Comparing I.33 and Lignitzer: Play VI

Today we will continue the series comparing the sword and buckler systems of I.33 and Andre Lignitzer. Today’s post will be discussing the sixth play from Lignitzer and comparing it to techniques shown in cross nineteen of I.33.
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As a reminder, I.33 starts each of its 40 plays with a cross in the top left of the image. To compare Lignitzer’s system with I.33, a cross that is most similar to Lignitzer’s play will be selected. If the sixth play in I.33 is referenced, then it will be identified as cross 6.

​Comparing the Plays

Lignitzer Play 6
“Item: take the blade to the buckler in your left hand, and turn against him with the half sword. If he cuts or thrusts at you from above to the face or from below to the legs, let your right hand go from the bind and Versetz with shield and with sword, and grip with your right hand to the shield, well below to his right side, and twist out to your right side. Thus, you take the shield from him.”

• Cod.44.A.8 Translated by Keith Farrell

​Summary:

1. Grab your sword blade with the buckler hand and cover with the sword and buckler hand.
2. If the opponent cuts or thrusts, defend with the sword and buckler hand while grabbing the opponent’s shield.
3. Disarm the opponent from their buckler.

I.33 Cross 19
[Image of the Priest with his sword held in the buckler hand while their right hand is grabbing their opponent’s blade]… “…and let the Priest beware lest the Student deliver a blow to the head or the common thrust that the Priest is accustomed to teach his students. And if the Student delivers a blow to the head, protect it with the sword and shield held together in your left hand. And thus you will break the shield from your opponent’s hands…”

• I.33 translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng

Summary:

1. Frist first ward, start with your sword in your buckler hand.
2. If the opponent cuts or thrusts, defend with the sword and buckler hand while grabbing the opponent’s shield.
3. Disarm the opponent from their buckler.

​The Similarities

​Both systems contain a way to remove the opponent’s buckler. Interestingly, both systems perform this disarm by holding the sword and buckler in the buckler hand, then use their sword hand to grab the opponent’s buckler. 

​The Differences

​One of the significant differences between Lignitzer and the I.33 technique is how the sword is held to counter the actions. The Lignitzer action is best described as half-swording where the sword is held about halfway down the blade with the buckler hand. In contrast, I.33 holds the buckler up towards the sword's crossguard with the buckler hand.

Closing Thoughts

​It has always fascinated me how similar these techniques are. Paulus Kal also includes a technique like this and has a different way to hold the sword as well. The fact that these techniques are similar and replicated across two-hundred years of manuscripts has always made me wonder if it is truly coincidental. That being said, if you are trying to disarm the opponent’s buckler in the middle of a swordfight, maybe there are only so many ways to perform this action which results in these systems having similar techniques.