Longsword! Part I - The Best Nachschlag

[@Wraithninja1]

Why the heck is this so hard to find on KZbin? I've been looking for something like this for ages!

[@windrider970]

I lost count of how many times I rewatched this since I started learning fencing. Your insights into the technique and the attached body mechanics proved invaluable to me. Please do one on the other master cuts as well!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you very much, you're far too kind and I'm very happy the video is helpful! I am working on Part 6 now, hopefully finished soon!

[@thaynealexander8986]

I am a heavy Fiore practitioner from the Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild in Colorado. I have been studying German material now for a year. No one has been able to make this techniques more clear to me until this video. And your other vids have been essential to my studies with the German systems. And it's helped my Fiore a great deal as well. Maybe it's the way you lay these out, crisp narrative and how well the video production is. I've watched this about 5 times now and find it highly insightful. Basically I love it. Keep it up Mr. Fabian.

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you very much Thayne! I'm really glad the videos were helpful. It's the very reason I do them and it's the motivation to do more. I have an outline of a video with some Fiore stuff, hope to produce it in a month or two :)

[@thaynealexander]

That's awesome Martin. I can't wait to see that Fiore video or any other. Cheers

[@cosmiccorpse8571]

I've been watching HEMA videos for like 3 years now and I can easily say your videos are among the best. Your other videos made me actually appreciate rapier fencing as an effective and interesting martial art.

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you, it really means a lot to me!

[@spieltmit]

I have to underline this with some heavy strikes :) - Looking forward to the Fabian's seminar in Vienna!

[@Sk0lzky]

Same here with rapier but to me it showed that the entry level is super low and you don't need a lot of training to reach a level where you can only improve what you already know

[@45calibermedic]

@@Sk0lzky I think that you'd be surprised. Fabian has only shown Fabris' first book, which is his unique version of the "standard" Italian style. Book two is incredibly nuanced and different, though Fabris himself says that it doesn't contradict anything that came before. Thibault will blow your mind if you really want to see some interesting rapier/sidesword, using a similar logic to Fabris' second book, but making the case for an upright posture and even more off-line movement, somewhat like the Spanish, but very dynamic and flowing, throwing away guards as we usually think of them to focus only on precisely applying the blade when and where it will contribute to suppressing and/or killing the opponent.

[@Sk0lzky]

@@45calibermedic I've seen a lesson somewhere where I think students have been learning this off-line thing. They were meant not to approach the opponent directly but a bit to his right entering measure from his 3rd (hour, I mean, not guard :v)

[@taylorahern3755]

Hollywood take notice! For those are amazingly elaborate & gracefully fearsome swordfighting techniques, very sophisticated in their execution. Dazzling!

[@HillardEarl]

@When two swordsmen engage in a bind, which refers to the situation where their swords are in contact with each other, certain principles and concepts can be applied to reason about the possible actions and outcomes. These principles are based on the nature of the bind and the physics of sword movement.

[@CastIronSteak]

Exquisite. I am truly in awe. Thank you for posting this! The sheer grace, as you put your whole body into strikes both blazingly fast, powerful, and exquisitely coordinated is something to see!

[@MartinFabian]

loyalsausages thanks for the kind words! I feel honoured

[@GunsNRoosendael]

My teacher went to your seminar a couple weeks ago so i had to check you out! Getting blasted with Baby Huey from the start, heck yeah! This stuff is for me! 😎

[@JRT176]

There is a serious gap in YT videos for intermediate-advanced practitioners. You need to expand this series!

[@adamjohn12]

Oh, I love logging in and seeing a new video from Martin Fabian !

[@blackwolfhistoricmartialar8146]

We love your videos, and always learn so much from them...plus they are brilliantly made and easy to watch! Please keep up the excellent work!!

[@LARPBeard]

This video is impressive. well edited to a standard rarely seen. well done, looking forward to more!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you very much!

[@KnightSquire]

That was superb... absolutely fantastic series, I can't wait for the third installment. Please tell me there will be more. XD

[@MartinFabian]

Hey thanks! My target is 10 so yes, there will be more :)

[@hschan5976]

Super!

[@chickensandwich1589]

@@MartinFabian I can has more? 😻

[@revopeels8441]

Very informative! Thank you for the lesson.

[@vonDreiadlerstein]

Liked and subscribed. Very nice!

[@LamiNalchor]

Wow. This really looks like fun. If I didn't have a time consuming hobby already, I would start this right away.

[@kyleedwards4920]

Scary fast! Beautiful.

[@Verithiell]

beautiful montage! Video from the technical point of view is tremendous.

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you!

