Learn Sword Fighting 4: Countering The Thrust - Absetzen

We are back, and this time we show you how to defend against a thrust and simultaneously counter-attack your opponent - the “Absetzen”. Always keep in mind to keep pressure on your opponent - even while defending. We will cover what might happen otherwise in our next episodes.
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#swordfighting #HEMA

[@vincentrosado9871]

Ngl going through these so I can lightsaber duel my friends lmao

[@nineotindo4563]

better off just swinging their legs with the sabers, won't be able to fight after that lol

[@mompernl]

Exact same, but future

[@Carpatouille]

Just have the high ground and you'll be fine, trust me

[@forestfam2439]

Me and my cousin will mess y'all up at lightsabers! We're both in our late 30's... neither of us have even smelled a pussy...😎

[@Cyclonus5]

I'm literally studying this for my Shien/Djem-So training so go for it dude.

[@dio7465]

Thanks my grandma didn't stand a chance

[@Dapperfex]

These are great. Love the straightforward basics approach and the polished look and delivery. Keep it up!

[@hfrendal5374]

I like these clips you make, I am a cane fighter myself but I have just bought a sword. Lots of stuff are similar to using a cane but there is a lot of difference too. So these days I browse everything to learn small tricks

[@Dreynschlag]

We also enjoy crosstraining. Adapt whats useful! :)

[@wrathofkorven]

no fruits were destroyed.... the disappointment

[@dillon6462]

These videos are fantastic in the way that they show each movement step by step along side live commentary. I was wondering why it's important to support the blade from the bottom. What would happen if Gregor kept the same grip with his right hand rather than stabilizing the blade with his thumb? Thanks for making these really informative videos and I look forward to seeing more in the future.

[@GediBern]

+Dillon Everett thanks for your feedback! the absetzen would work without supporting the blade as well. but the thumb on the blade gives you more stability and better control so we strongly recommend using it.

[@3dguy299]

I love how straightforward and easy your videos are

[@jwgoon]

Amazing how similar the principles of the longsword fencing is to Japanese kenjutsu. The multiple counters to the counters is found in many of the Japanese ryu as well.

[@Tumslover27]

1:12 It seems as if the thumb would be in danger of being severed. I mean, I’m no sword fighter, nor have I ever claimed to be. I’m just going off of what I’m looking at.

[@Dreynschlag]

It seems like it is exposed, however if you keep it on the flat side of the blade, it is actually pretty safe. If you are feeling uncomfortable doing this, you can also do it without the thumb on the blade, or move the whole hand some inches back, so the thumb is still on the handle.

[@mollyabi9544]

Don't forget to wear gloves haha

[@martinweiss2955]

Kingdom Come Deliverance (video-game) has battle maneuvers illustrating some of these tactics as they were known in Bohemia-Moravia. As a student of mainly foil and Saber fencing, this is really interesting. I assumed Medieval battle discipline was very poor. I see I'm wrong. Thank you for the lessons!

[@DarkwarriorJ]

Technically battle discipline is a separate thing from skill at arms, which is separate from tactical commanders, which can be analyzed separately from the quality of their logistics. The soldiers may be great at fighting individually, make blunders at group cohesion, and then be commanded by an incompetent who nonetheless has the entire kingdom's worth of wealth following in his supply train. Or the soldiers might be really bad at fighting individually, know how to run with a pike as a group, and then be commanded by the second coming of Alexander but get hamstrung by their rations getting lost along the way due to rain, mud, and a damned swamp.

[@JBT..]

wheres the fruit?

[@Fhanta006]

lol

[@samuelleask1132]

Would it be possible to add a section in the video where you show a slow-motion replay of the move?

[@Dreynschlag]

Hi and thanks for your feedback! We will discuss your proposal for our next season.

[@aymensaleh2877]

Dreynschlag Can you work with dual blades?

[@danielapinto4200]

Try using the speed option, on the video. It worked for me.

