Longsword, Chapter 1: The Division of the Opponent

[1] About the opponent and the division of the same

Chapter 1

Although the division of the opponent (from which the openings and stances originate, toward which and from which one fences) actually belongs to the Middle or Handwork, and for this reason will also be discussed in the contents of that book, I want to describe it and set it out here at the beginning for a specific reason: that is, because it is initially necessary to know in fencing (and in all matters and arts) what it concerns and what the goal is; therefore, this must be discussed. Consequently, [I] wanted to raise this point of discussion at the beginning so that it would not be necessary to describe the openings when they were mentioned during the Middle or Handwork [Section], which would cause an interruption in the course of my writing.

[2] The opponent is now divided into four quarters or parts: into the upper and lower, and each of these into the right and left. The what and the why of their intrinsic existence requires no more extensive description because a mere glance at a human body reveals what is the highest or lowest and the left or right part. However, the portrait on the right in the previous Figure [A] [is offered] to explain what I mean here for greater understanding.

[3] And, while the aforementioned four parts of the opponent would be sufficient according to the customs of the Old German fencers (for whom thrusting was permitted as well as cutting), because we Germans of the current time often and most properly fence at the head (and especially in the Handwork with twisting) most, I will also divide it into the abovementioned four pieces (like the human being as a whole). Namely, into the upper, which relates to the hairline; the lower, which is assigned to the chin and neck; and again the right and left part, which are generally assigned to the right or left ear because the ears are located on both sides.

[4] Even though this division could be thought of as somewhat childish (as there are always more who criticize than improve), the well-intentioned [reader] must keep in mind that this is really only described because all other matters which are necessary and are part of fencing arise and flow from this division as from a spring or well.

Because again (as mentioned above), fencing is nothing other than when two persons fight with the same weapons against one another and how a fencer can injure the other with quickness or defend and protect themselves carefully, my intention is also to present and explain them using certain sequences and brief summaries (as in the [sections on] other weapons). Therefore, I neither can nor should betray [my intentions] to mention this division of the person myself, so that if a counterfencer fences from one or another part, an opponent can take note and know how to secure their defenses with the correct counteraction, or, if a fencer were to expose their opening somewhat on one or the other side, then their opponent could place their strike at [the opening] correctly and with advantage (because an opponent is either hit at one of four points due to exposed openings or must position themselves into the guard or counterposture to protect the same again).

[5] Therefore, that which is subsequently taught about the stances, cuts, and openings, can be gathered more easily because all of this flows out of this division of the opponent which is now sufficiently described.