[@HateMyScythe]

I've watched this twice now, it was definitely a huge help! Thanks and keep going!

[@MartinFabian]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@BeniMEguitar]

Wow that was awesome quality content right there!

[@andrascsabahorvath9804]

Best HEMA series ever! Really informative and also very well made, congrats! :)

[@MartinFabian]

Thanks Csabi, much appreciated :)

[@TurulHEMA]

Truly fantastic video! I was disappointed to see your channel so dedicated to rapier as I do not practice rapier. Would love to see more longsword videos though! You more than earned my subscription though!

[@KnjazNazrath]

The "whole body" thing is integral in all martial arts. One of the first things one learns in unarmed combat is how to power a punch from the heel first. The same is true for armed combat.

[@ochs-hema]

awesome swing Buddy! Luv the power in it!

[@marcaononymous]

this video is beautiful! great image, soundtrack and instruction.

[@jordansblabbering6303]

Kvalita lepší jak v televizi, dobrá práce!

[@MartinFabian]

Dakujem :)

[@TudorFencing]

I just found you thanks to a post on Reddit. You're videos are top notch. Subscribed.

[@marco-cj3jw]

Really a great work Fabian! All your videos are amazing. Greetings from Italy😉

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you! Greetings from Slovakia :)

[@LamiNalchor]

Inceredibly likable person. Makes you want to visit Slovakia.

[@MuelliderMuellmann]

Really damn awesome, can't wait for your video on the guards!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you very much!

[@James-cs6oy]

This is excellent, exactly what I've been looking for.. More of this :D

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you James!

[@ShaNagmaImmuru]

Beautiful, please continue the longsword series

[@MartinFabian]

I will!

[@JohnDoe-on6ru]

I can't imagine an unarmored sword fight lasting more than a few seconds, this is so scary lol

[@RandomAllen]

John Doe If you're fighting Martin Fabian it definitely wouldn't 😂! Feders are pretty heavy but he can swing his so fast it's difficult to keep up with

[@countberanz4353]

And whats worse is that dying lasts longer than you fought, imagine the agony

[@蒼然暮色]

Guten Tag!Ich bin Chinesische I like your videos!!!!!!!!!

[@dude4real9455]

Martin, would you care to share with us, what you believe is the optimal practice routine for Hema, to truly utilize the practice makes perfect maxim? Or just share with us your's or your student's approach for a training routine outside of the structured classes of Hema schools? I'm sure that this would help many Hema newbies in forming some structure in keeping up with their goals after getting some serious sword skill envy inspiration from these vids, I mean talk about that Shlag! Your Intro Learn Rapier series has truly shone to light the many intricacies and the not so subtle beauty of the rapier according to Fabris, and I am just one of many to feel this way. So for your quality, knowledge, and skill, of teaching and Hema, thank you for sharing these great series with the rest of us! Oh, and, looking forward to the next longsword part! Keep up the great work! Best Regards Adam.

[@MartinFabian]

Hello Adam, thanks a million for the kind words. It really makes me both glad and motivated if people find these videos helpful! The optimal routine... Hm, when I started fencing, I was so obsessed I used to practice 7 times a week, for a time even more:) But really, it depends on what someone seeks and wants to achieve with their practice. Whether it is the best warrior or most technically skilled guy there are some common rules: 1. The more you grow, the more you should revisit basics. With every new level you will perceive things differently 2. Fencing happens a lot in your mind. Think about what you do and how to do it better. 3. I see no reason to practice something without the intention of trying to do it better every time. When I say better I mean faster, stronger, more precise etc. 4. Basics are still 80% of what you need. Take the footwork seriously 5. Fitness is also muy importante. HIIT, cardio, regular exercise, running, swimming, cycling. It helps you (not just) in fencing 6. Read and educate yourself. Some of the fencing masters are a wonderful companion in every stage of your HEMA career. Not everyone is into technical details, but tactical advices are good for everyone. 7. Spar a lot but not more than you practice regular techniques. If you concentrate too much on sparring, you'll start going in circles. 8. Try different approaches and weapons. Longsword and rapier and great complementary weapons. 9. Think. All the best, mf

[@dude4real9455]

Thank you so much, Martin! Invaluable insight, especially if one takes to heart that common sense is not usually common practice! Focus on the basics and improve all perceived faults focusing on one at a time, and all the good stuff you have mentioned, no need to go as far as to start quoting a reply in a reply of a reply! Oh and here is a little medal for structuring your general training insight into these nine concise points ... (awards glorious medal) I thought that was great! It is important as, for myself doubly sure, as sometimes one can't be certain if what one is doing is correct or most optimal way to go about things until you get to see the results or get affirmation, encouragement, and some guideline from someone going at it better and longer than you! So thank you again Martin Best regards And stay awesome! Adam

[@MartinFabian]

All the best Adam and good luck with your HEMA endeavours ;)

[@GunsNRoosendael]

okay three minutes in and i already learned more than on any other fencing video before... are you sure this video is 7 years old?

