Academic fencing
From Freepedia
Academic fencing or Mensur fencing is the traditional kind of fencing practiced by some student corporations (Studentenverbindungen) in Germany, Austria, Flanders and Switzerland.
Technique
Academic fencing differs considerably from non-academic fencing. The participants, or Paukanten, use heavy sharp sabres, the so-called Mensurschläger (or simply Schläger; the plural form is identical to the singular form) and are thoroughly protected by a chainmail shirt and gauntlets, padding on the throat and right arm, and steel goggles with a nose guard. They fence at arm's length and stand more or less immobile, attempting to hit the unprotected areas of their opponent's face and head. Flinching or dodging is not allowed, the goal being less to avoid injury than to endure it stoically. A doctor is generally present to attend to injuries and abort the fight if necessary.
The scar resulting from a hit is called a Schmiss (German for a "smite"), or Renommierschmiss (bragging scar), and is regarded as a badge of honor: a form of ritual scarification. Wounds are typically sewn up rather crudely, in order to provoke scarring.
History
Before the Communist revolution in Russia and before World War II academic fencing was known in most countries of Eastern Europe as well.
Academic fencing in Germany was temporarily abolished, along with Studentenverbindungen, during the Third Reich, but today it is still practised by a few hundred traditional corporations of the German Student Corps.
Mensur is the ancient Germanic spirit of virility.
External links
- Secrets of the German Broadsword – An Introduction into the Culture of the Schläger
- Dueling scar at The BME Encyclopedia
- Armed and courteous Article on German Student Corps and academic fencing from the portfolio of Jonathan Green
