Versetzen and Absetzen: Longsword Lesson 16
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Absetzen·Sword Carolina
A pair of techniques this week from MS 3227a, or the Döbringer manuscript. While other masters go into more detail in t…
Translation: setting aside (simultaneous parry and counter-thrust)
Range & classification
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
Absetzen (Setting Aside) is a HEMA longsword counter-technique where the fighter simultaneously parries an incoming cut and delivers a thrust in a single motion. [1] Rather than blocking first and then attacking (two separate actions), Absetzen displaces the opponent's blade while extending the point into the opponent's body — defense and offense occur at the same time. [1] It is one of the core defensive concepts in the Liechtenauer tradition, embodying the principle that the best defense is one that also attacks. [1] The technique is typically performed from Pflug (plow) or Ochs (ox) guard. [1]
Setting AsideAbsetzen CounterDisplacement with Thrust
History & Origin
Absetzen is one of the fundamental counter-techniques in the Liechtenauer German longsword tradition. [1] It embodies the core principle of Indes (meanwhile) — acting simultaneously in defense and offense rather than sequentially. The concept appears in multiple medieval Fechtbücher and remains central to modern HEMA longsword practice. [1]
Country of origin· shown in random order
- GermanyHEMA, German Longsword, Kunst des Fechtens
- ItalyHEMA
Effectiveness
Extremely effective because it combines defense and attack into a single action — the opponent's committed cut creates the opening for the counter-thrust. [1] It follows the principle that a fighter who must defend twice (block then attack) is always slower than one who defends and attacks simultaneously. [1]
Lineage
German longsword lineage: Johannes Liechtenauer (14th century) → transmitted through the Gesellschaft Liechtenauers (Society of Liechtenauer) → documented in Fechtbücher by Sigmund Ringeck (c. 1440), Peter von Danzig (1452), Hans Talhoffer (1459), and Paulus Kal (1470). Reconstructed in modern HEMA from manuscript study beginning in the 1990s–2000s. [1]
Competition Record
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based). [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Angling the blade to deflect an incoming cut while simultaneously thrusting the point into the opponent
Joints Involved — Wrists (angle the blade for deflection), arms (extend for thrust), hips (step offline)
Force Vector — Simultaneous: lateral deflection of the incoming cut + forward thrust into the opponent's body
Position & Entry
From Pflug (plow guard) — Opponent cuts diagonally, angle blade to catch their cut while extending point into their body
From Ochs (ox guard) — Opponent cuts high, set aside their blade with the strong of your sword while thrusting
Variants
Absetzen from Pflug — setting aside from the plow guard
Absetzen from Ochs — setting aside from the ox guard
Absetzen against Oberhau — countering an overhead cut
Absetzen against Unterhau — countering a rising cut
Videos
Hände drücken and Schnappen: Longsword Lesson 21
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Absetzen·Sword Carolina
One of the best things about Historical European Martial Arts is the amount of variety they contain. Here are two more …
Master class - advanced zufechten, defence and work with: zwerch, absetzen, doplieren, ubergreifen.
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Absetzen·Fencer ́s guild - Guildam Gladiatorum
a short insight into our master class, how do we practice an advanced level of zufechten and defence during handarbeit.
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
Absetzen is an advanced longsword counter-technique that combines defense and immediate counter-attack into a single continuous motion, as distinguished from the related Versetzen. According to Sword Carolina's analysis of the Dobringer manuscript, Absetzen differs from Versetzen in that it consolidates what would normally be two separate actions—cutting to block and then thrusting—into one fluid response to an opponent's attack. The fundamental principle involves moving the hands first before the feet to collect the opponent's sword and control range, allowing the practitioner to determine appropriate distance and maintain the initiative. Absetzen can be executed against thrust attacks, as when an opponent thrusts from plow and the defender responds with a simultaneous thrust while collecting the opponent's blade. Against cutting attacks, such as an opponent's Oberhau, the defender can counter with an Unterhau while immediately thrusting, ensuring adequate height for protection while achieving line superiority. Sword Carolina emphasizes that proper execution requires full winding into a secure hanging position with cross-guard protection to prevent the opponent's blade from sliding over the defender's sword. The technique represents an application of timing-based counter-offense prioritized in the Dobringer tradition, contrasting with the more guard-focused approaches found in later manuscripts like von Danzig and Ringeck.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Sword Carolina — Versetzen and Absetzen: Longsword Lesson 16: Provided comprehensive analysis of Absetzen from the Dobringer manuscript, explaining its distinction from Versetzen, demonstrating thrusting responses to plow thrusts and Oberhau cuts, and emphasizing the principle of moving hands before feet to control the bind and range.
- Fencer's guild - Guildam Gladiatorum — Master class - advanced zufechten, defence and work with: zwerch, absetzen, doplieren, ubergreifen: Listed in video title but provided no substantive transcript content regarding Absetzen technique.