[@andreaslindegren4617]

This video is SO good! Keep it up!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you Andreas!

[@Psmeijers]

Yes yes once again a great video but I'd really like to thank you for reminding me the wonderful sound of Baby Huey, good choice!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you for watching! Baby Huey FTW

[@morroschreiber]

Wow. This was awesome.

[@alvaro_lareo]

Great video Martin!

[@MartinFabian]

Thanks Álvaro :)

[@javier6483]

this was an amazing video !

[@Faravid829]

Very interesting and helpful.

[@GIGroundNPound]

THIS IS AMAZING!!!

[@bananabombprods]

I'm always lagging behind the nach so this seems perfect for me! -Slack

[@michaellittle226]

Thanks for sharing .

[@bintmeister]

Thanks for this video! Awesome display of skill and technique. Hope to see (and fight) you at DLC!

[@MartinFabian]

Thanks for watching and the kind words! See you at DLC ;)

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Great video :D !

[@MartinFabian]

Thanks Federico!

[@Yeinbrain16]

You hit the tree! You're grounded, young man

[@TonyDragonsNava]

Hey bro good work I love it. Thank for the tips

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you for watching!

[@EddiHD]

can't wait for the next video

[@raphaeljara2720]

Great content and awesomely directed/edited video. Its like Wes Anderson decided to film HEMA videos

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you very much Raphael! Wes Anderson belongs to my favorite directors. I just love how he plays with each scene.

[@verfugbarkite]

These are very good. Well done.

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you!

[@shrarneomar8080]

omg. This is awesome!!!

[@alpenjon]

Amazing content - amazing visuals - amazing sound. *saluting with blade*

[@MartinFabian]

thank you very much alpenjon!

[@farhan_abe]

I love the zwerchopter

[@warriorsweaponsandwarfareb6332]

Good vidoe thanks.

[@SpecArch96]

What a great way to return to the youtube space! Can't wait for the next video :D Will you be continuing the rapier videos, specifically, will you be covering Fabris's Proceeding with Resolution? I love the concept of it and I feel like it contributes in a major way to making guards (in the modern idea) mostly useless in real fencing.

[@MartinFabian]

Hi! Yes, I eventually will. Longsword was always my main focus and the last 8 months have been almost exclusively LS-centric. There are a few more topics I'd like to cover with the rapier, like the proceeding, R&D, R&Cape etc. The production for each vid is quite time-consuming, so just patience :)

[@SpecArch96]

Martin Fabian Thank you for replying :) Best of luck with the production of these fine videos and keep up the good work!

[@FPMarcel]

The Liechtenauer helicopter of death. God; yes, that's a thing.

[@TheSwordsPathChannel]

Great job, Martin! Such a clear presentation. What are these new fruit trees in your garden? :)

[@MartinFabian]

Dzieky! Thank ye very much! E: Those were cherries :)

[@charlesdavis9937]

Need to do studies on a single handed arming sword.

[@charaznable1859]

Hi! Big fan of your channel, question! In your stances, do you primarily use stances with the right leg forward or left. At 1:05 it seems like you're using a vom tag with the right foot forward, as opposed to the more common left foot forward. Also do you plan to release a video on longsword footwork?

[@MartinFabian]

Hello Char! I use both the left and right leg forward. I don't have an exact preference - it's more a tactical decision. I don't think there's anything wrong with utilizing the right leg forward, with some attacks or positions (like the left pflug, alber, langort and thrusts) it's more advantageous depending on the type of game you play. If you watch my Pardubice or Tyrnhaw tournament footage you can see all of those. I think the footwork shoul be as fluid and as relaxed as possible:) Regarding the video on LS footwork - I was thinking about it. We will see :)

[@ColtDouglasMusic]

Great video!

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you!

[@DogsaladSalad]

AWEOMSEEEE

[@benevolent6705]

Always strike with the tip. Just the tip

[@b19931228]

I really like your part 2 video, would you re-upload it somehow?

[@MartinFabian]

hello, I will try to do it over the weekend, I have to make a small adjustment in order for YT not to ban it again. I am sorry for the situation.

[@charaznable1859]

Out of curiosity. How many repetitions do you do for each of those solo Zwer Drills you show? 30 each, 40 each, 100 each maybe? And how many days a week do you practice?

