The Art and Science of Johannes Liechtenauer’s Medieval German Longsword Grades 1&2

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A very useful book.

This book has been a great help to me in developing my skills and understanding the history of the Art.

Good beginner guide. Not much more

I found this book to be well researched, and as it says, it covers the basic teachings of the martial as well as some of the more advanced art. Good description of training technique, and excellent guide to training weapons. Does exactly what it says on the cover. Who could ask for more? As it says, an excellent guide to grades 1 & 2. Can't wait for grades 3 & 4!Well done to the authors.

Stride's book offers a coherent balance of theory and practical commentary. As a preliminary guide, conveying basic information before progression to a higher level, it is invaluable for the beginner at Grade 1 & 2 levels, though it provides sufficient detail to interest the more experienced fencer, too. Throughout, Stride examines the degree of competence required to master the different strokes, and shows how expertise develops, thus linking forward to further instruction for the student who reaches a higher level. The nature of the subject-matter renders it impossible to avoid some possibly unfamiliar technical language , but Stride is careful to provide a clear explanation of the key terms used.Stride provides a translation of Liechtenauer's text and Ringeck's gloss on it, combined with his own more detailed explanation of both when he feels this is necessary. In addition, he offers a brief overview of medieval society and its training methods, so that Liechtenauer's system can be seen in its correct historical setting. This proper context is vital both to avoid anachronism and in order to understand fully the general principles involved. Stride gives a carefully-illustrated technical description of the late medieval longsword and its dynamics, and also of essentials such as the centre-line concept, true time, holding and moving the sword, the true and false grip, cutting and blocking, the 'Vor' and the 'Nach', all of which are crucial. He then moves on to a full analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various training simulators available, followed by a detailed examination of Liechtenauer's various strokes and guards, including Ringeck's additional guards. The focus throughout is very much on the degree of dedication and commitment required to achieve success.The book gives a careful exposition of some of the technical principles involved in Liechtenauer's system, offering further explainations in later grades, and also of the artistry necessary to wield the various strokes it includes. It is a helpful introductory guide for a fencer practising longsword at any level of expertise.

I found it to be a very nicely done and interesting book.

I found this book well set out, informative and does exactly what it said it does, provide and Introduction to Liechtenauer’s Longsword. I come from studying a different weapon, English Backsword, and having not studied longsword found this invaluable as an introduction. It obviously comes from many years of study and practice and as the author actually says is his current understanding of the art.I liked that it set the system in its historical context, something other similar books fail to do, and gives a very good explanation of the Longsword’s anatomy and characteristics.The exposition of the manual and explanation of the techniques I found easy to follow and understand and very well illustrated. As to the comment from another reviewer that this is not up to date as they didn't bother to substantiate this by mentioning their sources I cannot take that criticism seriously. I can only judge on the book itself which is exactly what I was after, an introduction to Liechtenauer’s Longsword. If that is what you are after it’s highly recommended.