[@TheNandixLP]

Thank you for this Tutorial-Series. I actually just realized how new this videos are... I'm so used that tutorials are uploaded a few decades ago... Anyway, I really like it, because I want to get into sword fighting and I know almost nothing, except some inaccurate video game expiriences. So now I'm slowly building up my knowledge and you really help me out. So just thank you for that. :)

[@Dreynschlag]

+TheNandixLP you are welcome. that's the reason we do this. :) hope this helps getting started with historical fencing and that you will love it as much as we do.

[@skye.s2515]

Ya Same. I'm just trying to get as manny good resources and this is definitely one of them, keep up the good work!

[@lonewolf56308]

Thank you again! I've so much to learn.

[@marceloferrari4242]

Ótimo vídeo, instrução muito boa

[@6agu652]

You guys are awesome this is super cool!!!😎

[@kyleragudo3657]

Thanks for this video.

[@aulusgalba5679]

Wow this is awesome I do lots of martial arts and I thought sword fighting was useless. And a sword is easy to use. Now that I watched this I’m an extremely interested in the way of the sword.

[@Mrminer-si2qc]

Thanks I'm teaching my friend Ian! 😎😃

[@EdwardJamesKenway...]

Is that a Wardruna shirt? Awsome!! edit: It looks like it from far away, but its not. Still, awesome video!

[@AndrzejGieraltCreative]

Some of my friends and I are going through your videos, and we have gotten to absetzen. It is quite a challenging move (or perhaps we are just so new it seems so haha) but we are beginning to get it! But one of us was wondering, how do you counter the absetzen? His instinct was to raise his sword into a high vom tag, but this leaves him open and his opponent can easily leave the bind and attack his torso or just go for a kick or grapple, it doesn't seem optimal. I'm guessing absetzen is a situational move which mainly serves as a "killshot" like, if you get to the point where you pull it off, you're probably winning that fight (since the zornhau-ort seems to be the main move we are defending against here in different ways).

[@Dreynschlag]

Hi! Glad that our videos help with training. Since the "Absetzen" is an indes technique, it's difficult to counter if your opponents timing is good. However, try the following: As soon as you are aware that your opponent does the "Absetzen", slide down on his blade with your "strong" (Stärke) to his "weak" (Schwäche), displace the thrust as far as required, take a step to the side and do a counter-thrust. The "strong" of your blade is from about the middle of your blade to the crossguard (you can still differentiate between half strong and strong, but let's stick to the term "strong" for the sake of simplicity ). The "weak" is the part between about half of the blade and the tip. Because of the lever effect, you can control the opposing blade. This is where "Winden" begins, which we have not yet shown. I hope the explanation was understandable. Have fun trying!

[@Dreynschlag]

I have to add one thing: This is just one way of dealing with Absetzen. There are of course several. Depending on the situation and distance, for example displacing the attack upwards and going for a takedown might be another of several options.

[@AndrzejGieraltCreative]

@@Dreynschlag Alright thank you! Hopefully as we learn more we can integrate things like this.

[@Legendarygaming518]

Same mate!

[@Scarl3t_Dummy]

Hi i am new to ur channel and already love it!! I wanted to be a fighter when i was a kid but my Ex-Bestie Told me its for boys But i still Practice and use a wood play sword i had when i got it

[@616lordofdarkness]

very useful fpor beginners like me i guess

[@lonewolf56308]

Very much me too! All I've got to train against is a 4 inch fence post but I guess it's better than nothing right?

[@nathancherd9109]

cool video

[@sato-ru219]

I have a high chance of forgetting these tomorrow

[@lavender12001]

Well I think this might be late ,but wouldnt be easier if I get forword with the other leg in the final step ? I was wondering about that

[@DavidWillamas]

B,B,Beautiful!

[@b19931228]

I think your body structure and bend arms looks a bit flimsy if your opponent decide to force his way in to the new center line.