[@MartinFabian]

Hello Char! Usually 20-30 per one side. To your other question - nowadays I practice 3 times per week. Wish I had more time!

[@tomasvoracek6616]

Hi, thank´s for awesome video (again). Will you be also continuing with your rapier series?

[@MartinFabian]

You're welcome! Yes, I will, just been very busy with longsword in the last 8 months :)

[@randelldarky3920]

I would give Your videos more thumbs up but I only have two 👍😎👍

[@MartinFabian]

:) Thank you

[@qawi272]

That tree must be so afraid :)

[@wilsan806]

What are these longswords with a little square above the guard called? Edit: I've seen them in lots of longsword training videos, but can't seem to find any historical background for them, so are they in reality practice swords?

[@MartinFabian]

We call it a "feder", though in history it was just called "sword", "fencing sword" or sometimes even a "feder" (the term was used more widely). It was commonly used in HEMA and presumably a practice/tournament type of sword. There's plenty of background for it, though not as detailed as we would like - from surviving specimen to depiction in fencing books and other illustrations.

[@wilsan806]

@@MartinFabian What was the square used for tho?????

[@MartinFabian]

@@wilsan806 the thinner blade was lighter and more flexible and the schilt or the ricasso as we call it diverted strikes from your fingers. So extra protection.

good highline controll

[@boxian44]

Will you update the description with music credits? Thanks!

[@MartinFabian]

Done! Thanks for the reminder :)

[@yuridanylko]

Wow, you are fast. Could yiu make a video with some of the cutting excercises you do?

[@MartinFabian]

You can check the 4th video in the series (the Lazy Workout) which shows some of it :)

[@apollo6753]

This fighting just looks like 'how to win a tournament', not how they actually fought to kill back then. I just dont think its the only way one should fight with a longsword. But still well done.

[@MartinFabian]

Hello Morlock, you're right, but I would just add - there is a difference between fighting to kill and fighting for sport. Our ancestors understood it as well - that's why they differentiated between multiple kinds of fencing, like for earnest/for sport (zum ernst/zum schimpf). Everything I study, practice and do is according to what historical manuals describe (of course sometimes better, sometimes worse) but yes, in our conditions it's definitely a bit different. However it's the closest we can get - mainly if we want to reach old age :P All the best

[@gehtdichnixan3200]

dont have to much nachschlag or you will get fat ( nachschlag is also a pretty comon term for a refill of your plate )

[@flintrocks]

Awesome stuff man, awesome stuff... subbed Just a few question, im wondering how Fiore compares to Liechtenauer? I understand that Liechtenauer is meant to be used against "average" swordsman, so im wondering how it would work against Fiore? What would happen if an italian schooled swords-man went up against a german schooled? Silly question I know, but im having a hard time deciding which I want to devote my time to!

[@MartinFabian]

Hello Flint! Thank you very much! There are many answers to your questions but I'll break it down to 2: 1. My personal preference is Lichtenauer because of the higher and more precise information value of the original material. Plus I like the concepts very much because they are logical and appear in modern martial arts as well. 2. If students of these 2 schools met, the better one would win :) It's comparing uncomparable. Even if some concepts are more holistic (Lichtenauer), fencing is a practical art and there are no ultimates. RE: devoting time - pick a school, club etc. which is successful and puts emphasis more on practice than on theory ;) all the best, MF

[@someguy4405]

Zwers look cool as hell but you never see them in movies for some reason ;(

[@maximiliant2460]

"helicopter of death"

[@pj_mckenna]

More!

[@MartinFabian]

Soon :)

[@VectorBlade9001]

What sort of shin protection are you using? It looks very cool and low profile

[@MartinFabian]

Hello! I'm mostly using REY street hockey shin guards

[@VectorBlade9001]

Martin Fabian How are they measured? I'd really like to pick some up. There are 3 sizes available: 13", 15", and 16"

[@MartinFabian]

I'm really not sure - better ask the manufacturer. I just picked ones in person and they were OK :)

[@foolwise4703]

hehe - "Nachschlag... its like serving dessert^^

[@ochs-hema]

hahaha xD

[@tedarcher9120]

Helicopter of death, lol

[@someguy4405]

Is it wrong to say “bop” when someone’s helmet gets hit?

[@4player-tl1ix]

Hello. I would like to ask a question, I am currently practising with a 5 kg wooden sword, but my shoulder hurts, so what weight should I practise with?

[@MartinFabian]

@@4player-tl1ix if you don't have access to a regular sword even a wooden stick is fine. Swords usually weigh around 1.5kg

[@4player-tl1ix]

​@@MartinFabianThank you.

[@Multihans]

Gibts das auch in deutsch ?

