Step 1 of 3Liechtenauer tradition, 15th c.
Low point-forward guard, the source of the thrust.
Talhoffer, Alte Armatur und Ringkunst, 1459 — Ms.Thott.290.2º, fol. 8r. Wikimedia Commons ↗
Folio 1rGerman (Liechtenauer)

Absetzen (script)

— setting-aside as a sequence

Setting-aside. Step offline; deflect their attack with your strong; the same motion carries your point to the face.

Absetzen is the marriage of displacement and riposte. From Pflug or Ochs you step forward and offline as their attack comes in. Your hilt rises slightly, your point sinks slightly, and the geometry alone sends theirs offline while yours arrives.

The play, step by step

1 / 3

Ⅰ

Sie stechen

— they thrust

From Pflug or Ochs the opponent shoots a thrust at your chest or face.

Next → Step offline and meet their blade · step 2: Absetzen

Or deviate from the script

Guards you may transition to

Plays you may enter

Hover or focus a branch to glimpse the next folio. Click to advance the play.