Opening Offensive: Double Middle Strikes

The practitioner begins with powerful middle strikes from both left and right sides against an opponent's halberd. These strikes serve dual purposes: creating space for a decisive upper cut while simultaneously intimidating the opponent through forceful pressure. This foundational combination demonstrates the importance of offensive momentum in halberd combat.

Managing Blade Entanglement

When executing extraction techniques, the halberd's axe blades may become caught against an opponent's weapon. Rather than a problem, this situation presents multiple tactical solutions that skilled practitioners can exploit. Proper preparation and awareness allow the fighter to transition smoothly from entanglement to continued engagement.

Counter Strike from Field Guard

In response to an opponent's thrust, the defender executes a powerful rest strike originating from the field guard position. After redirecting the thrust to the left, the practitioner circles the halberd around the opponent's head while simultaneously repositioning the front hand to the lower staff. This coordinated movement generates significant momentum and creates a devastating counterattack.

Deflection Against Upper Strikes

When facing incoming strikes directed overhead or downward, the defender catches the opponent's weapon with the middle section of the halberd staff, maintaining both hands in contact for maximum control. Careful hand placement and secure grip are essential to prevent injury and maintain defensive positioning. From this controlled position, the practitioner can immediately transition to winding, thrusting, pushing, or striking based on tactical opportunity.

Countering Diagonal Cuts

Against diagonal strikes arriving from either side, the practitioner employs a rising cut that deflects the opponent's blade while creating offensive opportunity. This technique allows the defender to step or strike, converting defensive action into forward momentum. When the opponent avoids the counter blow, the practitioner must immediately reestablish weapon control and identify the next opening for engagement.

Strategic Philosophy: Offense vs. Defense

Successful halberd technique balances aggressive striking with reactive counterplay. While combat circumstances often dictate immediate responses regardless of preference, practitioners should consistently work to impose their preferred fighting style and rhythm. The choice between forceful offense and calculated defense remains fundamentally a matter of individual preference and tactical awareness.

Physical Demands of Halberd Combat

The halberd, unlike lighter weapons such as the sword, demands exceptional strength and body control from the practitioner. While reaction, technique, and speed remain important, the heavy pole weapon requires the fighter to possess sufficient strength and determination to generate adequate pressure in attacks. Success with this weapon depends on honest assessment of one's physical capabilities and commitment to building necessary power.

Legitimacy of Passive Strategy

Practitioners lacking the strength for aggressive offensive play can employ a more passive, reaction-based approach using counterattacks as their primary tactical advantage. This style proves equally effective and legitimate within halberd combat systems. Historical texts on pike fighting, a similar pole weapon, extensively document and recommend this reactive methodology.

Learn the Art of Combat - Halberd Fighting Techniques - Part Two

Björn Rüther

Standard Halberd Technique

3 min read·8 key moments·PT4M51S video

Key Takeaways

•Opening Offensive: Double Middle Strikes
•Managing Blade Entanglement
•Counter Strike from Field Guard
•Deflection Against Upper Strikes

Four Halberd plays from Joachim Meyers book about the knightly art of swordsmanship - 1570 A.D. The plays can be found on page 34verso (XXXIIII) and 38verso (XXXVIII) in the last chapter of the original book found here: https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/0002/bsb00024580/images/index.html?fip=193.174.98.30&id=00024580&seite=1 PS: Obviously NOT exclusive for formation fighting. Meyers manuscript shows mostly techniques for a duel! But you can use many of the concepts also for formation battles like thrusting or striking in a tighter way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard halberd technique?

This video covers opening offensive: double middle strikes, managing blade entanglement, counter strike from field guard. It provides detailed instruction from Björn Rüther.

How long does it take to learn standard halberd technique?

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.