Great Plains Fechtschule

Instructing:  Jessica F.

Attending:  Aron M., David S.

Class opened with a bouting session.  All three of us were able to get quite a bit of time in on the floor.  We  left it as open bouting and just saw what problems arrived.

The problems that we experienced weren't particularly surprising as they are common.  In our post-bouting analysis (and water guzzling session), we discussed problems with:  Distance (where is Zufechten if he doesn't step in?), Zwerchhau completion (engaging the hips to throw the Zwerch past the head), and running out of gas.

We then spent the rest of the class drilling Zufechten in a variety of ways to make it more evident where Zufechten actually is (which is about 6" closer than we want it to be).  We also discussed the important mechanics of throwing a Zwerchhau and how to engage your core to throw the strike rather than relying upon your shoulders.

Finally, Aron assigned homework to the class.

Here is the progression...

Simple Zwerchau from the right(Remember, engage those hips).  X 10

High Zwerchau from the rightwith a follow on zucken Zwerchau from the left.  X 10

Low Zwerchau  from theright with a follow on high zucken Zwerchau.  X10

Low Zwerchau  from theright with a follow on half-sword zucken and thrust.  X 10

High Zwerchau from the rightwith a follow on zucken Zwerchau from the left, but instead of completingthe left side Zwerch, act as if the opponent is going for a schnitt witha Zwerch of their own, dip the sword to block that and duplieren.  X10