Liechtenauer’s “five words” describe and contain the whole art of fencing. They outline the conceptual model of time and control of time that is so important within Liechtenauer’s system, and they give an foolproof rule for performing successful Indes and winding actions.
The five words are:
- Vor
- Nach
- Weich (3227a) / Swöch (Ringeck)
- Hart (3227a) / Störck (Ringeck)
- Indes
By learning the significance of these five words, and applying the principles to your fencing, you will learn to interpret Liechtenauer’s longsword more correctly and to apply the techniques more effectively in your fencing.