Lesson 3, Oberhau & Unterhau
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Oberhau·Sword Carolina
You can't return to the basics too much. Over the years, Josh and Aaron have often seen that problems students have in …
Oberhau
Genusオーバーハウ(Ōbāhau)
TransliterationTranslation: oberhau (over cut)
Overview
The 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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The Oberhau (Over Cut or Upper Cut) is the most basic and instinctive longsword cut — a powerful descending strike from above delivered with the long (true) edge. [1] Its biomechanical advantage comes from combining gravitational force with the downward rotational arc of the arms, generating maximum impact force. [2] Despite its simplicity, the Oberhau is highly effective and forms the foundation of all cutting technique in the German tradition. [2]
Lineage
Competition Record
Images
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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
Longsword Solo Flow for Beginners
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Oberhau·HEMATICS
In this HEMA tutorial we will show you how to take the techniques from our beginner's course and combine them to a basic…
Longsword Beginners Guide #4 - Parry and Riposte
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Oberhau·Federico Malagutti HEMA
Follow me on: PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/MalaguttiFederico Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/federicom…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Oberhau is foundational to Liechtenauer longsword technique, serving as one of two primary cuts from which all other techniques derive, according to historical manuscripts. Sword Carolina emphasizes that practitioners must cut toward the opponent's body rather than their sword, as this creates genuine threat and forces defensive response that establishes tempo advantage. Key mechanical principles include leading with the sword extended in front of the body before the feet follow—preventing the common error of stepping first with the sword held back. The cut transitions between guards (Winden into Platz or Alber, for example), with the finishing guard serving as the endpoint rather than an uncontrolled strike requiring correction. Sword Carolina stresses maintaining balance throughout the reach and extension, never overcommitting. Both the Oberhau and its counterpart Unterhau function simultaneously as offense and defense; the sword position itself provides parrying capability while setting aside incoming attacks. HEMATICS contextualizes the Oberhau within broader solo flow training, incorporating it with footwork, stance, and breathing to develop fluent movement. Federico Malagutti's instruction focuses on the riposte mechanics following parry, demonstrating how cuts like the Fendinterverso connect to guard transitions. All three instructors agree on the importance of body mechanics, proper footwork integration, and the cut's dual offensive-defensive nature within the Liechtenauer system.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Sword Carolina — Lesson 3, Oberhau & Unterhau: Detailed mechanics of the basic Oberhau including leading with sword before feet, cutting to body rather than opponent's sword, guard-to-guard transition methodology, balance maintenance, and the technique's dual offensive-defensive function in setting aside attacks.
- HEMATICS — Longsword Solo Flow for Beginners: Integration of Oberhau into comprehensive solo flow training combining breathing, stance, footwork, guards, and fluid motion following Liechtenauer principles; emphasis on staying 'in motion' (mortus).
- Federico Malagutti HEMA — Longsword Beginners Guide #4 - Parry and Riposte: Connection between parrying and riposte mechanics, guard transitions (Pota di Ferro to Frontale), body mechanics using hips and pivot footwork, and progressive training methodology from slow practice to speed.
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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 Oberhau (overhead cut or cut from above) is the most basic and natural longsword cut — a descending cut delivered from a raised position, using gravity and body mechanics for power (Tobler, Fighting with the German Longsword, 2004)
✓The Oberhau is the building block of all longsword cutting: it teaches edge alignment, body mechanics, and footwork in its simplest form
✓The Oberhau can be delivered vertically (straight down) or diagonally (from shoulder to opposite hip) — both variants are fundamental
✓The Zornhau is a specific type of Oberhau: the diagonal descending cut with specific tactical intent
✓Power generation for the Oberhau: the cut begins with a step, the hips rotate, the arms extend, and the blade accelerates through the target
✓The Oberhau is the first cut in every longsword curriculum because it teaches all the principles that more advanced cuts build upon
✓In cutting practice (Hauen), the Oberhau is used to develop edge alignment by cutting through tatami mats or other targets
Common Mistakes
!Using arm strength alone — the Oberhau power comes from the step, hip rotation, and body mass behind the blade
!Poor edge alignment — the edge must be perfectly aligned with the direction of travel for an effective cut
!Over-committing to the cut — the Oberhau should be controlled enough to allow recovery and follow-up
!Not stepping with the cut — the passing step is integral to generating power and closing distance
!Raising the sword too high before cutting — excessive wind-up telegraphs the attack and slows the cut
!Not following through the cut — the blade must travel through the target, not stop on contact
!Cutting at an angle without understanding the diagonal lines — the diagonal Oberhau follows specific paths from shoulder to opposite hip
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] Forgeng, J., The Art of Combat (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) [2] Tobler, C., In Saint George's Name (Freelance Academy Press, 2010)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
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] Forgeng, J., The Art of Combat (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) [2] Tobler, C., In Saint George's Name (Freelance Academy Press, 2010)
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
Why is the Oberhau considered so important in longsword practice?
According to Sword Carolina, the manuscripts state that the Oberhau and Unterhau are the two most fundamental cuts from which everything else is derived, making them essential to master.
How do I defend against an incoming Oberhau?
Sword Carolina teaches that you can defend against a basic Oberhau by executing an Oberhau yourself—for example, moving from long tag into plow position to set your opponent's sword aside, which works effectively for many situations.
What happens to my guard position when I execute a cut?
Every cut, including the Oberhau, involves transitioning from one guard to another, allowing you to move between different defensive and offensive positions.
How should my distance and arm extension differ between attacking and defending?
Sword Carolina emphasizes that when attacking, you want to reach out quickly to the nearest opening, but when defending, you should pull back slightly because extended arms are more vulnerable to attacks coming around your defense.
How does the Oberhau work?
The 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. The Oberhau is the most natural and powerful longsword cut, using gravity and the full range of shoulder rotation to generate force.
Where does the Oberhau come from?
The Oberhau is the most fundamental cut in European swordsmanship, documented in every known longsword manuscript from the German tradition. Ringeck's gloss explicitly states that all sword combat begins from the Oberhau.
Is the Oberhau 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 Oberhau?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Oberhau?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Oberhau?
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 Oberhau?
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 Oberhau in competition?
The Oberhau (overhand cut) is the most fundamental and commonly used cut in HEMA longsword competition. The Zornhau, a specific type of Oberhau, is the most frequent opening attack in tournament bouts.
What are common mistakes when doing the Oberhau?
Top errors to watch for: Using arm strength alone — the Oberhau power comes from the step, hip rotation, and body mass behind the blade / Poor edge alignment — the edge must be perfectly aligned with the direction of travel for an effective cut / Over-committing to the cut — the Oberhau should be controlled enough to allow recovery and follow-up / Not stepping with the cut — the passing step is integral to generating power and closing distance.
What are other names for the Oberhau?
The Oberhau is also known as Ōbāhau, Over-Cut, High Cut, Descending Strike.