[@perw12345]

2:13 Dat point control...

[@vengefulone5725]

Fucking awesome video man

[@MartinFabian]

Thank you :)

[@Mad_Mally]

How much does it cost to get into this hobby?

[@MartinFabian]

Depends on how far you want to go. Basic gear is about 500€ (steel, synthetic is cheaper), full tournament gear about 800-1000€.

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

_"I want to learn the longsword."_

[@explay3151]

Европейское фехтование однозначно лучше всяких кендо. Вследствие большого числа войн с различными народами, развития металлургии, европейское фехтование достигло высот, ныне утерянных.

[@archie26]

Why dont you call them European classical martial arts instead of HEMA. Im a asiatic martial artist and I love european martial arts also, I think It would be better for transmission and popularity of this beautiful heritage to use "European martial arts". Good job congrats !!!

[@Weremoose89]

I think the reason is that HEMA is only focused on martial arts techniques as they apply to fencing...... Not a big fan of fencing myself. I like watching Maurice Booij. He has his own channel

[@Sk0lzky]

What trousers do you guys use ~ 4:45?

[@MartinFabian]

Those are SPES Locust pants, mine were losing colour

[@funnysecksnumber6998]

martin: guards are useless Meyer: ():

[@MartinFabian]

Also Meyer: You should remember that even though there are many good guards with a great many techniques that are done from them... it's always better not to stand in a guard at all because your opponent can make you leave your guard easily. ;)

[@武林御劍]

歐洲的武術雖然斷了，但現在看起來還不錯

[@MartinFabian]

谢谢！

[@temujin5743]

Hello, how did people sparr back then whit no protective gear?

[@MartinFabian]

Hi, the answer is a bit more complex. Protective gear was armour. So nobility and those who could afford it used armour. For those who engaged in armourless activities, fencing techniques used to be limited or regulated to safer and less safer (like thrusting was quite possibly banned in lot of places). For armourless sparring they used thick hats, gloves, doublets... meaning protective layers. To some extent you can fence really hard even when not wearing masks (even we did that many years ago). Some tournaments had a rule to go to first blood (we have some rules or indications in the 16th century) and we know for most certain that accidents happened and people even died here and there or have lost an eye (speaking about tournaments). So in some ways they engaged in sparring as we do now, but with more risks and a regulated technique portfolio.

[@temujin5743]

@@MartinFabian hello again, thank you for answering to my question!

[@silafuyang8675]

Do not understand the helicopter thing. Can it do damage with a real sword?

[@MartinFabian]

What do you mean by doing damage with a real sword? "Helicopter of death" is a funny nickname people give to a flurry of zwer strikes which sometimes happens. Also what did you mean by doing Zwerchhau without going through Kron? Also what did you mean by competition HEMA?

[@miguelangelgarciabaute6443]

Por cierto, usted cree que la espada larga consiste sólo en cuatro técnicas de corte alto, penoso.

[@Ironmaidenportugal]

1:20 who wants to be an Helicopter??

[@miguelangelgarciabaute6443]

Ya me habían comentado que los estadounidenses no sabéis nada de esgrima europea.

[@mutsuzawa]

The blades they are using are not the historical weight.

[@MartinFabian]

You could tell me more :)

[@mutsuzawa]

@@MartinFabian There isn't much for to say. The blades are too light. The historical weapons are different. It's difficult to learn proper cutting techniques with light weapons.

[@MartinFabian]

@@mutsuzawa how would you know? from your post it's apparent you don't have much experience with fencing or else you wouldn't make claims like that :) An average feder is of a similar weight as their historical counterparts. Some are lighter, some are heavier, but the same goes with historical swords which vary widely.

[@mutsuzawa]

​@@MartinFabianI know because I have handled the actual historical swords. They are different then what people use in sport hema fencing. Especially long swords and arming swords. I've seen them and I have handled them. That is how I know.

[@MartinFabian]

@@mutsuzawa and so have I, dozens and dozens ;)

[@bruceruttan60]

The energy used by 'whole body' attacks are nice in theory but in battle, a knight on foot might have to fight for an hour. Minimalism then becomes a useful energy saving study. Personally, I suggest that one only use the energy necessary. After cutting your fourth peasant in two your will feel heavy. That's when the well armored noble will show up to teach you a lesson.

[@MartinFabian]

Hi Bruce! Knight on foot (e.g. fencing in war) and civilian unarmoured duelling are two different things. I deal mostly with the latter and yes it's true that medieval manuals about armoured fighting write about energy conservation (for instance Pietro Monte). But what I say in the video still stands and is suggested by contemporary masters as well :)