[Tom Leoni]

Freelance Academy Press is proud of be the US distributor of Agilitas TV's new series of German Martial Arts DVDs, starting with Lecküchner's Messer, which is available now.

Johannes Lecküchner was a priest living in Franconia during the 15th century. His surviving books contain a wealth of information on the German fencing style of this era. His system Although based on the Liechtenauer tradition, his system is a veritable treasure of martial instruction, ranging from bladework to disarms and wrestling techniques.

Many of these techniques can be applied with the longsword as well and give a valuable additional data-point to the standard Liechtenauer repertoire. Beside techniques for earnest fighting, Lecküchner also detailed antagonistic techniques that designed to electrify an audience at fencing events.



This DVD is a comprehensive training guide, laid out in an easy to follow manner. After introducing the history of Lecküchner, his fencing system, and the theory of this art, the DVD offers extensive description of footwork, guards and attacks.

Then, the six master-strikes follow, which are similar to those in Liechtenauer's longsword. After exploring a choice of intermediate and advanced techniques like disarms, wrestling and show techniques, the DVD is concluded by several solo exercises that build up the most relevant skills in the art.

"The Messer of Johannes Lecküchner" is a must-see for all interested in the use of medieval and Renaissance one-handed swords. Longsword fencers will also greatly benefit from this instruction: drills shown in this work can also be performed with the longsword and complement the exercises detailed in the DVD "The Longsword of Johannes Liechtenauer Part I."

Contents

Historical background
Terminology and theory
General basics like footwork, basic strikes, guards
The six "master-strikes" for the messer
Intermediate to advanced techniques
Grappling with the messer
Disarms
Solo drills and exercises

To order, please visit www.freelanceacademypress.com.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Good news and I will have to order this one soon.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Well it wasn't that soon but I decided that I would gift myself for Xmas a good DVD and also some books and at the same time by posting this give a little plug to Freelance Academy Press and a reminder to others about their books and DVDs.

Another way to support our small community and a little business/cash sent their way.

Also, it's in my interest to give them support as I want MORE DVDs and good books to read.

In addition to the DVD on Messers I bought:
1381 - The Peel Affinity.

The Complete Renaissance Swordsman.

http://www.freelanceacademypress.com/

[Scott Hrouda]

Good bump Jean. I have been very happy with my German Medieval Martial Arts: Volume 1 The Poleaxe DVD purchase from the Free Lance Academy Press. It is instructional, informative, entertaining and the armour is gorgeous.

Jean, you will absolutely love 1381: The Peel Affinity. This is a book that I still pick up at least twice a week just to thumb through after having read it cover to cover several times.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Yes the Poleaxe DVD is very good and certainly why I'm looking forward to more DVDs dealing with a variety of subject like longsword, 1:33, sword and shield, one handed sword, rondel dagger & wrestling, rapier and even the plain wooden staff.

Don't expect all these at once, but sort of hope for the regular production of new DVDs.

And yes, another " BUMP ".

Also looking forward to the books and even more the book you praise than when I ordered it last night: Sounds really worth the money and good eye candy as well as content.

[Craig Shackleton]

I have had the Leckuchner DVD for a few months now. I've watched it several times and frequently consult it. I really wish more of the Agilitas line was available in English. Or I need to learn to speak German.

Honestly, this DVD is the single best value for money instructional resource for HEMA that I own.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Jean Thibodeau]

Just got an e-mail from Freelance Academy Press confirming the order and that it has been shipped.

Now that is quick between order and shipping: Less than 24 hours ..... Impressive !

[Craig Shackleton]

Thanks for your kind words Jean. It was my pleasure having you.

When you get the DVD, you may see how much I was inspired by it for my messer class. I have other sources, but I actually watch the relevant section of this DVD before most of my classes, just to help me clarify in my mind what I'm doing.

I'll have to get you back up here in the new year; I'm moving to a much better practice space.

[Greg Mele]

Thanks for the kind words and the little bump, Jean. You might like to know that our customer service rep just got back from dropping your Christmas present to yourself off at the post office!

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Jean Thibodeau]

Just piked up the package at the post office and although it's too soon for a more extensive review just a quick skimming of the books tells me that they are well worth the price and more: The " 1381: The Peel Affinity " is as visually rich as Scott Hrouda mentioned in his post and a quick read of the text and picture captions make me certain that this is going to be one of those books that one returns to again and again to read and look at the great eye candy. I highly recommend buying it.

The second book " The Complete Renaissance Swordsman " seems very much a must have book but will need some attentive reading to get the most out of it as it goes into great detail about various fighting techniques with all the weapons one would encounter in the Renaissance: I usually do a quick read first but to really learn and apply the techniques one must practice and read attentively each technique.

I haven't yet viewed the DVD but I'm looking forward to it.

Also the customer service was first class and the shipping prompt as the whole thing from ordering to pick up at the post office took only 6 days.

The ordering process on the Web site was fast, clear and easy and I will certainly be very motivated to buy from them as soon as they publish something new.

Very very happy with these books and I encourage everyone interested in the topics of these books to buy them.

[Greg Mele]

Thanks for the great feedback, Jean.

As you can see, we managed to smooth out the shipping snags to Montreal that we had on your first order. It turns out that there are many nuances and "quirks" to shipping overseas as there are countries and then some! Christian has been working hard to smooth out some of the early shopping cart hang-ups as well. I don't know if anything is ever seamless, but we sure hope to get close by the time our first anniversary roles around on March 1!

The Peel Affinity is one of those books that I can't believe more people don't know about/own. Part of the reason we so badly wanted to become distributors was to try and rectify that. If you are a 14th c geek this is really one of those books you should own.

Best wishes, and thanks again for the kind words!

[Jean Thibodeau]