[@carmen071972]

Well, if you do it right and fast enough, you have a big chance to succeed

[@silentone11111111]

How have I only found this 7 years late? lol.

[@garlandrose9948]

Do you have a separate counter for somebody who just holds the sword out in langort all day and counters with your momentum as soon as you try to bat the sword away or get around their guard?

[@guillaumefouret5985]

can you make a video on how to refine your ubrhaun techniek

[@emptyh2o]

How would you do this with a shield in your left hand?

[@marceloferrari4242]

Quando vem novos vídeos? Estamos esperando,tem nos ajudado muito, principalmente no Free style

[@Dreynschlag]

Não faremos mais vídeos de espadas até novo aviso. Após a atual temporada (haste), começamos algo novo na primavera, mas ainda é uma surpresa. ;)

[@marceloferrari4242]

@@Dreynschlag estaremos aguardando,se é surpresa.. então é boa!! Grande abraço,o frio aí deve estar congelante. Aguardaremos.

[@Dreynschlag]

Haha, sim, é um pouco legal. :) Mas na cidade felizmente não é tão ruim. Saudações no sul ensolarado!

[@jupiter6942]

When doing thrust, can you put your back leg in front? It feels more natural to me

[@marceloferrari4242]

Gostaria de uma sugestão sobre um livro básico sobre esgrima medieval,aguardo. Saudações do Brasil

[@Dreynschlag]

Uma boa coleção de diferentes livros de esgrima pode ser encontrada em: www.fioredeiliberi.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=25&sid=cc099eac7ba4ee08f948c86e2057dff0 Saudações de Viena

[@trevorjohnson3229]

How does this work with a katana? A more superior Blade?

[@nun140]

What would happen if they drop the sword slightly to throw off the thrust?

[@meticulousroomba2981]

All of these videos are kingdom come deliverance master strikes moves

[@Dreynschlag]

They programmers of the game did a very good job with their fighting system in the game. The colaborated with local HEMA groups to make it more realistical. :)

[@meticulousroomba2981]

@@Dreynschlag damn local HEMA? I didnt think they went that far for realism itself

[@preetigupta6688]

Best part was kick simulation

[@Tkoutlosh]

The "absetzen" look more like stab from left ochs so rather some kind of winden or so than absetzen. I would consider absetzen as more centered move than what is shown...

[@backyardsurvival8696]

Where do you get your swords

[@Carpatouille]

How do you counter the countering ?

[@fluffiddy6515]

Mikiri counter to break his posture

[@tntobey]

Thank you for these instructions. At this moment I am concerned about Russia.

[@clydoscope5841]

Now,I just need armour 😃

[@mediocrebeans4228]

Counter strategy, Absetzen the absetzen

[@williamlowry92]

So i dont know where else to ask this question, so I'll ask it here in the hopes that either these trained professionals or someone with experience with swords can answer. If two duelist were fighting and one strikes a heavy blow with their sword, should the second individual block with the straight edge of their sword or the flat side?

[@gregorsuchentrunk388]

If someone strikes you with a sharp sword, don´t bother about your cutting edge ;)

[@williamlowry92]

@@gregorsuchentrunk388 yea no shit. I asked if you blocked it

[@Dreynschlag]

@@williamlowry92 Hi William! A long discussed topic and I think there is no "or". What Gregor wanted to say is, that if you have to parry, your opponent pretty sure caught you unprepared. In that case, it's all about bare survival and it doesn't matter which side of the blade you're parrying with. One principle of historical fencing is: Create a threat with every action. That means countering, not parrying. A historical fencer will try to avoid the parade. But let's assume that we have to parry: Sharp cutting edges "bite" into each other. That usually stops the blades (and damages them). If you catch the blow with the flat (eg from a "Hängen", if you hold the sword with the handle up and the tip slightly towards the ground), the blow slides along the blade. It depends on what you want to do next.

