fall im vmb sÿn lincke / sÿtten vnd halt in föst hinden bÿ der Juppen ode~ hosen Vñ wirff im deñ dinen arß in sin schoß Also dz din recht bain vor o sinem rechte~ stee vñ in dem selbige~ wirff in über die huff ~ ~~ A Break against the Fifth Death-blow If someone wants to throw you over the hip, then sling his left arm around the neck. Tear him downward to your left side, then you throw him. Ain bruch It~ wann dich ainer über die [77r] huff will werfen So du hinder im stäst So nÿm din lincken arm vñ schlach im vmb sÿn halß vñ druck in hindersich gegen dine~ lincken sÿtten So wirffest du in ~ An Opposing Break against the Break against the Fifth Death-blow If someone wishes to break your first piece, as described, then bend backwards, as if you were going to fall to the rear, seize his left leg with the left hand and tear (pull) it upwards: thus you throw him. It~ wann aine~ hinder dich stät vñ will dir dz erst stuck brechen So buck dich hindersich sam du hindersich wöllest fallen Begriff im mitt de~ lincken hand sin linck bam bin bain vñ rucks im übersich so wirffst du In etc Variation on the entrance to the Fifth Death-blow Seize his right arm with the left hand at the height of the biceps. Grab him around the left side with your right arm. Set your right leg just inside to his right. At the same time turn him around to your right side and seize his right leg just under the buttocks with your left hand: thus you throw him. It~ fall im mitt dine~ lincken hand vff sin rechten vff die mau~ß Vñ fall im och mitt dine~ rechten arm vmb sÿn [77v] lincken sÿtten vñ secz im din recht bain inwendig wol hin an zu° sine~ rechten bain Vnd in dem selbigen dree dich vmb gege~ diner rechte~ sÿtten Vnd begrÿff Im mitt diner lincken hand sin recht bain oben bÿ dem arßbacken so wirffest du in ~~~~~·:·≈ ~
78r - 84r	Grappling by Ott Jud (fragment)
84r - 86v	Anonymous grappling devices Draft Translation by "Alex and Almirena" Transcription by Dierk Hagedorn The Wrestling in Closing In The First Wrestle in Closing In Hold on to his right arm and his left, and let go of his left one. Loop your right arm around his left and throw him over the head. [84r] Hie hebent sich an die zu°lauffenden ringen The Second Wrestle in Closing In If someone has hold of you under both arms, then hit him with your right arm under his left one, and set your arm on his chest, and throw him away from you. Daß erst zu°lauffend ringen Item So fass dinen rechten arm vnd sÿn lincken vñ lauß den lincken farn Vñ schlach dine~ rechten arm vmb sine~ lincken vñ wirff in über den kopff etc~ [84v] brust vnd dann schweng in von dir ~ ~ ~ ~ The Third Wrestle in Closing In Loop your left arm around his neck, lift him high on your left leg and throw him on your right side. Daß dritt anlauffent Ringen Item schlag im den lincken arm vmb sin halß vñ nÿm In bÿ dem lincken bain vff vnd ruck in vff die recht sÿtten ~ The Fourth Wrestle in Closing In Seize his right hand with your left one, pass all the way under his raised right arm so that you reach his back (durchlaufen), take him by the right leg with your right hand and throw him over you. Das vierd anlauffent Ringen Item nÿm sin rechte hand mitt diner lincken vñ durch lauff im sin arm vñ m nÿm In mitt der rechten hand bÿ sinem rechten bain vñ wirff in überdich The Fifth Wrestle in Closing In Take hold of his right arm with both hands, pass through under his right arm to his back and throw him over you. Daß fünfft anlauffent Ringen It~ nÿm In bÿ siner rechte~ hand mitt dine~ baiden henden vnd durchlauff im sin arm vnnd wirff in überdich ~~~  The Sixth Wrestle in Closing In When you close in, bend down. Take him by one leg, tear/pull it upwards and hit/kick him with your left, then he will fall. [85r] Das ·vj· anlauffent Ringen Item wann du z im lauffst so ruck dich / vñ nÿm in bÿ aine~ bain vñ zuck im dz redlich vff vñ schlag im mitt dine~ dencken so fölt er ~ ~~   The Seventh Wrestle in Closing In In closing in, seize both of his arms and punch him with the head against his chest, then