Understanding the Four Types of Combatants in Joachim Meyer’s Fencing System

This blog post provides a summary of the four combatants described in Joachim Meyer’s 1570 treatise, offering a high-level overview of each type and their respective strategies. For those interested in exploring these concepts in greater depth, including detailed explanations of techniques and historical context, you can download the full article. The extended version includes additional insights into training methods, counter-techniques, and practical examples to help you apply these principles to your own practice.

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Joachim Meyer’s 1570 treatise on fencing, The Art of Combat, is one of the cornerstones of Renaissance martial arts, shedding light on how combatants of different kinds approached fencing. Although written over 400 years ago, the wisdom within remains highly relevant for modern fencing enthusiasts and martial artists alike. In this article, we’ll explore the four distinct types of combatants described by Meyer, their strengths, weaknesses, and how to counter them.

Introduction to Meyer’s Four Combatants

Meyer divides fencers into four distinct categories:

• Type I – The Prey (Bull/Buffalo)
• Type II – The Predator (Opportunist)
• Type III – The Hunter (Deviser)
• Type IV – Gaia (The Flower and Storm)

Each type represents a particular approach to fencing, with corresponding strengths and vulnerabilities. We need to understand these types, identifying them in yourself and your counter fencer, and then choosing your conduct in order to counteract your opponent.

Type I – The Prey (Bull/Buffalo)

Characteristics:

Meyer describes Type I fighters as impetuous and aggressive, often attacking at the first opportunity with a series of strikes. These fighters attempt to overwhelm their opponent either with brute force or well chained together cuts and thrusts. They dominate by seizing the Before (Vor), which means they reduce the opponent to parrying in the After (Nach). Like the big prey animals such as the Elk or Bull, they choose to trample over their opponent.

Strengths:

• Relentless and Aggressive
• Overwhelming
• Dominates less confident or passive opponents

Weaknesses:

• Impatient
• Prone to leaving openings
• Easily exploited by more strategic fighters

How to Counter Them:

To counter a Type I fighter, Meyer advises keeping calm and waiting for their inevitable mistakes. Parry their attacks carefully to deflect the cuts without overcommitting. Eventually, as their aggression leaves them open, you can counter by striking these openings.

Type II – The Predator (Opportunist)

Characteristics:

Type II fighters are more calculated than their Type I counterparts. Instead of charging forward recklessly, they bide their time, looking for mistakes or openings created by their opponent. These fencers are known to fight into and behind the opponent’s Before, meaning they respond to their opponent’s actions by striking into or around their cuts. Like predators in the wild, they wait for their prey to tire or falter before making their move.

Strengths:

• Exploitive and Cunning
• Capitalizes on mistakes
• Can shut down aggressive opponents

Weaknesses:

• Reactive
• Reacts rather than taking initiative, which can be easily exploited deceptive fighters

How to Counter Them:

To defeat a Type II combatant, you must deny them the mistakes they rely on. Meyer suggests using deceit and misdirection to draw them into a trap. Provoking them into action through subtle feints or offering controlled openings forces them to make a move, which you can then counter effectively.

Type III – The Hunter (Deviser)

Characteristics:

The Type III combatant is the most tactical of the four types. These fencers are cautious, relying on traps and baiting techniques to lure their opponents into making the first move. They devise sequences that deceive their opponents from the After. As Meyer notes, Type III fighters don’t strike unless they are sure they can both land the blow and recover safely.

Strengths:

• Calculated and Patient
• Skilled in setting traps and misleading opponents
• Good at controlling the pace of the fight

Weaknesses:

• Can be too cautious, leading to inaction
• Requires much forethought to be effective
• Vulnerable to fighters who wait for their opponent

How to Counter Them:

Meyer recommends patience when facing a Type III fighter. They will attempt to manipulate you into walking into their trap, but by remaining alert and not overcommitting, you can force them to make the first move. Once they do, use efficient counter cutting and Master Strikes to take the Before from them and deny them the space to plan.

Type IV – Gaia (The Flower or Storm)

Characteristics:

Type IV fencers are twofold. They either represent the pinnacle of mastery or someone completely out of their depth. These fighters rely on waiting for their opponents to act first and using strong Indes to counter decisively. Their approach is deceptively simple but requires a high level of skill and understanding of fencing to be effective.

Meyer describes them as either inexperienced or well-learned, indicating that while inexperienced fighters may adopt this strategy to their detriment, true masters can wait and respond perfectly to any action their opponent takes.

Strengths:

• Mastery of timing and positioning
• Exceptional patience and control
• Can upset deceitful and planned fighters

Weaknesses:

• If unskilled, they can be easily overwhelmed
• Relies heavily on experience and training to be effective
• Needs the opponent to act first

How to Counter Them:

According to Meyer, the best way to defeat a Type IV combatant is by adopting the aggressive strategy of a Type I fighter. Overwhelming them with relentless attacks forces them into a defensive posture, leaving little room for their reactive strategy to take hold. However, be cautious—against a master, these attacks must be carefully executed with an Indes that rivals the Master’s to avoid being countered.