I am actually involved in a group that is currently learning German longsword technique as instructed by Talhoffer and Lichtenauer, two German sword masters from the 1400s who quite literally "wrote the books" on German Longsword fencing and wrestling. It's truely facinating to experience how such a seemingly clumbsy weapon can feel so graceful in your hands when sparring.

The most impressive aspect of using the German longsword (this, coming from a long time saber fencer) is the wrestling and grappling. Using your opponents weight combined with carefully placed footwork and the pommel of your sword can be devistatingly efficient.