- Sword Carolina — Hände drücken and Schnappen: Longsword Lesson 21: While focused on related slicing techniques (Hände drücken and Schnappen), provided contextual understanding of hand position control and pommel-work transitions relevant to advanced binding mechanics used in counter-techniques.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
The counter-thrust targets the body while the opponent is committed to their cut.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
HEMA tournamentsSCA Heavy CombatHEMAA/HEMA Alliance
Training Notes
✓The deflection and thrust must happen simultaneously — don't parry THEN thrust
✓Use the strong of your blade (near the crossguard) to set aside the opponent's cut
✓Step offline while counter-thrusting — don't stay on the line of their attack
✓The point must already be aimed at the target before the opponent's cut arrives
✓This technique requires anticipation, not reaction
Common Mistakes
!Separating the defense and attack into two motions — must be simultaneous
!Using the weak of the blade (near the tip) to parry — too fragile, gets pushed through
!Not stepping offline — staying in the path of a partially deflected cut
!Focusing on the parry and forgetting the thrust
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Hold Pflug → opponent cuts diagonally → Absetzen counter-thrust to body
2Feint a cut to draw their attack → Absetzen their counter
3From bind → opponent pushes → yield and Absetzen from the new angle
Sources & References
Primary Source
Clements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
1BookClements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship, Counter-Techniques chapter
2CitationClements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship, Counter-Techniques chapter
Community
Athletics
Requires
precise blade angle control, distance judgment, timing
Key muscles
forearms (blade control), core (stability during step), shoulders (extension for thrust)
Notes
Absetzen (setting aside) embodies the Liechtenauer principle of Indes (meanwhile) — defense and offense in one tempo. Clements' Medieval Swordsmanship documents it as a core counter-technique where the fighter deflects an incoming cut while simultaneously thrusting. (Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship; Tobler, Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between Versetzen and Absetzen?
Versetzen is a two-part process where you cut and then thrust, while Absetzen tries to put everything into one action—cutting and thrusting simultaneously. According to Sword Carolina, Dobringer favored the thrust-focused approach of Absetzen.
Why should I move my hands before my feet when executing Absetzen?
Moving your hands first allows you to collect your opponent's sword and set the range before committing to footwork. As Sword Carolina explains, this lets you see what distance you need and adjust your step accordingly, rather than being locked into a predetermined distance.
How do I prevent my opponent's sword from coming over mine during Absetzen?
Make sure to come up high enough with your cut to protect yourself while thrusting, and perform a full wind into your rocks as you cut the Underhow so your cross guard protects your hands and the sword doesn't hit you in the head.
Should I already be on line when I thrust during Absetzen?
Yes—according to Sword Carolina, you want to already be on line when immediately thrusting as you cut, so you don't have to do any work in the bind to get your point positioned.
How does the Absetzen work?
Absetzen (Setting Aside) is a HEMA longsword counter-technique where the fighter simultaneously parries an incoming cut and delivers a thrust in a single motion. Rather than blocking first and then attacking (two separate actions), Absetzen displaces the opponent's blade while extending the point into the opponent's body — defense and offense occur at the same time.
Where does the Absetzen come from?
Absetzen is one of the fundamental counter-techniques in the Liechtenauer German longsword tradition. It embodies the core principle of Indes (meanwhile) — acting simultaneously in defense and offense rather than sequentially.
Is the Absetzen legal in competition?
HEMA tournaments: Legal: legal — standard technique in longsword competition; SCA Heavy Combat: Legal: legal — permitted in armored combat; HEMAA/HEMA Alliance: Legal: legal — recognized in all affiliated tournaments
How dangerous is the Absetzen?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — the counter-thrust targets the body while the opponent is committed to their cut.
How do I set up the Absetzen?
The standard setup chain: Hold Pflug → opponent cuts diagonally → Absetzen counter-thrust to body → Feint a cut to draw their attack → Absetzen their counter → From bind → opponent pushes → yield and Absetzen from the new angle.
How do I defend against the Absetzen?
Standard counters include: Feint the cut — draw the Absetzen then change to a different attack / Cut short — don't fully commit to the cut that gets set aside / Duplieren — if the set-aside succeeds, double the attack from the bind.
What are the variants of the Absetzen?
Common variants: Absetzen from Pflug (setting aside from the plow guard); Absetzen from Ochs (setting aside from the ox guard); Absetzen against Oberhau (countering an overhead cut); Absetzen against Unterhau (countering a rising cut).
How effective is the Absetzen in competition?
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based).
What are common mistakes when doing the Absetzen?
Top errors to watch for: Separating the defense and attack into two motions — must be simultaneous / Using the weak of the blade (near the tip) to parry — too fragile, gets pushed through / Not stepping offline — staying in the path of a partially deflected cut / Focusing on the parry and forgetting the thrust.
What are other names for the Absetzen?
The Absetzen is also known as Abusettsen, Setting Aside, Absetzen Counter, Displacement with Thrust.