Krumphau / Crooked Cut 101, Part 1: THE Default Defense

INTRODUCING: the fundamentals from our German longsword 101 series critical to Krumphau / the Crooked Cut, when to use the long v. short edge (both work, just have trade-offs!), and breaking down the key tactics associated with Krumphau from Liechtenauer’s Zettel 0:23 -- Critical fundamentals: - Bladework: Ablauffen / running off cutting pattern - Footwork: 1 cut 1 step with the step AWAY from the incoming cut (leading to “twisted“ footwork mechanics, e.g. when cutting from your left, stepping with your right foot, and vice versa) -- can be forward, backward, or to the side -- the key is generally AWAY from the direction of the threat (generally try to defend with distance first -- parrying is secondary!) - Body leaning: also leaning with the body again away from the incoming cut 4:02 -- Short v. long edge: - Long is better for working at range and capturing/controlling the blade earlier - Short allows you to potentially work closer to the opponent and close out the attack sooner, if you’re confident you can capture/control the blade (- Totally fine to use either at any given time based on your tactical judgment) 7:15 -- 3 (actually 4) main tactical components of Krumphau: 1) Krump to the hands: do this if the opponent doesn’t close their line and offers their hands before their weapon actually becomes a threat 2) Krump to the flat of the masters/blade: the standard execution of Krump against an incoming cut (i.e. get the edge of your blade controling both the flat and angle of your opponent’s cut) 3) Krump short: if your opponent cuts high enough (e.g. trying to avoid you getting on top with the Krump), TAKE ADVANTAGE and use the SAME KRUMP MECHANICS (do NOT add any extra tempi! -- see video!!!) and simply end up UNDER the opponent’s blade -- an example of Durchwechseln / Changing Through (to the other side of the opponent’s blade!) [4) Countering / Continuing Krump: using Winden / Winding!!!] NEXT WEEK: drilling methods to help develop Krump to be not only an effective defense, but a PRIMARY DEFAULT one...!!! @forteswordplay @IronGateExhibition / forteswordplay / irongateexhibition