35 | Mensur: Mightier Than the Sword | Part I
Sports Explains the World · Audible | Meadowlark
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Show Notes
How far would you go to prove yourself? Is there still a place in modern society for violent competition? Should frat bros carry swords? These are some of the questions surrounding Mensur, an ancient but underground form of sword fighting practiced at fraternities throughout Europe -- like "Fight Club", but with swords. In part one of this story, reporter Leo Hornack embeds with two mensur fighters in Germany as they prepare for an upcoming match. Along the way, we hear the history of the underground sport that even the Nazis thought was too crazy, and Leo goes face-to-face with a real blade.
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