Academic fencing or Mensur fencing is the traditional kind of fencing practiced by certain types of Studentenverbindungen in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Before the communist revolution in Russia and before World War II it was known in most countries of Eastern Europe as well.

Academic fencing differs considerably from non-academic fencing. The participants or Paukanten are thorougly protected by paddings and chainmail and use sharp blades as weapons, the so-called Schläger. They fence at arm's length and remain more or less immobile. The fencers attempt to hit their opponent's face, which is not protected, except for the eyes and nose areas. Not flinching is essential. The scar resulting from a hit is called a Schmiss, and was regarded as a badge of honour .

Academic fencing was a part of student life in Germany until the Third Reich, when Studentenverbindungen were abolished, today it is still practiced by a few hundred traditional fraternities.

External links

• Secrets of the German Broadsword – An Introduction into the Culture of the Schläger
• Blood Brothers – Reportage on German Student Corps and academic fencing for the Financial Times Magazine (NOTE: only .jpg-scans available at the above-mentioned link)