From the 15th century into the 17th, numerous Fechtbücher (German "fencing-books") were produced,
of which some 55 are extant...
Normally, several modes of combat were taught alongside one another, typically unarmed grappling (Kampfringen
or abrazare), dagger (Degen or daga, often of the rondel variety), long knife (Messer) or Dussack,
half- or quarterstaff, pole arms, longsword (langes Schwert, spada longa, spadone), and combat in plate
armour (Harnischfechten or armazare), both on foot and on horseback. Some Fechtbücher have sections on
dueling shields (Stechschild), special weapons used only in judicial duels.
