HEMA Longsword Fighting
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HEMA Strike·Federico Malagutti HEMA
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HEMA Strike
FamilyHEMAストライク(HEMA Sutoraiku)
descriptiveTranslation: Historical European Martial Arts sword cutting techniques
Overview
The HEMA Strike family encompasses the offensive cutting techniques (Hauw/Hau) of the German longsword tradition. [1] The Liechtenauer system organizes sword strikes into a hierarchy: the five Meisterhauwe (master cuts) — Zornhau (wrath cut), Krumphau (crooked cut), Zwerchau (cross cut), Schielhau (squinting cut), and Scheitelhau (parting cut) — sit at the pinnacle, each designed to defeat a specific guard or situation. [1],[2] Below the master cuts are the common cuts (Gemeine Hauw): Oberhau (overhead cut), Unterhau (rising cut), Mittelhau (middle cut), and their diagonal and horizontal variants. [1] Each cut follows a specific trajectory, uses the true or false edge of the blade, and is mechanically linked to specific guards as starting and ending positions. [2] The family also includes thrusts (Stich), although the German tradition emphasizes cutting as the primary offensive action. [1],[2]
HauwHauCutLongsword CutHEMA CutSword Strike
History & Origin
HEMA cutting techniques originate in the Kunst des Fechtens (Art of Fighting) tradition attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer in the 14th century. [1] The Zettel (epitome) organizes cuts into a systematic hierarchy, with the five master cuts (Meisterhauwe) representing the most advanced offensive concepts. [1],[2] These techniques were transmitted through the Fechtbücher (fight books) of masters including Sigmund Ringeck (c. 1440), Peter von Danzig (1452), Hans Talhoffer (1459), and Paulus Kal (1470). [2] The Italian tradition under Fiore dei Liberi (Fior di Battaglia, 1409) developed parallel cutting systems with different terminology but similar biomechanical principles. Modern HEMA practitioners reconstruct these cutting techniques from manuscript study combined with test cutting on physical targets. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
Longsword cuts are among the most powerful bladed weapon attacks, capable of severing limbs and inflicting lethal wounds on unarmored targets. [1] The five master cuts are considered the peak of the system's offensive capability because each is designed to simultaneously attack and defend — the Zornhau defeats Vom Tag, the Krumphau defeats Ochs, the Zwerchau defeats Pflug, and so on. [1],[2] The systematic pairing of master cuts against specific guards means that a trained fighter always has a correct offensive response to any defensive position the opponent adopts. [2]
Lineage
German longsword lineage: Johannes Liechtenauer (14th century) → transmitted through the Gesellschaft Liechtenauers (Society of Liechtenauer) → documented in Fechtbücher by Sigmund Ringeck (c. 1440), Peter von Danzig (1452), Hans Talhoffer (1459), and Paulus Kal (1470). Reconstructed in modern HEMA from manuscript study beginning in the 1990s–2000s. [1]
Competition Record
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based). [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Swinging the longsword in a controlled arc to deliver the edge to the target
Joints Involved — Shoulders (arc generation), wrists (edge alignment), hips (rotation and stepping), core (power transfer)
Force Vector — Varies by cut — descending (Oberhau), ascending (Unterhau), horizontal (Mittelhau), diagonal, or vertical (Scheitelhau)
Key Principle — Cuts travel between guard positions — every cut begins in one guard and ends in another, maintaining constant defensive coverage
Position & Entry
From Vom Tag (high guard) — Drive a powerful Oberhau (overhead cut) diagonally down toward the opponent
From Alber (fool's guard) — Launch an Unterhau (rising cut) from below upward into the opponent
From Ochs (ox guard) — Deliver a Zwerchau (cross cut) horizontally with a stepping action
Videos
HEMA Fight Breakdown: High vs Low Guards
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HEMA Strike·HEMA Fight Breakdowns
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
10
Extreme10/10
Longsword cuts to unarmored targets are lethal. Even in padded HEMA tournament sparring, cuts cause bruises, concussions, and broken fingers.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
HEMA tournamentsHEMAA/HEMA AllianceSCA Heavy Combat
Training Notes
✓Every cut must begin and end in a named guard — never let the sword hang after a cut
✓Use the whole body to generate power — cuts driven by the arms alone are weak
✓Edge alignment is critical — the flat of the blade bouncing off a target means poor alignment
✓Master the five Meisterhauwe before advancing to complex technique — they are the complete offensive system
✓Practice cutting on tatami mats or pool noodles to develop proper edge alignment and power
✓The sword must accelerate through the target, not decelerate on contact
Common Mistakes
!Cutting with the arms only — the hips and core must drive the cut
!Poor edge alignment — the blade contacts with the flat instead of the edge
!Not finishing cuts in a guard — leaves the fighter exposed
!Over-extending — reaching too far compromises structure and balance
!Telegraphing — large wind-up movements are easy to read and counter
!Cutting to the same line repeatedly — predictable attacks are easily countered
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Zufechten (opening approach) → choose guard → launch master cut based on opponent's guard
2Feint Oberhau → opponent raises to parry high → convert to Unterhau (rising cut) below
3Bind blades → feel opponent's pressure (Fühlen) → wind to cut around their defense
Sources & References
Primary Source
Clements, J. (1998). Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
1BookClements, J. (1998). Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship (1998), chapters on the five master cuts and common cuts
2BookTobler, C.H. (2004). Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship. Chivalry Bookshelf.
