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In order to revive actual historical martial arts two things are elementary: On one hand one has to peruse and understand the surviving manuscripts of bygone centuries. A transcription is often useful since the old texts present a number of abbreviations and ligatures unaccustomed to modern eyes. Furthermore, some words have shifted in meaning, so a translation might come in handy. On the other hand these deciphered texts have to be transformed from mere theory into reality. A profound knowledge of universally valid principles of martial arts are absolutely essential.
When we are researching practically, the manuscript is always right and has the final word: If a technique doesn't work at all or only partially, most probably one has made a mistake or overlooked some important detail. Sometimes one has to go through complete thematic complexes time and again in order to fully apprehend them. So we conduct our interpretation to the best of our knowledge and as thoroughly as possible in order to present them right here. However, it might very well happen any time that we have to abandon certain parts because of newly gained insight.
Reconstructing historical martial arts is a task that perpetuously questions its own achievements. We endeavour to cumulate as much knowledge as possible and to exclude errors one by one. To be in touch with other groups that study old martial arts as well is a huge asset.
Hammaborg concentrates on two major areas of activity: Fighting
with sword and buckler, and techniques
with the longsword according
to the tradition of Johannes
Liechtenauer based on manuscripts
from the 15th century. A transcription
and a translation of one of these
manuscripts - the so-called Peter
von Danzig manuscript - can be
found in the transcriptions section.
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