Close range combat with the dagger

Weapon: Dagger

Source: Mainly Joachim Meyer but also other German sources.

Medieval/rennaissance society was an armed society. Everybody at least carried a dagger in public. So it is not surprising that many historical manuals also deal with this kind of weapon. The sources detailing the use of the dagger approach this weapon differently than the other weapons. Most often close-range actions, disarms and wrestling techniques are advocated. Dagger fighting is one of the few HEMA disciplines that also have relevance in modern-day self-defense.

Drawing mainly from Joachim Meyer`s treatise we will have a look at different techniques of fighting with and against the dagger.

Skill level of Participants: Any skill level
Needed Equipment: safe dagger simulator, fencing mask, gloves recommended

About the trainer – Alexander Kiermayer

Having been termed a coelacanth of German HEMA, I´ve been practicing HEMA for quite a long time now. My focus is on the development of fencing in Germany and on having a broad perspective on Historical Martial Arts in general. Manual-wise it´s Joachim Meyer who is very dear to my heart. In cooperation with the Bavarian fencing federation I´m teaching in state-recognised trainer-qualifications.