This interests me. I'd love a go myself, only no one does it in the UK. It happens in continental Europe, Deutschland, Switzerland and Poland mostly. Its a student fraternity thing. Jonathan Green — Journalist
This is a lifestyle kind of thing, not a one time hiking trip. My martial arts background includes full contact, empty hand and I have done a couple blunt weapons full contact as well, I don't think I would ever try something like this though. Sounds very disciplined though, I would have great respect for anyone who completed it.
I did that a few years ago. The class was mostly 15 years old, so I stood out a bit ! They meet somwhere else now, I might go back and have another look, thanks for the advice.
Yes membership is for life TJ. Thats if the incomer cuts the mustard. Membership hopefuls are all students. The "corps" have their own houses where the members/newbys live. Newbys must fight three duels while "active". "Inactives" are those who have finished their academic studies, and passed the test. The belief is, that the test is not wether you won or lost the bout/mensur, but how you conducted yourself. Flinching, crying out, or dodging an oppoents strike incurs disgrace. Hence a bloodied man could be a winner or a loser, the same applies to his adversary. How one conducts himself is of paramount importance. Personally, I think the face scar /schmiss is pretty cool. Man make up I suppose. The mensur is not an attempt to kill, it is just a test of ability to perform under extreme stress. The worst thing that can happen is disgrace, followed by a further attempt at the same level. Next would be a life long facial scar. Me too. I only know one other guy interested in it, but he has moved town. To try it I shall have to go to Munich or Heidelburg and hope to meet someone who can point me in the right direction.