[@ilanahmed6135]

do these work with one sided edge blades like kriegmessers.

[@Dreynschlag]

we have some similar techniques in the Lange Messer. The principles are the same, however you have to adapt to the different blade and handling.

[@adrenaline8710]

Sorry I'm new to this, my question is with the thumb grip he uses. In that action of supporting your sword-is there not a better placement for your thumb bc it looks like it is in danger of being cut it off or injured from your opponents attack.

[@Dreynschlag]

Well, it is actually quite safe, however there are other options if you don't feel comfortable using this grip: 1.) The thumb grip is optional; you can also hold it the traditional way. The balance will be a bit harder to keep, but it will work. 2.) Slide down on your handle with your whole front hand for a couple of centimeters. By doing this, your thumb is still on the handle, and covered by the crossguard. 3.) "Cheat" a bit. :) there are swords that have an iron ring on the crossguard as hand and thumb protection. The downside is, that some other moves are harder to execute, and that they have additional weight. antikwert.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Schwert_676_Detail.jpg Cheerio

[@adrenaline8710]

@@Dreynschlag ok great, I just started learning about sword fighting and know about the thumb ring cheat but like you said it would be harder for some transitions. I guess with some solid practicing hand positions will become natural. Thanks for the help

[@Dreynschlag]

Glad we could help. Try it out, and adapt it to your body mechanics. Enjoy your journey with the sword, it is a very rewarding martial art! :)

[@f0ggy808]

Honestly I may have started to miss all the vegetable demonstrations even if the mr tomato has to get ketchuped.

[@-Thunder-Warrior-]

Really great video... But I also have to know... Where did you get that shirt?! :P

[@Dreynschlag]

+MidnighWolf thanks! You can get this shirt (and some other great rash guards) from our friends in Poland: shop.scholagladiatoria.pl

[@-Thunder-Warrior-]

+Dreynschlag My life is complete! :D

[@even6570]

Whats this technique's called again?

[@kylelemieux1654]

Love these jeep them up and I will put my friends to shame mwahaha

[@kylelemieux1654]

*keep

[@dumbthings11656]

Isn't the thumb in a position where it can be cut of. I am talking about the thumbs up position

[@Exampel42]

Can I use this technique in LARP?

[@Dreynschlag]

yes, it should work in theory. Try it out, could be a bit harder to do with larp-swords.

[@snachev2010]

where do you guys get your awesome swords from?

[@Dreynschlag]

You can find a list of hema-suppliers (including sword smiths) here: hroarr.com/train/clubs-gear/hema-equipment/

[@snachev2010]

Thank you what is the swords used specifically in the videos?

[@Dreynschlag]

The one with the black grip and the fishtail pommel was made by Pavel Moc. Gregors blunt with the S-formed crossguard is from Jino Swords and the sharp one from Arma Bohemia (I don't know who the smith was).

[@maxmusterov2870]

Really cool videos.Do you give lessons for 15-18 years old guys? Ich spreche eh Deutsch,aber ich bin mir nicht ganz sicher,ob ihr ein österreichischer Verein seid.Seid ihr ein österreichischer Verein?

[@Dreynschlag]

+Max Muster Ja, wir sind in Wien zuhause und halten auch Kurse; allerdings - und das ist jetzt leider die schlechte Nachricht - erst ab 18. Mehr dazu findest du auf www.dreynschlag.at/schwertkampf-lernen/

[@maxmusterov2870]

Ok.Danke

[@LeftyGamez666]

Wow im link now😂😂

[@cheez-itman2784]

Just noticed how much greggor looks like a buff Ryan reynolds

[@ertugulclips4248]

From where we can buy this sword please also sale

[@MrSuperstargamer]

I have a question, how do you avoid the absetzen if you are the one trying to do the zornhau?

