A basic introduction to Mensur, or measure! The ability to understand and control the measure of an exchange is an important and over looked component of fencing.
Key Concepts
Measure (Mensur)
The distance between two fencers.
Out (Außer)
Both fencers are unable to reach each other's bodies or weapons.
Wide (Weite)
Also referred to as Engagement Measure, is when it is necessary to advance at least one step in order to be near enough to touch the adversary. Often swords are crossed at the tip or weak-on-weak. This Measure is most suitable for those who confine themselves to defense and want to find out about their opponent’s first.
Middle (Mittel)
Also First Distance, is when on the lunge (ausfallen) or step you can strike some part of the opponent.
This is also sometimes called the common or ordinary, or gewöhnliche oder ordentliche Mensur.
Close (Enge)
Also Within Measure, is when you are so near that you can touch or be touched without lunging (ausfallen) or moving.
At the Body (Am Körper)
Is when the combatants have come so close together that it is possible for them to grapple.
Moving Between Measures
Moving Into Measure
Moving forward (ab- or vorwärts), towards your opponent; such as pushing from wide measure into middle, close, or to the body.
Breaking Measure
Backing away (rückwärts) from your opponent, such as moving from close to middle or close to wide, etc.