Fechtmeister Hans Talhoffer (1420-1490)

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Fechtmeister Hans Talhoffer (1420-1490) Hans Talhoffer was a German Fight Master of the 15th century. He fought in the tradition of Johannes Lichtenauer, Grandmaster of the German school of fencing, but developed his own style far beyond that. He left 6 fight manuals that cover a wide range of combat forms: LongSword Sword & Buckler Sword on Horseback PoleArms Sword & LongShield Sword & Lance on Horseback LongShield Mace & LongShield Crossbow on Horseback Dagger Longsword in Full Armor One against Two Messer Sword & Spear in Full Armor Man against Woman Flail Hand-to-Hand Combat Spear Hand-to-Hand on Horseback Hans Talhoffer – self portrait Talhoffer travelled around southern Germany and Switzerland, was “Fechtmeister” of a fencing school in Zurich, but more often training knights and nobility in the arts of combat – both on the battlefield as well as dueling. “Indeed [1444]the Pope-to-be Pius II was disturbed to observe just how armed and dangerous Germans tended to be at that time, whether noble or burgher. It seems that Germany was something of a giant armed camp, where a man trained to fight and stay alive by winning, whether that happened within dueling- barriers, burgh-street or battlefield.” -- Jeffrey Hull in Fight Earnestly, commentary on Talhoffer’s 1459 Fight-Book. Talhoffer’s manuals mostly deal with dueling and self-defense, including an outline of the entire judicial duel process. He trained the combatants and presided over judicial duels himself. Talhoffer was ahead of his time. He trained the fighter not only martially, but also included advice on nutrition, strength training, scholarship, ethics, chivalry, bathing, sleeping, relaxation via hunting and/or music, prayer, meditation, use of astrological charts for determining favorable battle dates, and the blessing of the weapons at holy mass. His manuals include pictures of the victor kneeling in prayer giving thanks, and assisting with preparing the vanquished for burial. “Bedenkt Dich Recht” is the motto on Talhoffer’s coat-of-arms. It can be translated “consider the consequences” or “think rightly” and reflects his thinking/planning approach to fencing – not just relying on combat techniques. Talhoffer’s fighting style was extremely flexible and fluid, powerful when needed, but also fine- feeling to sense his opponent’s action. Talhoffer’s Coat-of-Arms Talhoffer’s manuals were written in verse – poetry! Although the esteemed Fechtmeister also had advice for fencing instructors, the following is his advice to students: Young man, learn to love God and respect women. Speak well of women and Be courageous, like a man should be, and be wary of lies and deception. Set your mind on honest things and consider knighthood. Joyfully practice stone throwing and stone lifting, dancing and springing, fencing and wrestling, stick-fighting and jousting, and beautiful women courting. Be in the mood for frolic and fun, fighting requires heart. .

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