Kampfringen

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Kampfringen is an empty hand combat art from Germany that dates back to Medieval times. It uses a variety of techniques that resemble modern-day Mixed Martial Arts. This includes joint locks, pain-dependent grips, striking and ground fighting. It was useful in self-defense situations, in formal duels, and even on the battlefield if a weapon were lost or broken.

History

Kampfringen and other Medieval European martial arts were known and practiced not only by knights, but also by other classes. Once the Middle Ages gave way to the early Modern period, the knights became gentleman aristocrats. As unarmed combat was considered "ungentlemanly," only the sword-fighting techniques of these arts were preserved. Kampfringen as it was practiced in the Middle Ages was revived in Germany only in the past 30 years or so, using Medieval manuscripts.

The most famous master of Kampfringen was Ott the Jew, who was beleived to have been at the court of Fredrick the Thrid. Ott's wrestling appears in many manuscripts.

European Martial Arts

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