Having problems making messer techniques work like in the sources?
Let’s have some lightbulb moments in this workshop!
Weapon: Messer
Source: Leckuechner, cgm582 ( J.L.)
We all know the problem that sometimes we face the situation in which techniques and their interpretation just don’t want to work, or don’t always succeed, or are not efficient enough.
We will look at reasons that might be the cause and how to deal with it whilst looking at a few typical techniques. The aim is to create awareness and a better understanding of the interpretations of the original texts. As we all know usually it is not the source’s fault if something doesn’t work, even if some would like to believe that. đ
As usual, the error sits in front of the source or in this case stands behind his knife. So lets have fun with messer, look at challenges in some techniques and principles and hopefully lower frustrating moments in your future.
Skill level of Participants: All Skill levels
Basic knowledge of topic or system is needed: Yes
Needed Equipment: a Messer
About the trainer – Martin Enzi
Martin Enzi first got in touch with martial arts by practicing classical boxing, but finally found his passion when he switched to HEMA in 2001 to train longsword, wrestling and dagger.
2003 he got his hands on the first draft of the transcription of Johannes Leckuechners âKunst des Messerfechtensâ, while work was still in progress. This gave him the possibility to be one of the firs tpersons to dig into this manuscript.
Instantly fascinated while reading the first pages of the manuscript, this was when his fascinationwith and passion for Messer started.
After intense studies and training, he started as a trainer for longsword, Messer, and eventually alsofor the soâcalled âpeasant weaponsâ and spear.
2006 he took part in the transcription of parts of Paulus Hector Mairâs manuscript (scythe, sickle andflail) for the Higgins Armory Museum, which will be published by Jeffrey L. Forgeng.
Even though training in Liechtenauer school of longsword and the peasant weapons from PHM has always been close to his heart, his main focus and deep passion lies with the Messer according to cgm582, taking also into account other Messerârelated sources like Talhofer, Codex Wallerstein, Pauernfeindt, or Falkner.
After teaching for 19 years now at international events and martial arts gatherings, Martin Enzi was honored to be the first European HEMAâteacher to get an invitation to Tokyo, where he held a masterclass in Messer fencing â in fact, the first Messer class to be taught in Japan.
He was also asked to contribute 3 articles to the book series âMeditations on HEMAâ, writes articles in magazines and does surveys about finds and originals in museums.
Apart from HEMA, Enzi has practiced stage fighting for 22 years, whilst next to it he started coaching /training actors and stuntmen. Furthemore he works as a fight choreographer for movies, theatre and TV production.
