Technical analysis - Tafel 201, Talhoffer's Fechtbuch (1467 edition)

WARNING: this is a potentially lethal close-combat technique. The vertebrae of the neck are vulnerable. NEVER apply this technique with dangerous force in training. Work slowly and support your training partner.

The attacker (on the left in this illustration) has gained an underarm bearhug grip. This hold is not immediately dangerous in itself. However, it puts the defender at a severe disadvantage - he could easily be thrown as the attacker has control of his center of balance, and is vulnerable to the attacker's knees and to the possibility of a headbutt.

The defender is half-way through a very effective counter ot this type of attack.. He has taken a right hand grip of the hair at the left rear of the attacker's head - note that the most effective hair-grip is to "comb" one's fingers through the hair against the scalp and then make a fist. By pulling simultaneously back, down and to his own right, the defender is able to control the attacker's head, and thus his balance, reducing the threat of being thrown or struck. At the same moment, the defender has either struck or pressed against the attacker's jaw with the palm of his left hand. This doubles the power of the head-twist and gives the defender still more control over the attacker's movement. The action is very similar to that of turning a steering wheel.

Once the attacker's head is turned back and to the side, his balance is broken and the defender has his choice of follow-ups. From this position he could apply a headbutt or knee to the groin, or throw the attacker violently to the floor by continuing the head-twist and taking a circular step back with his right leg. In the latter defense, his left hand would "wipe" across the attacker's jaw and rotate so that his fingers pointed upwards past the attacker's eyes, creating an even stronger leverage advantage. If he applied the same technique without stepping back, the attacker's neck would probably be broken.

For more Medieval German combat grappling, please visit the Kampfringen page

PAGE 2 - Arte dell'Abbracciare unarmed defense sequence #1

PAGE 3 - Arte dell'Abbracciare unarmed defense sequence #2

PAGE 4 - Arte della Daga unarmed defense sequence against the thrusting dagger