Introduction to Master Cuts

Master Cuts—also known as hidden strikes, secret strikes, or five strikes—represent five fundamental techniques in German longsword fencing: the Zornhau, Krumphau, Zwerchhau, Schielhau, and Seitelhau. Documented by masters including Lichtenauer and Meyer, these techniques were specifically designed for unarmored combat. Their primary objective is to simultaneously attack and defend by breaking an opponent's guard and seizing the initiative.

Zornhau: The Anger Cut

The Zornhau is the simplest Master Cut, applying basic descending mechanics tactically. The practitioner initiates from the right shoulder or overhead, cutting toward the opponent's head while stepping forward and offline to the right as the opponent attacks. The critical principle is attacking the opponent's person rather than their blade—this maintains initiative and prevents the defender from launching a follow-up attack.

Zornhau: Structure and Geometry

Success in the Zornhau depends on two essential elements: leading with the sword's tip rather than the hands, and stepping offline to avoid the opponent's incoming strike. Stepping directly forward into the opponent's attack line leaves the practitioner vulnerable. Proper geometric positioning—moving offline while cutting—ensures both offensive execution and defensive safety.

Zwerchhau: The Crosscut

The Zwerchhau effectively interrupts descending cuts and requires a grip transition from the standard handshake to a thumb grip. The practitioner begins from the right shoulder with their lead leg opposite the sword, then rotates while engaging both hands to power the blade. The sword travels diagonally across the body as the practitioner steps offline, making contact with the opponent's head or interrupting their strike.

Krumphau: The Crooked Strike

The Krumphau counters thrusts and point-forward guards by targeting the opponent's blade with the true edge. Like the Zwerchhau, it requires transitioning to a thumb grip while advancing with the sword extended. From this binding position, the practitioner can follow with either a thrust or a false-edge cut, creating multiple offensive options.

Schielhau: The Squinting Strike

The Schielhau begins from the shoulder or overhead, transitioning to a thumb grip as the opponent initiates their cut. The practitioner angles the false edge to intercept the opponent's blade while striking their head, stepping offline simultaneously. This technique leverages the higher hand position of the grip transition, allowing the practitioner to meet the opponent's sword on a strong line.

Seitelhau: The Snap Strike

The Seitelhau is a quick snap strike to the top of the head, serving multiple tactical purposes: it can pass over an opponent's sword or force them to raise their guard, creating an opening for an underneath attack. This technique's speed and simplicity make it an effective addition to the Master Cut arsenal.

Master Cuts: Strategic Integration

All five Master Cuts share a core principle: simultaneous attack and defense. Documented across all major German fencing treatises, these techniques remain integral to effective longsword combat. Mastering these techniques significantly enhances a practitioner's ability to control distance, timing, and initiative in armed engagement.

All 5 German Longsword "Hidden" Master Cuts

Blood and Iron HEMA

Coupe Attack

3 min read·8 key moments·PT5M3S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Master Cuts
•Zornhau: The Anger Cut
•Zornhau: Structure and Geometry
•Zwerchhau: The Crosscut

The master cuts, (sometimes referred to as the "hidden" cuts) can be found in every German longsword source, and even some of the German Messer sources. Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3522-cold-funk License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Related Techniques

Beat Attack Direct Attack Disengage Attack

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about coupe attack?

This video covers introduction to master cuts, zornhau: the anger cut, zornhau: structure and geometry. It provides detailed instruction from Blood and Iron HEMA.

How long does it take to learn coupe attack?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.