Review: Customized BlackFencer 1459 Steel Messer
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Standard Ringen Am Schwert·Die Freifechter
A review of a slightly customised BlackFencer 1459 steel Messer: https://blackfencer.com/en/steel-generation-line/224-la…
Standard Ringen Am Schwert
Genusスタンダード剣上組み打ち(Sutandādo Ken-jō Kumi-uchi)
HybridTranslation: standard ringen am schwert
Overview
The Standard Ringen am Schwert technique encompasses the fundamental grappling actions at sword range: the pommel strike (Mordschlag), crossguard hooks, half-swording transitions, and disarms executed when the bind closes to wrestling distance. [1] The Mordschlag — gripping the blade and striking with the pommel like a hammer — is the signature technique of Ringen am Schwert, capable of denting a helmet or stunning an armoured opponent. [1],[2] Training includes controlled sparring with padded weapons to practise the transitions from cutting range to grappling range. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Ringen am Schwert techniques are illustrated in numerous fifteenth-century German and Italian fight-books, with Talhoffer's 1467 Fechtbuch providing some of the most detailed depictions of armoured sword grappling. [1] The Mordschlag technique demonstrates the medieval pragmatism of using every part of the weapon as a tool. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Competition Record
Ringen am Schwert techniques are allowed and used in HEMA longsword competition, though scoring varies by rule set. [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
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
Videos
Sabre & Buckler Sparring - Oli v Nick
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Standard Ringen Am Schwert·Academy of Historical Fencing
We are both using Kvetun Easton sabres here of the slotted form, Oli with the full length standard (86cm) blade and Nick…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The available instructional material does not contain substantive technical content addressing Standard Ringen am Schwert (grappling at the sword) as a longsword technique. The Academy of Historical Fencing transcript consists entirely of blank audio markers and provides no pedagogical information. The Die Freifechter transcript is a detailed equipment review of a customized Messer (single-handed blade) rather than instruction on longsword grappling methods. While the reviewer discusses sparring applications and bind work with the Messer—including remarks on authority in the bind, winding mechanics, and grip considerations—this does not constitute teaching of Ringen am Schwert methodology. The Messer and longsword operate under substantially different mechanical principles due to their respective blade profiles, length, and handling characteristics. No comparative analysis between the two weapons' grappling systems is presented. Consequently, the transcripts provide insufficient material to synthesize a coherent encyclopedia entry on Standard Ringen am Schwert longsword technique.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Academy of Historical Fencing — Sabre & Buckler Sparring - Oli v Nick: No usable content; transcript contains only blank audio markers.
- Die Freifechter — Review: Customized BlackFencer 1459 Steel Messer: Equipment review with incidental remarks on bind work and winding with single-handed blade; not applicable to longsword grappling instruction.
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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
✓Standard Ringen am Schwert execution: from the bind at close quarters, transition to grappling by using the sword as a lever, control the opponent's arms or sword, and apply a throw, lock, or disarm (Tobler, Fighting with the German Longsword, 2004)
✓Step 1: from the bind, recognize that the range has closed to grappling distance
✓Step 2: use the crossguard as a hook: catch the opponent's arm, neck, or sword with the crossguard to control them
✓Step 3: apply leverage: use the sword's length as a lever against the opponent's arms or body
✓Step 4: execute the technique: throw (use the lever to off-balance and take them down), disarm (twist the sword from their grip), or lock (apply joint pressure using the weapon)
✓Step 5: if disarming, immediately establish control; if throwing, follow to a dominant position
✓The Mordschlag variant: grip the blade (wearing gauntlets), and strike with the pommel or crossguard like a hammer
✓The sword in Ringen am Schwert becomes a grappling tool: its length, crossguard, and pommel all serve as leverage points
✓Drill: from the bind, partner resists while you transition to a Ringen technique — 5 reps per technique per side
Common Mistakes
!Transitioning to Ringen without establishing the bind first — the bind is the entry point; don't skip it
!Using the crossguard hook without controlling the opponent's balance — the hook must be combined with off-balancing
!Attempting disarms without proper leverage — the sword's mechanics (crossguard, grip rotation) provide the leverage; understand them
!Dropping the sword to grapple empty-handed — maintain weapon control throughout the technique
!Not protecting yourself during the transition — the moment of transition is vulnerable; maintain defensive awareness
!Using Ringen techniques at cutting distance — Ringen is for close quarters only; at longer range, cut and thrust
!Not practising with protective equipment — Ringen am Schwert training involves blade gripping and impact; proper gear is essential
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)
Alias sources — [1] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat [2] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat [3] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat
2BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Fighting with the German Longsword (Tobler, 2004) [2] Medieval Combat (Talhoffer, 2000 translation)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Alias sources — [1] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat [2] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat [3] Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Arts of Combat
5CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Fighting with the German Longsword (Tobler, 2004) [2] Medieval Combat (Talhoffer, 2000 translation)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good Messer for Ringen am Schwert practice?
A well-balanced Messer should have a thickened (not folded) spine of around 5mm, a point of balance around 11cm, and a blade width of about 4cm. According to Die Freifechter, this combination provides good authority in the bind during grappling exchanges.
How does the Standard Ringen Am Schwert work?
The Standard Ringen am Schwert technique encompasses the fundamental grappling actions at sword range: the pommel strike (Mordschlag), crossguard hooks, half-swording transitions, and disarms executed when the bind closes to wrestling distance. The Mordschlag — gripping the blade and striking with the pommel like a hammer — is the signature technique of Ringen am Schwert, capable of denting a helmet or stunning an armoured opponent.
Where does the Standard Ringen Am Schwert come from?
Ringen am Schwert techniques are illustrated in numerous fifteenth-century German and Italian fight-books, with Talhoffer's 1467 Fechtbuch providing some of the most detailed depictions of armoured sword grappling. The Mordschlag technique demonstrates the medieval pragmatism of using every part of the weapon as a tool.
Is the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard Ringen Am Schwert in competition?
Ringen am Schwert techniques are allowed and used in HEMA longsword competition, though scoring varies by rule set.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Ringen Am Schwert?
Top errors to watch for: Transitioning to Ringen without establishing the bind first — the bind is the entry point; don't skip it / Using the crossguard hook without controlling the opponent's balance — the hook must be combined with off-balancing / Attempting disarms without proper leverage — the sword's mechanics (crossguard, grip rotation) provide the leverage; … / Dropping the sword to grapple empty-handed — maintain weapon control throughout the technique.
What are other names for the Standard Ringen Am Schwert?
The Standard Ringen Am Schwert is also known as Sutandādo Ken-jō Kumi-uchi, Basic Sword Grapple, Standard Schwertringen, Close-Quarter Sword Technique.