German System.
The subjoined diagram shows the Twelve Cuts[11] which serve to “loosen” the rigid arm of the recruit.
The Twelve Cuts (shown by the thick strokes), the dotted lines denoting the course of the blade in “Moulinet”, or rather in “Semi-Moulinet.”
| Carte. | Tierce. |
| Cut 1. | Cut 2 (Head Cuts). |
| Cut 3. | Cut 4 (Face Cuts). |
| Cut 5. | Cut 6 (Shoulder Cuts). |
| Cut 7. | Cut 8 (Breast Cuts). |
| Cut 9. | Cut 10 (Stomach Cuts). |
| Cut 11. | Cut 12 (Groin and Thigh Cuts). |
The figure represents the opponent; the thick lines show the direction of the edge when cutting; and the dotted continuations denote the course of the blade when describing the several “Moulinets.”
The Cuts should be continuous, the regular succession always beginning from Carte or the Inside, that is, from the rear of the left shoulder. As in the “Moulinet,” the less the arm is bent and the sword-hand is moved from the line of direction (to the front), the greater is the value of the movement. The recruit, who must walk before he runs, should deliver the whole dozen in continuous sweep without pause, but at first very slowly, till, by the proper and timely use of the wrist, the Cuts lead into one another. The more advanced swordsman, whose pliability of strength is free from contractions and other vicious habits, should practise the series of twelve with increased rapidity till the blade whistles through the air. All the Cuts should be given strong, with the edge leading well forwards and with the arm extended to its utmost in the delivery.
The following are the Twelve Cuts:—
I. and II. These Cuts are made, after falling into Tierce or Outside Guard, from above downwards at the opponent’s head. In No. I. the point, beginning as usual from the left shoulder (Carte), describes a full circle (“Inside Moulinet,” the brisé à gauche of the French Manuel), the hand moving as little as possible so as to cover the body; the knuckles turned up and the blade passing close to the breast: it finishes by delivering a vertical Cut, with the “Feeble” close to the point, at the right half of the adversary’s crown. No. II., which follows without interruption, reverses the process; the knuckles are turned down and the blade sweeps past the right shoulder (brisé à droite); ending with the left half of the opponent’s head. The latter Cut is by far the more difficult to make without moving the hand, but it is good practice for “breaking” the wrist.