[@Dreynschlag]

Hi! Once you are in the bind and confronted with a thrust try to manipulate your opponents "weak" (the first part of his blade from the tip) with your "strong" (the part near your crossguard). You can - for example - displace the thrust upwards ending in a position called "Kron" (see Gedi in video 3 - pommel strike). But don't rest in Kron or you will be confronted with a follow up attack as you are in "Nach". Another possibility is again to manipulate his weak with your strong trying to displace the thrust to the side (don't forget to step out of the target zone!) and thrust by yourself. But that's more difficult. Anyways: As the Absetzen is an Indes-technique it's pretty hard to counter if your opponents timing is good. And one more thing: The Absetzen can be done as a direct response to an Oberhau oder a thrust too. The easiest way to practice this is by starting from "Pflug" (plow) - the movement itself is pretty much the same. I'm sure that there are videos covering this topic.

[@MrSuperstargamer]

Thank you for the response!, really appreciate it, I hope that you can cover most techniques on swordfighting, it's something that really attracts me and makes it so unique apart from any sport or physical activity :D

[@honorablegoddessitopiauhur7731]

Who remembers ser Gregor from game of thrones

[@samspears8707]

When doing this technique, what keeps your opponent from cutting your fingers. I thought the cross guard might, but it doesn't look like it does. \

[@Dreynschlag]

it depends on the angle of the bind. if you get cut on your index finger try to raise your hands.

[@gregorsuchentrunk388]

Keep your grip a few cenitmeter behind the crossguard.

[@julianmahal5105]

Sam Spears o

[@aiz9502]

im learning sword fighting because of anime

[@truongquanghuy6419]

Or you could just do a front flourish and follow up with horizontal cut ._. i usually do that when my sparing partner tried to thrust

[@In-Nutshell]

Im watching this to learn sword fight just in case if the technology extinct

[@zidan8664]

When you fight someone and he only watch to the second video and you've watched the 4th tutorial

[@Khanzaki1]

I have sword with very small cross-guard How can i use this technique? Any suggestions plz

[@Dreynschlag]

Hi! This technique does not necessarily require a crossguard (although it provides extra protection). It's more about generating angles and keeping the pressure on the blade.

[@Khanzaki1]

Thank you for your support 👍

[@10dollarsteakneggs86]

Bringing the other persons sword across your body seems very dangerous

[@ProbablyAEuropean]

If it weren't for this corona thing i would've started fencing already but alas all i can do is watch videos

[@anthonycarlisle6184]

All this is based on your opponent keeping his blade out there to play in the bind

[@laskey84]

What kind of steel blunts are you two using?

[@GediBern]

Hi! My sword (the one on the right) is from Pavel Moc. Gregors sharp is from Arma Bohemia. Can't remember where he bought his blunt at the moment but I can ask him.

[@laskey84]

Dreyn Gedi thank you so much! Love the work you all do please keep it up.

[@GediBern]

robert paulson You are welcome! I have had good experinces with swords (and federswords) from Péter Regenyei too. And of course there are lots of other great swordsmiths out there :)

[@gregorsuchentrunk388]

I bought my blunt sword from www.jinoswords.cz/

[@laskey84]

Gregor Suchentrunk thank you

[@posh_dancing_skeleton_8891]

I've been going through these and now I can finally beat my brother in a lightsaber duel muhahahaha

[@Bean-Machine]

what if the opponent does the same?

[@napatik8068]

my sister freaking keeps poking me and im going to learn how to counter this. she pokes me with a foam sword i have one too :)

[@hakimibnasri3224]

I got no one to be the one need to be reflect, so I stuck at episode 3...and my lightsaber is broken

[@mdsultanularifin110]

I want to learn sword fighting... sir, do you have any source through which i can join sword fighting classes... This is a humble request sir, please don't ignore.

