A Biomechanical Analysis of Technique Training and Freefight in Historical European Martial Arts

Merkert H. A Biomechanical Analysis of Technique Training and Freefight in Historical European Martial Arts. Bielefeld: Universität Bielefeld; 2019.In this empirical thesis Longsword techniques from the Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) were examined in training and freefight. The aim of this thesis is to examine the difference of a technique in training and freefight. German Longsword sources from Liechtenauer et al. (1504-1519) and Juden et al. (around 1400) were examined. Six Guards, seven Principles and 14 Master strike variations were measured. To collect the data an inertial measurement system was used in training and freefight situations. Nine HEMA fighters were equipped with 16 acceleration sensors to measure the movements in training and freefight. For the experiment the subjects filled in a questionnaire and participated in two experimental parts. The first part consists of a Longsword training and the second of a combat performance. In the post-processing the techniques were annotated manually by a HEMA expert. The techniques have significant different biomechanics in freefight and training for Guards, Principles and Strikes. The shortest technique duration were less than 1.40 s during training. An average fight takes 24.96 s. Cross strike - attack the openings is the technique with the fastest swordpoint velocity of 14.09 m/s