Layers of Liechtenauer's Fight: Zwerchau
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Liechtenauer Cut·The Historical Fencing Channel
In this video, we discuss our interpretation of the Zwerchau, it's functions and the plays which its sets up. e ave no g…
Liechtenauer Cut
SubFamilyリヒテナウアー斬り(Rihitenauā Kiri)
HybridTranslation: Liechtenauer cut
Overview
The Liechtenauer Cut subfamily covers the primary cutting techniques of HEMA longsword fencing, anchored in the German tradition's five master cuts (Fünf Meisterhäue) — Zornhau, Krumphau, Zwerchhau, Schielhau, and Scheitelhau — along with the fundamental Oberhau (descending cut) and Unterhau (rising cut). [1] Each master cut is not merely a strike but a complete tactical concept that simultaneously attacks and defends by displacing the opponent's blade while cutting to an opening. [1],[2] The principle of Indes (meanwhile) teaches that cuts must flow without pause from one action to the next, maintaining constant pressure. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The five master cuts are attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer and were extensively glossed by his students in the fifteenth century, forming the technical core of the German longsword tradition. [1] The master cuts were considered 'secret' techniques transmitted only to worthy students, as recorded in Ringeck's and von Danzig's glosses. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The Liechtenauer cutting system uses five master cuts (Meisterhäue)—Zwerchau, Krumphau, Schielhau, Scheitelhau, and Zornhau—each designed to counter specific guards while simultaneously attacking. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
Liechtenauer cuts are the primary offensive techniques in HEMA longsword competition, with the Zornhau and Zwerchau being the most commonly used. [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
— FIE — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for...
FIE Rules of CompetitionPDFHEMA — Legal in historical fencing competition {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓The Liechtenauer cuts are the offensive foundation of German longsword — five master cuts (Meisterhau) that serve as both attacks and counters to specific guard positions (Tobler, Fighting with the German Longsword, 2004)
✓The five master cuts: Zornhau (wrath cut), Krumphau (crooked cut), Zwerchhau (cross cut), Schielhau (squinting cut), and Scheitelhau (scalp cut)
✓Each master cut is designed to counter a specific guard: Zornhau breaks Vom Tag, Krumphau breaks Ochs, Zwerchhau breaks Pflug, etc.
✓The master cuts are not just offensive techniques — each cut simultaneously attacks and defends by displacing the opponent's sword while striking
✓The principle of Indes (meanwhile/simultaneously) applies to all master cuts: the cut attacks and defends in one motion
✓The five cuts form a complete system: together they address every tactical situation in longsword combat
✓Beyond the master cuts, basic cuts include Oberhau (overhead cut), Unterhau (undercut), and Mittelhau (middle cut) — these are the building blocks
Common Mistakes
!Treating the master cuts as simple swings — each cut is a complex technique with specific mechanics, targets, and tactical purposes
!Not understanding which guard each cut counters — the cuts exist to solve specific problems; know the problems
!Using only one or two cuts — the full system requires all five master cuts plus the basic cuts
!Cutting without understanding the simultaneous defence — each cut should displace the opponent's sword while attacking
!Not drilling the cuts from the correct guard position — each cut launches from a specific position
!Ignoring the Indes principle — the cut must be simultaneous attack and defence, not sequential
!Not studying the original sources — the glosses explain the tactical context that makes each cut 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)
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)
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)
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
Krumphau
GenusThe Crooked Cut, delivered with crossed wrists to strike with the short edge, used to break the opponent's Ochs guard.