[@Dreynschlag]

Hi, and thank you for your question. There are some excellent manuals out there, however as a beginner I would advice to stick with videos if you don't have a HEMA group close by. I would recommend to you to go through our 20 steps tutorial to get a first impression of the art and practice it with a friend. As for online courses, our friends at www.hematics.net/ offer such a service. Check them out! :)

[@mdsultanularifin110]

@@Dreynschlag thank you for your response sir... i will follow all the instructions you pass but please accept me as your student. I have submitted a form on hematics. Please instruct me, what to do.

[@hawkward5529]

Wouldn't putting you thumb on the blade like that run the risk of losing it?

[@Dreynschlag]

Excellent question. It seems like it is exposed, however if you keep it on the flat side of the blade, it is actually pretty safe. If you are feeling uncomfortable doing this, you can also do it without the thumb on the blade, or move the whole hand some inches back, so the thumb is still on the handle.

[@18-trannhatminh59]

Mikiri counter

[@thecomradered]

I am confused now. Isn't this a form of mutiren?

[@Dreynschlag]

The key point in Mutieren is whether your opponent is weak in his bind or not (we will cover this alongside with our interpretation of Duplieren in our next videos). The key point in Absetzen is timing. Imagine one guy standing in right Pflug and the other one is attacking with a thrust (or a haw). Once the Pflug-guy sees the attack coming he performs the same move as in our video. By doing so he stops the attack and hits with a thrust in Indes. We have decided to show this from a binding-situation so the thrust comes from a Zornhau-Ort instead of Zufechten (as an initial attack). The principle however is the same.

[@yulitakusuma]

Why HATERS

[@dingletun]

I watch star wars! I know this one! Hit the sword out of the way as hard as you can

[@8-bitfin768]

I watch these videos with my link hat on and my master sword so I'll be a real sword fighter like link >:D

[@angelatang8734]

it to hard how does you do that

[@ArthurMorgan18993]

Lots of star wars moves

[@user-rp1ud8hu9g]

やりたいんだけどうちの地域に習う場所がありません日本です

[@borislavkrustev8906]

That absetzen would not work if the guy on the left actually thrusts in Ochs after the first bind, and not in some middle position that doesn't cover him above or below.

[@gregorsuchentrunk388]

+Borislav Krustev please explain your opinion more clearly. Maybe you have to replace the Absetzen when the thrust comes from other positions. Somtimes there are very little movements with great differents. Try it.

[@mattmanbrownbro]

If he thrusts from ochs, a mutiern would be a good option since it hits the lower exposed opening of your opponent.

[@gregorsuchentrunk388]

Yes, if he thrusts from the Ochs you have to do "Winden" or the so called "Krieg" But that´s another lekture.

[@imnxtmeiii7703]

And with me Bernhard deutsche😂

[@foxboy795]

But the bottom parts are exposed, he could kick while I do that

[@siorisati241]

お前達が探していた日本語のコメントだぞ

[@barbaragordon7381]

Who else is just watching this with a stick in their hands and no actual reason 😁

[@user-mc5bx8ng6q]

日本語の字幕をつけてください

[@lieutenanthorikawa2286]

ああああさん 日本人同士よ

[@alexon6325]

how to counter a counter?

[@kronchii6782]

You counter to counter the counter then then they counter to counter your counter then you counrer to counter their counter.... I think you get the idea

[@danielapinto4200]

I missed the simulation.

[@Dreynschlag]

More simulations in video 8; meet "Coconut Gedi"... ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y53CZoyqbrGUiLc

[@seaverschultz932]

Seid ihr in Deutschland?

[@Dreynschlag]

Nein, wir sind in Wien zuhause. Es gibt in Deutschland aber viele gute HEMA-Vereine - falls du einen suchst, gibt's hier einen Überblick: www.ddhf.de

[@bordwithasword]

Sword fighting is just better chess

[@Dreynschlag]

That's true

[@JeffPearson68]

I think the other guy needs gloves at the very least!

[@Nathan-ys9vk]

Thought it was just basically swinging swords lol

[@julianmahal5105]

No food?!