Longsword, Chapter 6: The Withdrawal

[1] About the Withdrawal

Chapter 6

Although it has already been stated that a good Beginning relieves almost half of the effort in all things, a bad End can still destroy and ruin everything that was previously done well, as this can be seen in practice. To avoid this befalling you in fencing—that you, after having attacked well and having pushed back safely, are left covered in shame just at the End—I want to actually explain to you here everything about how the Withdrawal should occur.

[2] Therefore, it should be noted particularly well that after each sequence [that you have] fenced, you must withdraw in these three ways: either as the first before your opponent, or last following them, or also simultaneously with them.

If you want to withdraw before them, then be diligent that you crowd and harass them beforehand with techniques so that they must rise up high for protection. In that moment in which they want to observe how you want to continue with the work, immediately strike the cut through with the Withdrawal, and move away before (and as) they become aware of it.

[3] If you want to withdraw after them, then take note that this can occur in two ways: firstly, when you wait for your opponent’s Withdrawal (thus, when they cut away) such that you cleverly pursue them above their blade with your Withdrawal. Secondly, when you conduct yourself with body language as if you wanted to withdraw before them, but you retain your cut skillfully and secretly short so that when they pursue you, you allow their cut to miss and drop down worthlessly, at which point you can cut above their defense at their opening.

If you want to withdraw simultaneously with them, then position yourself so that you always remain above their blade with your cut while stepping outward, and when they cut away from their right, you step well out to their left. If they cut on their left, you step out to their right and cut in simultaneously with them.

[4] Because every sequence includes this type of thing, you will be able to understand such things sufficiently at the point where the sequences are dealt with.