[MR] Sorry :) Still Fencing....

[melchior at houseblueheron.com]

I don't mean to continue the bludging of that poor dead horse, But I
found this and though it may shed some light on the subject. From a
historical standpoint.

"A Thorough Description of the Free, Knightly and Noble Art of Fencing,
Showing Various Customary Defenses, Affected and Put Forth with Many
Handsome and Useful Drawings" : Joachim Meyer, 1570

::Orginal::
Dieweil ich mir die Kunst des Fechtens in disen Ritterlichen und
Mannlichen Wehren, welche jetziger zeit bey uns Teutschen am meisten
gebreuchlichsten, nach meinem besten verstand uñ vermögen auffs
fleissigest und trewlichest zubeschreiben fürgenommen, und aber die
erfahrung gibt und offenbar ist das, das Fechten im Schwerdt nit allein
ein ursprung und quell alles andern Fechten, sonder auch für andern
wehren das aller künstlichst und manlichste ist, derwegen hat mich
notwendig und für gut angesehen, von diser meinen eingang zumachen, und
auffs kürtzest, aber doch klärlich davon auff solche weiß zuhandlen, wie
in andern künsten und übungen allen beschicht.
::/Orginal::

::Trans::
I'm divulging the Art of Fencing with these Knightly and Manly Weapons,
which at the current time for us Germans is of greatest necessity, to
which my best understanding and abilities are well and truly described
for uptaking, and although the lesson given is obvious, that fencing
with the sword is not the sole origin and wellspring for all other
fencing arts, it is celebrated among other weapons for artfulness and
manlyness, and because of it I have what's needed for good understanding
from which to make progress, and thus quickly, so onward I see with
clarity how with wise handling all this can be applied in other arts and
disciplines. 
::/TRANS::

Also just for giggles: 

Fechtbuch MS I.33 - (in the Royal library Museum, British Museum No. 14
E iii, No. 20, D. vi) – the Walpurgis manual, an anonymous 13th
century German “sword and buckler” manuscript. A rare
Medieval German manuscript on the use of the sword and buckler
(currently the earliest known European martial arts work). One
translation forthcoming from the Royal Armouries. (cira: 1295)

"Where did Mel get this wonderful info?"
you can learn more about medieval fencing and rapier, at
http://www.thehaca.com/masters.htm , 
This provides a very "curisoury" overview concerning medieval fencing
texts. And is a great place to start.

-Herr Melchior der Graowulf
:prepairing for the onslaught:

yes my spelling is awful, deal :)