This new DVD from the German historiche kampfkunst (historical martial arts) group Ochs is an outstanding introduction to the Medieval German longsword method of Master Johannes Liechtenauer.  In 90 minutes Hans Heim and Alex Kiermeyer cover the history, basic movements, advanced concepts, and lots of training drills for this sophisticated weapon.

From the most basic footwork and guards through the most advanced techniques of ringen am schwert (wrestling tactics done while using the longsword) they make the techniques abundantly clear for anyone to follow.  I think that even a novice with little background in the martial arts could get this DVD and teach themselves how to use the longsword correctly if they followed the lessons step-by-step.  There is a lot of information packed into this DVD and it holds up under repeated viewings.

The DVD was produced by Agilitas.Tv and looks like something you might see on an educational television program.  Originally shot in German, the use of a professional narrator for the English language edition adds the final touch of class.  Throughout the DVD there is extensive use of on screen effects to enhance the learning curve.  For example, when showing the basic cuts a virtual "8 cuts" diagram appears on the screen and lights up in accordance with the blows delivered.  This is a great little touch, and characteristic of the kind of detail that went into this production.

If you are at all interested in this weapon then you need to get a copy of this DVD, it's really that good.  This is an excellent gateway to the Western martial arts (WMA) for anyone who wants to see "what this stuff is all about".  The opening history section is the kind of thing that teachers could easily use in the classroom, as well, for a look at the German fighting arts.

If you practice an Eastern style of stick of sword fighting you should find this DVD very educational as far as relating concepts between styles.  The Arnisador, for example, may recognize the lines of the Abaniko (fan) in some of the longsword actions, the Kendoka will see some very unusual counter cuts, and so on.  Many of the longsword actions can translate to the long two-handed stick as well, giving another "gateway" to cross-training and understanding between the arts.  Two elements of the longsword that I think will be most interesting to the Eastern martial artists seeing this are the use of the back edge of the blade and the use of the cross guard - both design elements central to the longsword yet unusual on most Eastern swords.

Ochs is due to release a second DVD in English on the Messer (Falchion) in 2006.  The Messer is a one handed sword that I like to refer to as a "Bowie knife on steroids", complete with a clip point.  Like the Bowie knife, the Messer is also used for a backcutting action, called a "winker" in German.