Ringen 02-10-13
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Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert·Northwest Fencing Academy - Medieval Martial Arts
Ringen Study Group Fabian Von Auerswald Review: Lock Wrestling Second Lock Wrestling February 10, 2013
Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert
SubFamily剣上の組み打ち(Ken-jō no Kumi-uchi)
TraditionalTranslation: grappling at the sword
Overview
The Grappling at the Sword (Ringen am Schwert) subfamily covers the close-quarters wrestling techniques performed while both combatants retain their longswords, a distinctive feature of German HEMA that integrates swordsmanship with grappling. [1] When the distance closes beyond cutting or thrusting range, the fight transitions to Ringen am Schwert, where fighters use their crossguards, pommels, and half-swording grips to throw, disarm, or lock the opponent. [1],[2] These techniques include pommel strikes to the face, crossguard hooks to the neck, arm locks using the blade as a lever, and takedowns that use the sword as a wrestling aid. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Ringen am Schwert is extensively documented in the German fight-book tradition, with Fiore dei Liberi's gioco stretto (close play) and the German Ringen sections of Talhoffer and Codex Wallerstein providing detailed illustrated techniques. [1] This integration of wrestling with swordsmanship distinguishes European medieval combat from many other sword traditions. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Ringen am Schwert (Grappling at the Sword) comprises close-range techniques executed when fencers are too close for effective cutting or thrusting, including disarms, throws, pommel strikes, and wrestling actions performed while maintaining grip on the sword. [1] These techniques are essential to historical longsword combat because the bind frequently brings fighters into grappling range; the ability to transition from swordplay to wrestling determines outcomes in close quarters. [2] Hans Talhoffer's fight books depict extensive Ringen am Schwert sequences including arm locks and takedowns. [3]
Lineage
Ringen am Schwert is documented in all comprehensive Liechtenauer-tradition manuscripts, with particularly detailed coverage in Talhoffer's fight books (1443–1467) and in the Codex Wallerstein. [1] Fiore dei Liberi devotes an entire section of Fior di Battaglia to sword grappling (gioco stretto — the close game), demonstrating its importance across European traditions. [2]
Competition Record
Sword grappling is allowed in most HEMA longsword rule sets and is used at major tournaments when fighters close to grappling range. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Traditional martial arts — Practiced in traditional kata/...
— IWUF — Legal in wushu taolu if applicable
IWUF Competition RulesPDFHEMA — Legal in applicable historical weapon categories {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓Ringen am Schwert (grappling at the sword) is the close-quarters fighting system of German longsword — when fighters close to grappling range while still holding their swords, a distinct set of techniques applies (Tobler, Fighting with the German Longsword, 2004)
✓Ringen am Schwert bridges weapon fighting and empty-hand grappling: techniques include disarms, throws, locks, and pommel strikes while both fighters maintain sword contact
✓The transition to Ringen occurs when the bind brings fighters to close quarters — at this range, cuts and thrusts are too close; grappling techniques take over
✓Techniques include: Mordschlag (murder strike, using the sword as a hammer by gripping the blade and striking with the pommel), arm locks, throws, and disarms
✓Half-swording (gripping the blade with one hand for close-range thrusting) is part of Ringen am Schwert — it allows precise thrusts at armoured gaps
✓Fiore dei Liberi's Italian tradition includes extensive dagger and sword grappling that parallels the German Ringen am Schwert system
✓Ringen am Schwert demonstrates that historical swordsmanship was a complete fighting system, not limited to long-range cutting and thrusting
Common Mistakes
!Ignoring Ringen am Schwert in longsword training — it is a core part of the system, not an optional addition
!Releasing the sword to grapple — Ringen am Schwert techniques are performed while maintaining grip on the weapon
!Not training the transition from cutting range to grappling range — the entry to Ringen happens from the bind and must be drilled
!Using excessive force in Ringen techniques — like all grappling, technique and leverage are more important than strength
!Not wearing appropriate hand protection when practising — Ringen am Schwert involves gripping the blade; gloves are essential
