- German warriors used the long sword in battle.sword image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
German fighting styles originated in medieval times and during World War II. Three main German fighting styles are sword fighting, German wrestling and knife fighting. German knife fighting was developed during World War II while German sword fighting and wrestling emerged during medieval times. According to the alliance martial arts website, "As wars raged across Europe, the German swordsmen perfected techniques." The "Fechtbuchen"---German fighting manual---taught soldiers how to "use long swords, knives, and wrestle." - German sword fighting was developed in the medieval era. German sword fighting is a tradition shared with Italian origin and though both Italian and German sword fighting seem similar, they differ. According to the sword buyers guide, "The German school had more of an emphasis on the attack, while the Italian sword fighting schools tended to be slightly more defensive in nature." Longsword fighting died with the introduction of guns but is again popular today. Schools grow in number all over Europe and the United States.
- German combat wrestling developed in medieval times as well. The techniques were efficient and ruthless. According to Milihistriot Quarterly, "The goal was to put the opponent down quickly and the fight would be brief." German combat wrestlers used styles consistent with the brutality of the era. Each fighter used powerful attacks. The power is needed, "because a soldier would often have to attack an armored opponent." Due to the heavy attacks, it was smarter for a fighter to learn to dodge attacks rather than to block them. According to Milihistriot Quarterly, "they would sidestep, duck, dodge and slip followed by a counterstrike."
- German fighters used knives as a major part of their arsenal during World War II. Knives during this time were also a symbol of status. Knives were used in medieval times but not as prevalent as the long sword. German knife fighting took place usually without armor and displayed a more counter attack style of fighting. German knife fighting was introduced in the "The Solthurner fechtbuch which shows the knife being used."
