German Longsword - Simplifying Movements

This in-class discussion from earlier this year is a fairly long and rambling discussion in which we broke out the trusty whiteboard markers to discuss some fencing theory relating to Meyer and Liechtenauer, but relevant to all fencing really.
As our club isn't in training, I'm hoping that at least some of you will revisit the video because we haven't been able to revisit it in person.
In essence, if we can reduce the exemplars in the text to general principles we find there's a lot less to think about while fencing.
It's important to remember that these are generalisations - some of the genaral "rules" cited should never ben considered "laws" - you can break the rules all the time while fencing - as long as you know why!

[@aanathan0]

I started a few months back and this was super helpful! Firstly, I like how you teach. Second, you categorize types of binds with types of strikes. You keep things simple! Subscribed!

[@sandozman6085]

Been interested in longsword for years … watched hundreds of vids…
This one taught me more than all.
Great.

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful.

[@1hatep1ck1ngnames]

That was 3 years ago and it's 4 AM here, and this is STILL amazing. I wish I had known this when I had started a few years ago, it breaks down the thought process into manageable chucks. So thank you for posting this.
I've been trying to shorten my OODA loop by trying to identify what is going on, positioning myself better, learning how to take advantage/ counter it, and repeating the motions so my body has the muscle memory to do the required action quickly, but the hardest thing is the thinking. I'd rather have to do less!

[@mazoo1992]

I like your way to categorize the technique of Meyer in this video and your wiki. That really help me a lot to build up the systemize view.

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

I'm so glad you found these useful :)

[@cspahn3221]

Another great video, much thanks

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful.

[@aleksanderroseneder9929]

It's currently 2 am in Brisbane and my brain needs to learn more sword stuff, so thank you very much my Southern brethren.

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

I too know the struggle of the 2am distraction! More videos being created as we speak!

[@gearstil]

Great teaching! Thank you!

[@DogsaladSalad]

Good teacher. Thanks for sharing. Subbed

[@medievalcombatmiami4341]

this is incredible

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

Hopefully incredible in a good way! ;-)

[@medievalcombatmiami4341]

when I am in a hurry I skip ahead to minute mark 14-18:21 - and still have my mind blown.

[@cmbaileytstc]

I really love this:

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful :)

[@thehermitdruid]

Do you have more videos of your theory talks? I find a lot of this applies to other things in life and I do like the theory

[@thehermitdruid]

(Namely the concept of Tempo and other concepts you cover can apply to competitive card games lol)

[@andrmoro8430]

Daniel, I have a beginners question: how does your game changes if the opponent prioretizes distance control: fast breaking distance instead of going for a bind and prefering fast lunge- type attacks? It is not a theoretical question, it seems it is the main style in our club where most of people have practiced a lot of epee fencing before

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

Good question - a few thoughts:
1) Be precise with your point - keeping your point precisely online (when in longpoint, of other on-point guards such as pflug) - 10 cm movement in the tip to one side can be enough for them to thrust in opposition.
2) Distance = time. Keep them at a slightly longer distance. This includes retreating quickly.
3) Attack the hands. In longsword there is little hand protection, so a skip back/sideways and a snipe to the hands can help discourage lunge attacks.
4) Angles: use movement angles like boxers and grapplers to avoid the opponent's danger zone
There are probably a bunch of other things, but these are a good start.

[@andrmoro8430]

@@DanielPopeScholarVictoria thanks! ;)
Giving the blade is quite often a bad idea for such opponents, only if you comfortable in the game of distance. Long point with side shifted tip can be though a good trap. Strangely, the fools guard seems to work well too, but if you fail it is usually spectacular :)
I already mention to you once that with such med-long distance and point oriented fights there is very little I can do to avoid afterblows. And sniping hands look "wrong", there are far better weapons for that than longswords :)
I still agree with your hint from another comment that good measure and provocation-based approach seems to be an interesting way to fence. But it is still hard for me to accept your idea of side movement, it is way too slow in my experience in comparison with lunge/flech and simple thrusts.

[@DanielPopeScholarVictoria]

@@andrmoro8430 I'd say sniping the hands in longsword is entirely historical - if you can get them to take their hands offline or over-extend them, it's not only practical, but described in the sources :)
In this case the "sideways" movement I'm talking about is more subtle - using diagonals while advancing/retreating to cut across the line of attack etc - not while actually attacking as such.
A lot of this is better described in person though :)