!Ignoring the Mordschlag — the pommel strike is a devastating close-range technique that bypasses armour
!Not understanding when Ringen am Schwert is appropriate — it applies at close quarters when cuts and thrusts are too close to be effective
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) — take the appropriate ready position with the weapon
2Measure Distance (Ma-ai) — establish correct striking distance
3Initiate Cut/Thrust — execute the technique with proper edge alignment or point control
4Follow Through (Zanshin) — maintain awareness and readiness after the technique
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Art of Combat (Joachim Meyer, 1570)
1BookThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Forgeng, J., The Art of Combat (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) [2] Tobler, C., In Saint George's Name (Freelance Academy Press, 2010) [3] Talhoffer, H., Medieval Combat (Greenhill Books, 2000, trans. Rector)
2BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Lineage sources — [1] Talhoffer, H., Medieval Combat (Greenhill Books, 2000, trans. Rector); Codex Wallerstein, Universitätsbibliothek Augsburg [2] Fiore dei Liberi, Fior di Battaglia (1409), Getty MS Ludwig XV 13
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4CitationThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Forgeng, J., The Art of Combat (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) [2] Tobler, C., In Saint George's Name (Freelance Academy Press, 2010) [3] Talhoffer, H., Medieval Combat (Greenhill Books, 2000, trans. Rector)
5CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Lineage sources — [1] Talhoffer, H., Medieval Combat (Greenhill Books, 2000, trans. Rector); Codex Wallerstein, Universitätsbibliothek Augsburg [2] Fiore dei Liberi, Fior di Battaglia (1409), Getty MS Ludwig XV 13
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
When grappling at the sword, should I try to lock my opponent's arm?
No—avoid locking the arm. Instead, use hip twist to open up opportunities for control, as demonstrated at Northwest Fencing Academy.
Why isn't a leg hook throw working when I attempt it?
Position is critical; if you're in the wrong place relative to your opponent, the throw won't execute even if you hook and lift correctly. Ensure proper positioning before committing to the technique.
How does the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert work?
The Grappling at the Sword (Ringen am Schwert) subfamily covers the close-quarters wrestling techniques performed while both combatants retain their longswords, a distinctive feature of German HEMA that integrates swordsmanship with grappling. When the distance closes beyond cutting or thrusting range, the fight transitions to Ringen am Schwert, where fighters use their crossguards, pommels, and half-swording grips to throw, disarm, or lock the opponent.
Where does the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert come from?
Ringen am Schwert is extensively documented in the German fight-book tradition, with Fiore dei Liberi's gioco stretto (close play) and the German Ringen sections of Talhoffer and Codex Wallerstein providing detailed illustrated techniques. This integration of wrestling with swordsmanship distinguishes European medieval combat from many other sword traditions.
Is the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert legal in competition?
Traditional martial arts: legal — Practiced in traditional kata/forms and weapon-specific competition under var…; IWUF: legal — Legal in wushu taolu if applicable; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable historical weapon categories
How dangerous is the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert in competition?
Sword grappling is allowed in most HEMA longsword rule sets and is used at major tournaments when fighters close to grappling range.
What are common mistakes when doing the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
Top errors to watch for: Ignoring Ringen am Schwert in longsword training — it is a core part of the system, not an optional addition / Releasing the sword to grapple — Ringen am Schwert techniques are performed while maintaining grip on the weapon / Not training the transition from cutting range to grappling range — the entry to Ringen happens from the bind and mus… / Using excessive force in Ringen techniques — like all grappling, technique and leverage are more important than strength.
What are other names for the Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert?
The Grappling At The Sword — Ringen Am Schwert is also known as Ken-jō no Kumi-uchi, Ringen am Schwert, Sword Grappling, Abrazare at the Sword, Close-Quarter Sword Work.