This is an update to our older and outdated "Cutting with the German Longsword" video.

This is also the first video I've posted since we've switched back to Mugen Dachi tatami (we used Bugei wara for a while).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEBpu8eDsU

Comments are welcome.

Thanks Jean.

Jake Norwood was just asking about the mittlehau over at the HEMAA forums. Of all the things to raise questions, that would have been my last guess. :)

Remember the two plays from the bind in the very beginning of Von Danzig? If he parries with strength, you give him a tag hit to the hands. If he raises his hands high in a bind, you strike below to the body and step backwards with it. This mittlehau accross the belly is the perfect cut for the second play. You don't want to strike the chest because you might get caught in the ribs and do no real damage, but a cut like this accross the belly is sure to hurt a lot.

Hey warrior,
I do not know what to watch first, my favorite sword or your technique. :)
I saw your thumb on the blade in some techniques, I think it is typically German, I do not think the Italian school, a little explanation would be appreciated.
Great skill, Micheal :)

Thanks Maurizio, your comments are very much appreciated. I don't know that my skill is all that great, though. I have very far to go. I can't watch that vid without cringing, but it's the best I can do at present.

Thumb on blade...it's something we're told to do in the German texts, and it helps keep the wrist straight during some of the more unnaturally angled cuts while providing a good, solid grip on the sword.

Thank you Michael,

I enjoyed watching that.