The Comprehensive Guide to Combat with Renaissance Polearm Weaponry
Centuries ago in Medieval Europe conflicts were often settled by dueling with handheld armaments other than swords. Such staff weaponry also proved useful in battle, and a variety of techniques for using them effectively developed and evolved over time. German fencing master Paulus Hector Mair (1517-1579) summarized and preserved these fighting traditions for future generations. Compiling and distilling knowledge from earlier texts on the combative arts of the Liechtenauer tradition, Mair produced a comprehensive reference compendium called Opus Amplissimum de Arte Athletica (or Ultimate Book of the Art of Athletics).
In this extraordinary modern work, Polearms of Paulus Hector Mair, authors David James Knight and Brian Hunt elaborate and expand on Mair's Opus. Following an introduction detailing Mair's life and his writing of the original manuscripts, there are chapters devoted to combat with specific categories of polearms, including:
- the spear
- shortstaff
- lance
- longstaff
- halberd
- poleax
- and other weaponry.
Restored illustrations provide readers with impressively rendered, easy-to-follow depictions of the fighting techniques. Along with the drawings, each skill description includes both the original German and Latin texts and a synthesized, easy-to-follow English translation. Literal translations are also included in appendices at the back, along with a full bibliography and glossary. This historical treasure belongs in the library of anyone studying or interested in Renaissance martial arts training.
This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648371043).
Hunt, Brian: - Brian Hunt taught himself Latin, German, and Italian, and has translated the MS I.33 and Hans Talhoffer's 1459 manuscript. An ARMA Free Scholar and former assistant sportfencing instructor at the College of Eastern Utah, he has cross-trained in Okinawan karate, kung fu, aikido, kenjutsu, and American boxing in addition to European longsword, sword and buckler, sword and shield, cut-and- thrust sword, rapier, dagger, grappling, and polearm techniques. Brian is currently working on several projects, including a complete translation of Mair's works. He is also an amateur bladesmith and craftsman who produces custom wasters, armor, fencing helmets, and other training equipment, as well as the occasional knife or sword.
Knight, David James: - David James Knight earned his Bachelor of Arts in English magna cum laude from Florida International University with concentrations in medieval English literature, Latin, and comparative pre-modern cultures; he later studied conversational German. An Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA) Free Scholar and lifelong martial artist, David has trained in goju ryu, no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu, American folkstyle wrestling, U.S. military combatives, and a smattering of other styles in addition to European longsword, dagger, grappling, and polearm techniques. He currently instructs for the Mixed Martial Arts Club at Washington and Lee University, where he is finishing his law degree. He also serves in the Virginia Army National Guard and is a graduate of the ROTC program at nearby Virginia Military Institute.
