Medieval German Wrestling: The Twirchringen of Von Baumann

This comprehensive course delves into the fascinating world of medieval German wrestling, exploring the seven Twirchringen (cross-wrestling) plays from the 15th-century Von Baumann manuscript. You’ll learn the core techniques, their counters, and the counter-counters that make this system so unique and dynamic.

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Medieval German Wrestling: The Twirchringen of Von Baumann

This comprehensive course delves into the fascinating world of medieval German wrestling, exploring the seven Twirchringen (cross-wrestling) plays from the 15th-century Von Baumann manuscript. You’ll learn the core techniques, their counters, and the counter-counters that make this system so unique and dynamic.

Led by Jessica Finley, author of Medieval German Wrestling and recognised expert in this art, this course offers you an in-depth understanding of the principles of medieval wrestling. The lessons are designed to take you from the basics through to advanced applications of the Twirchringen, equipping you with a solid foundation to refine and develop your skills.

What’s included in the course?

  • Introduction: A detailed introduction to the course content, safety guidelines, and techniques for falling safely.
  • Source Material: Transcription and translation of the original Von Baumann manuscript, giving you access to the authentic material.
  • Advanced Exercises: Practical exercises to help you understand and apply the techniques, with guidance on how to set up, perform, and link the plays.

By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the seven Twirchringen, the counters and contra-counters, and the essential principles of German medieval wrestling. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your martial arts practice, this course will provide you with the tools to develop your skills further.

This course is ideal for:

  • Beginners looking for an accessible introduction to medieval wrestling.
  • Practitioners of German or Italian medieval martial arts seeking to expand their knowledge of unarmed combat.
  • Anyone with an interest in historical martial arts and the rich traditions of medieval combat.

Course Structure:

  1. Introduction: Course overview, safety briefing, and academic materials (transcription and translation of the Von Baumann manuscript).
  2. First Twirchringen: The first play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  3. Second Twirchringen: The second play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  4. Third Twirchringen: The third play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  5. Fourth Twirchringen: The fourth play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  6. Fifth Twirchringen: The fifth play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  7. Sixth Twirchringen: The sixth play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  8. Seventh Twirchringen: The seventh play, its counter, and the counter to the counter.
  9. Connecting the Plays: Techniques for setting up the plays, and ways to link them together for fluid combat.

Whether you're looking to improve your skills in German or Fiore wrestling, or you're just interested in unarmedcombat, this course offers everything you need to get started.


Your Instructor


Jessie Finley
Jessie Finley

Jessica Finley is a world-renowned instructor of German medieval combat, who has taught at all the major HEMA events, and runs her own school in Lawrence, Kansas. She is also the author of the book Medieval Wrestling.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction, safety, falling, and resources
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!