Oldalláncok

Oldalláncok, also known as "oldalánc" or "side lance," refers to a traditional Hungarian fencing technique and weapon form that emerged during the medieval period. The term derives from the Hungarian words *oldal* (meaning "side") and *lánc* (meaning "chain" or "link"), reflecting the weapon's distinctive curved blade and its use in defensive and offensive maneuvers.

The oldallánc was primarily a type of curved sword, often associated with the Hungarian *tőr* (dagger) or *kard* (sword) styles. Unlike the straight blades of Western European fencing, the oldallánc featured a pronounced curve, allowing for greater reach and cutting power. This design was particularly effective in the open plains of Hungary, where cavalry and mounted combat were common. The weapon was also used in close-quarters combat, where its flexibility and cutting edge provided an advantage over heavier, straighter swords.

Historical accounts suggest that oldallánc techniques were taught in Hungarian fencing schools, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. The style emphasized fluid, circular motions, leveraging the blade’s curve to deflect and counter attacks. While not as widely documented as Italian or Spanish fencing schools of the same era, oldallánc techniques influenced later Hungarian martial arts traditions, including *tőrkarsz* (dagger fencing) and *kardkarsz* (sword fencing).

Today, oldallánc is studied by historical European martial arts (HEMA) enthusiasts and reenactors as part of the broader exploration of medieval and Renaissance combat. Its legacy lives on in modern interpretations of Hungarian fencing, where practitioners seek to revive and refine the lost techniques of oldallánc masters. The weapon and its methods remain a fascinating example of Hungary’s unique contributions to the evolution of European martial arts.