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Oberhau
GenusThe Oberhau (descending cut) is the fundamental overhead cut of German longsword fencing, delivered from a high guard (Vom Tag or similar) downward to the opponent's head, shoulder, or arm. [1] The Oberhau is the most natural and powerful longsword cut, using gravity and the full range of shoulder rotation to generate force. [1,2] Liechtenauer's system uses the Oberhau as the basis of the Zornhau (wrath cut), the first and most important of the five master cuts. [2,3]
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Unterhau
GenusThe Unterhau (rising cut) travels from below upward, targeting the opponent's arms, chin, or torso from a low guard (Alber or similar). [1] The Unterhau is the natural complement to the Oberhau, and alternating between descending and rising cuts creates the continuous cutting flow that characterises German longsword fencing. [1,2] Though less powerful than the Oberhau, the Unterhau attacks from an unexpected angle and is effective against opponents in high guards. [2,3]
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Zornhau
GenusThe Zornhau (wrath cut) is the first and most important of Liechtenauer's five master cuts — a powerful diagonal descending cut from the dominant shoulder to the opponent's opposite side, delivered with an aggressive step forward. [1] The Zornhau is not simply a strong cut; it is designed to simultaneously attack the opponent and displace their incoming cut by crossing their blade en route to the target. [1,2] From the Zornhau bind (where the swords cross), the fencer transitions into winding, thrusting, or further cutting based on the opponent's reaction. [2,3]
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Zwerchhau
GenusThe Zwerchhau (cross cut or thwart cut) is a horizontal cut delivered with the short edge (false edge) by rotating the hands so the hilt rises and the blade travels horizontally across the opponent's head or body. [1] The Zwerchhau is the master cut that specifically counters attacks from Vom Tag (high guard) and overhead positions, as the horizontal trajectory naturally passes beneath a descending blade while simultaneously striking the opponent's temple. [1,2] The Zwerchhau also serves as a powerful entry into grappling range because of its body rotation and forward step. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my opponent counters my Liechtenauer cut with a strong parry?
According to The Historical Fencing Channel, if your opponent gains a strong angle on your sword in response to your cut, striking a second cut to the other side isn't optimal. Instead, you should change your line of attack to the other side to draw that strong parry away, then immediately change your line again on the opposite side.
How do I maintain control when my opponent parries weakly against my cut?
The Historical Fencing Channel explains that weak parries aren't necessarily bad—there's just a different set of techniques to use. If your opponent parries weakly and begins to lift your sword, you can rush in and throw your sword behind his neck with the short edge, using your strong position at the cross guard to control his sword.
What's the counter if my opponent throws me after I parry weakly?
According to The Historical Fencing Channel, if your opponent tries to throw you with the short edge along your neck after you parry weakly, lift your pommel up and thrust down along the sword, then strike with the short edge along his neck to neutralize both the throw and any hand control he's gained.
How does the Liechtenauer Cut work?
The Liechtenauer Cut subfamily covers the primary cutting techniques of HEMA longsword fencing, anchored in the German tradition's five master cuts (Fünf Meisterhäue) — Zornhau, Krumphau, Zwerchhau, Schielhau, and Scheitelhau — along with the fundamental Oberhau (descending cut) and Unterhau (rising cut). Each master cut is not merely a strike but a complete tactical concept that simultaneously attacks and defends by displacing the opponent's blade while cutting to an opening.
Where does the Liechtenauer Cut come from?
The five master cuts are attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer and were extensively glossed by his students in the fifteenth century, forming the technical core of the German longsword tradition. The master cuts were considered 'secret' techniques transmitted only to worthy students, as recorded in Ringeck's and von Danzig's glosses.
Is the Liechtenauer Cut legal in competition?
FIE: legal — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for foil, épée, and sabre; HEMA: legal — Legal in historical fencing competition
How dangerous is the Liechtenauer Cut?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Liechtenauer Cut?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Liechtenauer Cut?
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 Liechtenauer Cut?
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 Liechtenauer Cut in competition?
Liechtenauer cuts are the primary offensive techniques in HEMA longsword competition, with the Zornhau and Zwerchau being the most commonly used.
What are common mistakes when doing the Liechtenauer Cut?
Top errors to watch for: Treating the master cuts as simple swings — each cut is a complex technique with specific mechanics, targets, and tac… / Not understanding which guard each cut counters — the cuts exist to solve specific problems; know the problems / Using only one or two cuts — the full system requires all five master cuts plus the basic cuts / Cutting without understanding the simultaneous defence — each cut should displace the opponent's sword while attacking.
What are other names for the Liechtenauer Cut?
The Liechtenauer Cut is also known as Rihitenauā Kiri, Meisterhau, Master Cut, Liechtenauer's Five Cuts.