Liechtenauer's Zettel - Ep 32 | Hengen & Winden + All 24 Windings
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Standard Winden·SuperiorHEMA
Something I said that's incorrect is saying setting on is just longpoint. Setting on is usually described with long poin…
Standard Winden
Genusスタンダードヴィンデン(Sutandādo Vinden)
TransliterationTranslation: standard winden
Overview
Standard Winding (Winden) is the fundamental blade-rotation technique of the German longsword tradition: from the bind, the fencer turns the sword by rotating the short edge toward the opponent and driving the point toward an upper or lower opening while maintaining blade contact. [1] The four standard windings move the sword between Ochs and Pflug on both left and right sides, creating eight potential positions from which to thrust or cut. [1],[2] Correct winding requires sensitivity (Fühlen) to detect the opponent's pressure and Indes (meanwhile) to exploit the opening before the opponent can react. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Winding was a central concept in the Liechtenauer tradition, described extensively in Fechtbücher as the key to fighting at the bind (Krieg). [1]
Competition Record
Winding actions at the bind are a distinguishing feature of technically skilled HEMA longsword competitors. [1]
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
Learn Sword Fencing 11: How to grip the arming sword
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Standard Winden·Paul Becker - Historical Fencing
In this video I show you the standard grip with the one-handed sword(arming sword). There are many special features to c…
How to Longsword vol. 4: Stances (part I)
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Standard Winden·HEMAreviews
So just a short description of the most basic stances. I consider the lower stances to be more difficult to use, the Sch…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
Standard Winden (winding) in Liechtenauer longsword fencing refers to the rotational movement into a hanging position, fundamentally defined as turning, spinning, or rotating the blade while engaging the opponent's sword. According to SuperiorHEMA, winding serves both offensive and defensive purposes and is categorized two ways: by target area (ox for upper openings, plow for lower openings) and by opponent blade pressure (soft winds when the opponent holds the centerline, hard winds when pushing offline). Soft winds are simpler, establishing strong-on-weak positioning to take the centerline and strike. Hard winds, performed on the outside of the opponent's blade when they push offline, require more practice but place the fencer closer and safer despite the counterintuitive positioning. SuperiorHEMA emphasizes that winding is not about extended reach but about stepping with control to maintain blade dominance—passing steps, advancing steps, and angular steps all apply contextually. The three ways to harm (cut, thrust, slice) can be executed from any wind, yielding 24 variations. Critically, winding generates actual threats requiring committed steps and solid positioning; careless winding invites counterattack. HEMAreviews contributes detailed guard instruction relevant to winding foundations, particularly the ox position variations, though offers less specific winding theory. Paul Becker's transcript contains insufficient substantive winding content.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- SuperiorHEMA — Liechtenauer's Zettel - Ep 32 | Hengen & Winden + All 24 Windings: Comprehensive winding theory: definition as rotational movement into hangings; categorical divisions (soft/hard pressure; ox/plow coverage); offensive-defensive applications; stepping mechanics; three-wound delivery methods; tournament effectiveness; counters and contextual limitations.
- HEMAreviews — How to Longsword vol. 4: Stances (part I): Foundational guard positioning relevant to winding execution, particularly ox variations (right and left), hand elevation principles, and point alignment—supporting the postural requirements for clean winding entries.
- Paul Becker - Historical Fencing — Learn Sword Fencing 11: How to grip the arming sword: Transcript does not contain substantive winding-specific 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 Winden execution: from the bind (both swords in contact after a cut), feel the opponent's pressure, rotate the sword on the bind point to redirect the point to an opening, and thrust or cut into the exposed target (Tobler, Fighting with the German Longsword, 2004)
✓Step 1: achieve the bind — both swords meet and remain in contact
✓Step 2: feel (Fühlen) the opponent's pressure — are they pushing strongly or weakly?
✓Step 3: if the opponent is weak (soft at the bind): wind to the near opening and thrust directly — they cannot resist
✓Step 4: if the opponent is strong (hard at the bind): wind away from their pressure and cut or thrust to the opposite opening
✓Step 5: the winding motion rotates the sword around the contact point — the hilt moves while the blade stays connected
✓Step 6: complete the technique with a thrust (Stich) to the face or chest, or a cut to the exposed target
✓The key principle: the sword rotates around the bind like a lever, with the bind point as the fulcrum
✓Drill: partner drills at the bind — one winds, the other responds — alternating roles for 5 minutes
Common Mistakes
!Not maintaining blade contact during the wind — the sword must stay on the opponent's blade throughout
!Winding too slowly — the wind must be quick enough to exploit the opening before the opponent adjusts
!Using strength to push through instead of winding around — winding uses mechanical advantage, not force
!Not feeling the opponent's pressure before winding — the direction of the wind depends on their pressure
!Thrusting without proper point alignment after the wind — the point must be directed precisely at the opening
!Not stepping during the wind — footwork accompanies the winding to maintain balance and generate power
!Only practising the standard wind without variations — all four winding positions must be drilled
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 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] 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
Why should I step rather than reach when performing a winden?
SuperiorHEMA emphasizes that stepping is critical because the further something is from the body, the weaker it is, and as something goes forward, the easier it moves side to side. By stepping instead of reaching, you keep the opponent's blade controlled and maintain proper leverage.
What footwork options do I have when executing a winden?
SuperiorHEMA notes that the choice of step depends on range and context—passing steps, advancing steps, triangle steps, and stepping offline in different ways can all be used. The key is that you are stepping deliberately as part of the technique.
Why are outer windings less effective in HEMA?
SuperiorHEMA explains that outer windings work significantly less in a HEMA environment and often lead to doubles, though they can occasionally be achieved in tournament play.
How do I counter an opponent's winding?
SuperiorHEMA advises that if you fight shortened in the hangings, your opponent can change through and hit you. For explicit counters to winding, they recommend studying the Shilhau technique, which contains detailed instruction on defeating windings.
How does the Standard Winden work?
Standard Winding (Winden) is the fundamental blade-rotation technique of the German longsword tradition: from the bind, the fencer turns the sword by rotating the short edge toward the opponent and driving the point toward an upper or lower opening while maintaining blade contact. The four standard windings move the sword between Ochs and Pflug on both left and right sides, creating eight potential positions from which to thrust or cut.
Where does the Standard Winden come from?
The four windings and their eight positions are described in detail by Ringeck and von Danzig as the core skill for fighting in the bind. Mastery of Winden is considered the intermediate-to-advanced skill that separates competent longsword fencers from beginners.
Is the Standard Winden 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 Winden?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Standard Winden?
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 Winden?
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 Winden?
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 Winden in competition?
Winding actions at the bind are a distinguishing feature of technically skilled HEMA longsword competitors.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Winden?
Top errors to watch for: Not maintaining blade contact during the wind — the sword must stay on the opponent's blade throughout / Winding too slowly — the wind must be quick enough to exploit the opening before the opponent adjusts / Using strength to push through instead of winding around — winding uses mechanical advantage, not force / Not feeling the opponent's pressure before winding — the direction of the wind depends on their pressure.
What are other names for the Standard Winden?
The Standard Winden is also known as Sutandādo Vinden, Basic Winding, Standard Wind, Simple Winden.