The Krumphau

The Krumphau is the only one among the so-called five hidden strokes that doesn't threaten the opponent with the point directly. It can be delivered from the left and the right hand side. The starting position would be vom Tag or Schrankhut, on the left side Schrankhut only. The final position equates to Schrankhut in both cases.

The target of the Krumphau differs according to the distance to the opponent - the trajectory of the stroke remains absolutely identical. In a close distance, the own sword hits either the opponent's head or torso, in a medium distance the hands, and in a wide distance the blade of the sword. In any case one should always apply a consecutive technique, be it a thrust or (when striking the Krumphau from the right) a stroke with the short edge - again depending on the distance.

The Krumphau is one of the four displacements/Versetzen and breaks the guard Ochs. Since the guards are not static positions, one doesn't wait for the opponent to reach his final guard position in which he is strong, but one attacks before.

The Krumphau is useful against Unterhaue or Oberhaue that come in very horizontally.

For reasons of clarity the techniques are shown from both sides.

The Krumphau Dark starts his attack, an Unterhau from the right hand side, Dark's stroke is on its way and Green starts his counter by stepping off-line to the right. The distance is too wide for a direct hit. Therefore Green's sword hits with the edge on the flat of Dark's sword and throws it off the course. Green has to continue immediately and thrusts to Dark's throat. Alternatively, Green can strike with the short edge to Dark's head. It is also possible to strike with the long edge. But the immediate stroke with the short edge is quicker - and thus more efficient.