Longsword

The German langeschwert (longsword) of the 15th century was a knightly hand and a half sword that developed through the battlefields of the 13th century and eventually found a place as a dueling weapon before being supplanted by the rapier.

The longsword evolved on the battlefield, at a time of transition when ranged weapons such as the longbow and crossbow and massed infantry formations forced the mounted knight to wear heavier armor to maintain battlefield dominance. As plate armor developed and became increasingly protective, the knight had to rely less on his shield. This fact allowed the use of a weapon that could be wielded in one or two hands as needed. As a two handed weapon, it could strike much more powerfully. It eventually developed a strongly tapering point, which could pierce mail. When held with a hand on the grip and one hand halfway up the blade (halbschwert or half-sword) a knight could guide the point between the plates of another armored opponent as well.

Blossfechten, or fighting in street clothes, became a popular civilian use for the weapon. In a further step of evolution, later longswords have a small loop over the guard that allows for fingering to achieve greater point control. This is not surprising as the age of the longsword and the age of the rapier overlap considerably.

We primarily study the fighting system of Master Johannes Lichtenauer and his student Sigmund Ringeck. This distinctly German system favors a strong offense and seizing the initiave, attacking "one opening after the other, so he cannot get through with his own techniques." We practice using wooden wasters as well as aluminum and steel rebated blades, with varying degrees of armor depending on the drill or exercise being practiced. This weapon is the primary focus for our particular group.