Longsword Zornhau

You will learn the first Mastercut in the Liechtenauer Tradition: The Zornhauort.
"Ort" is the old word for the point of the sword and in this case it stands for a thrust that follows after the Zornhau.
In this interpretation the technique is performed in two tempi. You will find a faster version in only one tempo in the later Zornhau advanced.

Zornhauort - simple and masterly. After our first interpretation of the Zornhauort which divided the technique into two tempi we now show a variation which attacks directly and therefore faster to the opening of the oponent. Beside masterly details on footwork, distance and timing we talk about what is simple in the Zornhauort, because as in the fencing manuals described the Zornhauort is nothing else but a simple Bauernschlag (Peasantstrike).

In this short video we use the Zornhau against a cut from above.
This time we do not use a thrust (ort) against the attack but step closer and cut directly to the face.
As usual it is really important to have control over the strong and weak in the bind.

"Wer dir öberhawt / Zornhaw ort dem drawt. Wirt er eß gewar / Nym oben ab öne far".
This Liechtenauer Rhyme can be translated: "Who cuts an Oberhau (Cut from above) towards you is threatened by the Zornhau-Ort. If he notices it, make the Abnehmen (take it up and off)"
You will train the Abnehmen in different levels. You can choose a difficulty that suits you best. This way you can train your body in and towards a good structure.

There's a counter for everything. That means that there isn't a single uncounterable technique, because if that were the case, then it'd be good for us fencers. We'd only have to train the one technique and we'd always win with it.
In this video we have a look at a counter against the Abnehmen. We look at the fencing manual, make three slightly different interpretations and in the end choose the one that we like best. Have fun.

We have a look at one of the first described "Winden" in the Liechtenauer System:
In the Zornhauort it is provided as an alternative to the Abnehmen. It is an exciting technique because while we turn our blade to stab him from the outside, our own body (our "Blösen") remains open to an attack from our oponent. During all this we stay in contact with the oponents blade, which allows us "Fühlen" (to feel). This is extremely important to find the right timing, a keyrequirement for this technique.

We start with simple exercises to learn the movement and finish with a complex reaction drill which combines Zornhauort, Abnehmen and Winden. Have fun!

"Nimms nieder" which means as much as "take it down" refers to a technique described after a winding action in the Zornhau pieces. After your opponent has defended your thrust upwards you take your point down and stab him between his hands towards his face or chest. We start with really simple exercises to get used to this movement and then move on to complex reaction drills. Have fun.

How to counter the Zornhau? You will use a winden with thrust against the Zornhau. From there a long play (Stück) that includes several techniques will establish.
There sure are other ways. If you have ideas feel free to explore yourself.

An advanced technical lesson that combindes Zornhau(ort) and Winding towards inside and outside. You learn to observe the Vor and Nach in Zufechten and to feel the hard and soft in the Edler Krieg. What you need is a skilled and experienced training partner that gives you clear signals. First train them piece by piece and then combine them. Take your time! Speed comes with routine and competence.