he will fall on his back. Das ·vij· anlauffent Ringen Wann du zu° im lauffest So begrÿff im sine baid arm vñ stoß in mitt dem haüpt an die bru~st So fölt er an den rucken ~ The Eighth Wrestle in Closing In If he takes hold of you by the shoulders, then hit upwards with your hand from below and force his arms apart. And take hold of him to wrestle, with whichever piece you prefer. Das ·viij· zlauffent Ringen It~ v wann er dich herte~clich fast bÿ den achslen So schlach im din hand vnden vff Vnd truck im die arm en zwaÿ Vñ fach mer an zu° ringen mitt wölchem stuck du wilt ~~ The Ninth Wrestle in Closing In Take hold of him with both hands from underneath, and place your elbows in both of his arms. And punch him with the head against the chest, and seize him at both legs. [85v] Daß ·viiij· zu°lauffent Ringe~ Ist daß du imIn mitt baiden hende~ fassest von vnden vff vñ secz die baid elnbogen in sin baid arm Vnd stoß In mitt dine~ hau~pt an die brust vñ begrÿff in mitt baiden bainen ~~ :· ~~ The Tenth Wrestle in Closing In Take him by both his hands and throw him on his back. (?) Das ·x· zu°lauffent Ringen It~ daß du in bÿ d baide~ henden nÿmst nÿmpst vñ wirffin vff den rucken ~ ~~ The Eleventh Wrestle in Closing In Check in your running how you approach him. Take his right arm with both of your hands, pass through underneath to his back, and break his arm. Das ·xj· zu°lauffent ringe~ Item brieffe am lauffen wa du zu° im komst lauffest So nÿm sinen rechten arm mitt dinbaid~ henden vñ durchlauft im den vnd brich im den enzwaÿ etc The Twelfth Wrestle in Closing In If you close in and take hold of him by the chest, and he you, then hit his arm away and punch with your left hand behind his left arm. Seize him by the leg with your right hand and throw him. [86r] Das ·xij· zu°lauffent Ringen Item wen du in anlauffest Vñ an die bris brust gefa?? gefasst vnd er dich och also / so schlag im den arm ab vñ stos in mitt dine~ lincken hand hinde~ sinen lincken arm Begrÿff in bÿ aine~ bain mitt der rechten hand vñ v~berwürff in etc The Thirteenth Wrestle in Closing In If he takes hold of you by the arm and you take hold of him in like fashion, then let go of his right arm. And seize him by the left arm through between his legs, and lift him on your shoulder. And throw him as you please. Daß ·xiij· zu°lauffent Ringen Item wañ er dich fast fasst bÿ dem arm vnd du in och also / so laß den rechten arm gen / vñ begrÿff in bÿ sine~ lincken arm I zwischen siner bain vñ heb in vff die achsel vñ wirff in wie du wilt ~ ~ ~  If he seizes you under the shoulders, then punch his arm away from you with your right hand and seize him then and wrestle. [86v] Ain bruch in dem Ringen Item ain bruch wann er dich vnde~ die achsel begrÿfft So stoß von dir den arm mitt der rechten hand vñ fall in dan mer an zu° zu° ringen ~ ~ ~
88r - 108r	Gloss of Liechtenauer's Kampffechten by Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck
109r - 121v	Gloss of Liechtenauer's Roßfechten by Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck
122r - 125v	Four displaced pages

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Additional Resources

• Dürer, Albrecht and Wassmannsdorff, Karl. Die Ringkunst des deutschen Mittelalters. Liepzig: Priber, 1870.
• Lindholm, David and Svard, Peter. Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2003. ISBN 978-1-58160-410-8
• Lindholm, David and Svard, Peter. Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-58160-499-3
• Tobler, Christian Henry. Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship. Highland Village, TX: Chivalry Bookshelf, 2001. ISBN 1-891448-07-2
• Wierschin, Martin. Meister Johann Liechtenauers Kunst des Fechtens. München: Beck, 1965.

Copyright and License Summary

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Images		Sächsische Landesbibliothek
Translation	Keith Farrell	Academy of Historical Arts
Translation	Alex and Almirena	Master Sigmund Ringeck
Transcription	Dierk Hagedorn	Index:Johan Liechtnawers Fechtbuch geschriebenn (MS Dresd.C.487)