Twirch Ringen (thwart wrestling) from the Wallerstein Codex, circa 1470

Grasping Arms

The base starting position from which to practice is to stand with the right leg forward, grip the upper
arms. Your right hand grasps the outside of your opponent's left arm, and your left hand grasps the
inside of his right arm; he does the same back to you. The knees are bent and the bodyweight is
forward, and your structure should be solid.

Also what is important is that your opponent cannot reach your face; use your hands to prevent his
attacking your face. Headbutts should likewise not be possible, or strikes with the knees.

1. Leg Lift (Bein zu heben)

Step in behind his left leg with your right (this takes a step with your other foot too). Reach underneath
the right knee with your hands (you can make a turning motion of your right arm to free yourself from
his grip). Lift up his leg outside of yours. Turn to throw. What is important is to remember the ability of
your opponent to attack you while you do this.

Variation: Starting from position 1, if your opponent is standing in such a way as you cannot easily off-
balance him and he is far enough back so that you cannot easily reach down and grab his front leg, you
will off-balance your opponent by pulling his left arm forward. This movement is to be understood in
terms of the opponent's lines of weakness. This is not simply a pull with your hands. The objective is to
pull the opponent's left foot ahead of his right. When his left comes forward, you step in with your left
foot behind his right, and execute the technique. http://youtu.be/uxRdWR0Fiks

Work to keep the opponent from attacking your weaknesses while you do the technique. Recall that he
will do whatever he is capable of doing. There is no implied finish for this technique; one should explore.

2. First Defense against the Leg Lift

When he reaches for your leg (and releases your left arm) use your right open hand to strike him in the
neck. You can use the momentum of the strike to take him down to your right.
3. Second Defense against the Leg Lift

When he grabs for your leg, use that leg to hook around his back leg, hooking around his neck with your
right hand as well. Turn to throw him down.
4. First Thwart: Counter with a backward throw

From starting position 1, when the opponent steps back with the right foot to avoid you taking his leg,
step in left and right and move your right leg in behind his body and bring your right arm on his chest to
throw him backwards. Keep your left hand on his arm. It's important to keep a strong spine.
5. Counter with an arm break

As your opponent reaches in to grab beneath your right knee, step that leg back. Grasp his right wrist
with your right hand, and force his elbow with your body. Keep your left arm over his shoulder--pressure
should be applied with it.
6. Second Thwart: Counter with a turning throw

From starting position 1, knock the opponent's arms down with yours. Pass his left arm under both
yours, towards your right side, turning him. Step in with your right leg behind him, and reach your right
hand around his chest. Throw him over your right hip.
7. Counter with an arm lock

When your opponent tries the previous technique, step back with your right leg and lock his right elbow.
8. Third Thwart: hip throw

From starting position 1, reach your right hand under his right elbow; hold his right arm close to your
chest as you step your right foot in behind him. Turn and throw him over your hip. Be mindful of the
dangers.
9. Counter with a sacrifice throw

If your opponent attempts the previous technique, time your throw for his committed entry; wrap your
arm around his neck and throw your body down behind him. Throw him over your outstretched body.
10. Fourth Thwart: throw with body force

From starting position 1, place your elbow on the right shoulder of your opponent, breaking his balance
with body motion. Once it is safe, step in behind with your right foot, and turn to throw him down.
11. Counter with a throw

If your opponent tries to counter the previous technique by stepping back with his right leg, pull him
forward again by stepping back with your right leg. Then step in again and follow through with the
original technique.
12. Fifth Thwart: body lift and throw

From starting position 1, step back with your right foot to pull your opponent forward (possibly put your
right hand on his left shoulder). He steps forward with his left foot. When he does so, step your right
foot in behind him, and reach down over his arms with your right arm. Grasp behind his right knee, and
lift him up, throwing him back and down. Use your legs to lift.
13. Counter with a throw

When your opponent attempts the previous technique on you, and attempts to reach over your chest
down to your leg, lift his right arm up with your left hand over your head and behind your neck, stepping
forward with your right leg. Take his shoulder with your right hand and throw him.
14. Sixth Thwart

Beginning from starting position, if you take his left shoulder with your right hand and step back to off
balance him, if he steps forward with his left foot, then you step behind that foot with your right.
Thrown him down toward your right side.
15. Break to the Counter with a throw

As in the prior technique, you step back with your right hand on his left shoulder to take him off balance.
He steps forward with his left foot and resists. Bring your right arm over to wrap around his right arm,
and step in with your right foot in front of him to throw him over your hip.
16. Seventh Thwart

From the starting position, step up with the left foot (take his balance to his rear) and sweep out his
right leg with your right hand, throwing him down.

17. Counter with the Sun Pointer

If someone tries the prior technique on you, when he reaches for your leg, swap the position of your
feet and reach around with your right hand to his chin. Turn his head around to throw him.
18. Break to the counter with a throw

If someone tries the prior counter technique to you, when he reaches for your chin, take his hand with
your hands, raise it over your head and throw your opponent.

A well-intentioned performance of these techniques: http://youtu.be/lvkPLvoH1vI

http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/CodexW.htm

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