[2] Tobler, Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship (2004), translations of Ringeck and von Danzig glosses on cutting technique
3CitationClements, J. (1998). Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship (1998), chapters on the five master cuts and common cuts
4CitationTobler, C.H. (2004). Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship. Chivalry Bookshelf.
[2] Tobler, Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship (2004), translations of Ringeck and von Danzig glosses on cutting technique
Community
Athletics
Requires
upper body strength for repeated cutting, edge alignment precision, footwork coordination
Favours
taller fighters with reach advantage, strong grip
Key muscles
deltoids and lats (swing arc), forearms (grip and edge control), core obliques (rotation), legs (stepping and power transfer)
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What guard position should I use to counter an opponent with their sword pointed downward?
A high vom tog is designed to counter fool positions, where your opponent's sword is pointed towards the ground. By moving into this high guard with the express purpose of countering fool, you can control the engagement.
How do I control where an engagement takes place in HEMA sparring?
You can establish a high guard position to encourage your opponent to either engage at that level or retreat to a lower position; understanding these positional choices allows you to dictate the type of fight you want to have.
How does the HEMA Strike work?
The HEMA Strike family encompasses the offensive cutting techniques (Hauw/Hau) of the German longsword tradition. The Liechtenauer system organizes sword strikes into a hierarchy: the five Meisterhauwe (master cuts) — Zornhau (wrath cut), Krumphau (crooked cut), Zwerchau (cross cut), Schielhau (squinting cut), and Scheitelhau (parting cut) — sit at the pinnacle, each designed to defeat a specific guard or situation.
Where does the HEMA Strike come from?
HEMA cutting techniques originate in the Kunst des Fechtens (Art of Fighting) tradition attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer in the 14th century. The Zettel (epitome) organizes cuts into a systematic hierarchy, with the five master cuts (Meisterhauwe) representing the most advanced offensive concepts.
Is the HEMA Strike legal in competition?
HEMA tournaments: Legal: legal — cuts are the primary scoring action in longsword competition; HEMAA/HEMA Alliance: Legal: legal — recognized in all affiliated tournaments; SCA Heavy Combat: Legal: legal — cuts are the foundation of armored combat
How dangerous is the HEMA Strike?
Danger rating 10/10. Extreme — longsword cuts to unarmored targets are lethal. Even in padded HEMA tournament sparring, cuts cause bruises, concussions, and broken fingers.
How do I set up the HEMA Strike?
The standard setup chain: Zufechten (opening approach) → choose guard → launch master cut based on opponent's guard → Feint Oberhau → opponent raises to parry high → convert to Unterhau (rising cut) below → Bind blades → feel opponent's pressure (Fühlen) → wind to cut around their defense.
How do I defend against the HEMA Strike?
Standard counters include: Absetzen — set aside the cut while counter-thrusting / Nachreisen — attack into the opponent's preparation before their cut arrives / Versetzen — displace the incoming cut and redirect / Zucken — pull the blade free to attack from a different angle.
What are the variants of the HEMA Strike?
Common variants: Zornhau (wrath cut (powerful diagonal descending from the shoulder)); Krumphau (crooked cut (cut with crossed wrists to attack the hands …); Zwerchau (cross cut (horizontal cut with a stepping action)); Schielhau (squinting cut (short diagonal cut to defeat specific guards)); Scheitelhau (parting cut (vertical descending cut to the crown; see ch…); Oberhau (overhead cut (standard descending cut)); Unterhau (rising cut (ascending cut from below)).
How effective is the HEMA Strike in competition?
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based).
What are common mistakes when doing the HEMA Strike?
Top errors to watch for: Cutting with the arms only — the hips and core must drive the cut / Poor edge alignment — the blade contacts with the flat instead of the edge / Not finishing cuts in a guard — leaves the fighter exposed / Over-extending — reaching too far compromises structure and balance.
What are other names for the HEMA Strike?
The HEMA Strike is also known as HEMA Sutoraiku, Hauw, Hau, Cut, Longsword Cut.