The practice of dueling and training with swords is likely as old as the sword itself. During the 15th and 16th century, most well-to-do gentlemen would not leave their home unarmed. Weapons such as the rapier and smallsword were indispensable in a world populated by territorial political conflict and violent robberies while on the road. Young men attending college, who were invariably the descendants of wealth or nobility, would bring their weapons with them while traveling between campus and home. It does not take much imagination to see that young me, away from home, would come in to conflict with one another. The blood y and often lethal encounters were common enough to warrant multiple fencing schools forming in most major cities.
By the late 17th century, dueling was so common place that laws and customs were developed to attempt to set some restraint around this dangerous activity. By the end of the 18th century, most men of the aristocracy had been involved one or more duels, and laws eventually passed to outlaw this activity. This did not, however, change the fact that sword-play had become engrained into the cultural fabric of Europe. In France, blunted swords designed for thrusting (the forerunner of the modern Fencing Foil) were popular for men interested in sword training. The Germans, on the other hand, came to prefer a different sword for the “Gentlemanly Art.” This weapon, called a Schlager, was a heavy saber with a large bell or basket shaped hand guard, was used for slashing and cutting rather the thrusting weapons found elsewhere.What separates Mensur, the Schlager Fencing art of German Student Unions, are three important facts. First, Mensur combat is not about winning or losing. While there are a number of traditions that surround this art, the purpose of Mensur is ultimately “character building.” Secondly, Mensur is a “static” art. Most people who are familiar with “traditional” Fencing are used to seeing the competitors moving and lunging at lightning speed across a platform. In Mensur, the combatants stand only a few feet apart, without dodging or feinting, and attack each other while standing in place. The largest distinction, however, that separate Mensur from other “sport” Fencing forms is that the blades of the Schlagers are razor sharp.
It is difficult to comprehend why seemingly intelligent young men (according to tradition, women are not supposed to join this activity) would engage in such a fool-hardy and dangerous activity. Viewed historically, however, Mensur dueling is not unique. The practice of young men and women training in formalized or ritualized combat as an educational experience is common across a multitude of cultures. The Nguni, a tribe within the Bantu language group of Central Africa, train young men in a form of staff fighting. Japanese school children, often times throughout High School and College, may study Judo (an aggressive form of wrestling emphasizing chokes holds and joint-breaking locks) Kendo (a form of Fencing that is rooted in the study of the Japanese Katana sword,) and Atarashii Naginata (Fencing with bamboo poles, based on a Samurai Polearm.) It could even be argued that American football could be seen as a form of ritualized group warfare.
Though made illegal by the Nazis in World War Two, Mensur has seen a slow return to practice since the 1950’s. While not every Fraternal organization on every campus takes part in this activity, groups who do take pride in being seen as “Fighting Fraternities.” Those individuals who participate in this sport now wear protection for the eyes, throat, sword-arm and chest, participants still stick to the tradition of striking for the face. In fact, a young man who has a Schmiss, or scar from a Mensur engagement, is considered to have a mark of distinction on his face.
It’s impossible to predict the future of Mensur. Provided that young men, loaded with a sense of invincibility and testosterone, the future of German Academic Fencing is likely bright, if not bloody and unpleasant.
No comments:
Post a Comment