Most German fencing treatises of the late 17th century focus mainly on Stossfechten (thrust-fencing), including only minor or no instruction on fencing with cuts. Henning’s 1658 treatise “Short though thorough Instruction in Cut-fencing” is an exemption that deals exclusively with Hiebfechten (cut-fencing). His work is of particular interest as it was published in Königsberg (Prussia), in modern-day Poland, and refers to the art of crosscutting (Creutz-Hiebe). Mirroring developments in Stossfechten, the fencing system described by Henning focusses on minimizing movements, using an on-guard position in which the hand is kept on the centre line. Cuts are then made from the wrist, keeping the hand on the central line, with the body (especially the head) moving to set itself behind the hilt.
Equipment: sideswords and rapiers are preferred. Masks and gloves required.
