Introduction to Pollaxe and the Queue
Steven and John from Davinrich European Martial Arts School demonstrate techniques with the pollaxe, focusing on the queue (the back end of the axe head) as taught in La Jute de la Hache, a 15th-century French manuscript on axe fighting. The instructors establish a foundational stance with the queue forward: left hand palm down, right hand palm up, prepared to deliver an axe strike.
Defense Against a Dag Thrust Using the Tutavolta
When an opponent thrusts with the dagger at the armpit or throat, the defender responds with a tutavolta (lateral step), hooking the incoming weapon in the triangle formed between the queue and forearm. The defender then moves with the opponent's pull rather than resisting, stepping forward to deliver an axe cut to the neck or side of the head while maintaining tight arm position.
Target Selection and Armor Vulnerabilities
Against an armored opponent, strikes should target joints and seams rather than solid plates, such as the clavicle, shoulder lames, or elbow joints, to deform armor or access underlying tissue. Hitting solid armor does not effectively damage an opponent; deforming armor plates slows the opponent's subsequent actions and response times.
Queue Mechanics and Weapon Manipulation
The pollaxe functions through queue manipulation similar to kayaking rather than chopping with a traditional axe. Pulling the queue backward drives the axe head forward, allowing the wielder to control both his weapon and the opponent's weapon while affecting the opponent's balance through coordinated footwork and hand movement.
Response to Descending Shoulder Strikes
When an opponent delivers a descending cut to the shoulder, the defender steps offline to the side while striking the opponent's shoulder simultaneously. This offline footwork positions the defender outside the line of the incoming attack while enabling a counter-strike that damages the opponent's arm and slows future actions.
Sequential Attacks Using the Queue Against Defensive Lifts
After striking the shoulder, if the opponent lifts his cue hand to defend his body, the defender raises his queue to strike through the opponent's elbow cup. If the opponent instead lifts his hammerhead to protect his head, the defender maintains hand position and uses the queue to snap the hammerhead back in place while stepping across the opponent's center line.
Principle of Cooperative Combat
The fundamental principle of pollaxe combat is described as being a 'nice guy'—working with the opponent's intentions and momentum rather than directly resisting them. By allowing or encouraging the opponent to move his neck under the axe, his face onto the point, or his body into unfavorable positions, the skilled fighter exploits these openings efficiently.
Fighting With the Pollaxe
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Pollaxe and the Queue
- •Defense Against a Dag Thrust Using the Tutavolta
- •Target Selection and Armor Vulnerabilities
- •Queue Mechanics and Weapon Manipulation
The pollaxe, or as I like to call it the Medieval Can Opener, is a very versatile weapon that can use either end for stabbing or clubbing the opponent. It is a weapon that is meant to be used while in armour on the battlefield, the tournament, or in the duel. The Queue, (the spike on the butt end of the staff) is a strong tool for offense and for defense in the fight. The ‘Dague’ (French) or ‘Dagga’ (Italian) can be used to thrust with, but you can also use either end of the pollaxe to crush the armour of the opponent as well as breaking bones under the armour. Just because a tool like the axe or the sword can’t cut through armour, it can still damage the tissue and the bones under the armour. Le Jeu de la Hache (MS Francais 1996) You can find the manusecipt on Wiktenauer at wiktenauer.com/wiki/Le_Jeu_de_la_Hache_(MS_Français_1996) Visit DEMAS online Website www.swordfightingschool.com Support us on Patreon www.patreon.com/swordfightingschool Facebook www.facebook.com/davenriche Instagram www.instagram.com/swordfightingschool Youtube www.youtube.com/swordfightingschool
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about halberd-pollaxe — hema?
This video covers introduction to pollaxe and the queue, defense against a dag thrust using the tutavolta, target selection and armor vulnerabilities. It provides detailed instruction from swordfightingschool.
How long does it take to learn halberd-pollaxe — hema?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing halberd-pollaxe — hema?
After striking the shoulder, if the opponent lifts his cue hand to defend his body, the defender raises his queue to strike through the opponent's elbow cup. If the opponent instead lifts his hammerhead to protect his head, the defender maintains hand position and uses the queue to snap the hammerhead back in place while stepping across the opponent's center line.
