Learn the Art of Combat: Longsword Guards - Beginners Guide
0
Hanging Guard·Björn Rüther
Knowing the guards in the long sword, knowing which techniques and concepts to apply from each posture, and being able t…
Hanging Guard
SubFamilyハンギングガード(Hangingu Gādo)
descriptiveTranslation: hanging guard (HEMA sword guard with point hanging downward)
Overview
The Hanging Guard (Hangetort) is a HEMA longsword guard position where the sword is held with the point hanging downward, typically with the hands above the head or at shoulder height and the blade angled toward the ground. [1] It provides protection for the upper body while threatening with a rising cut or thrust. The hanging guard appears in multiple German and Italian fencing treatises as a transitional or defensive position that can quickly convert to an attack. [1] It is particularly effective against overhead cuts, as the angled blade deflects downward strikes while positioning for an immediate counter-thrust. [1]
HangetortHanging PointNebenhut variantPendant Guard
History & Origin
The Hanging Guard appears in multiple medieval German fight books (Fechtbücher), including treatises attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer and his tradition. [1] It is also found in Italian fencing as a pendent guard position. The guard was designed for armored and unarmored combat and remains a core position in modern HEMA longsword practice. [1]
Effectiveness
Lineage
German longsword lineage: Johannes Liechtenauer (14th century) → transmitted through the Gesellschaft Liechtenauers (Society of Liechtenauer) → documented in Fechtbücher by Sigmund Ringeck (c. 1440), Peter von Danzig (1452), Hans Talhoffer (1459), and Paulus Kal (1470). Reconstructed in modern HEMA from manuscript study beginning in the 1990s–2000s. [1]
Competition Record
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based). [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Sword held with point hanging downward from an elevated hand position — creates a defensive barrier that transitions to offense
Joints Involved — Shoulders (hold elevated), wrists (angle the blade), core (maintain stance)
Force Vector — Defensive: downward deflection of incoming cuts. Offensive: rising cuts or thrusts from the hanging position
Position & Entry
From Vom Tag (high guard) — Lower the point while keeping hands high, letting the blade hang
After a parry — Blade deflects down into hanging position, ready for counter-thrust
Variants
Right hanging guard — sword hanging to the right side
Left hanging guard — sword hanging to the left
High hanging — hands above head, blade hanging behind
Low hanging — hands at shoulder, blade hanging in front
Videos
Solo Practice: Hanging Pell
0
Hanging Guard·Swordwind Historical Swordsmanship
Two ways to use a hanging pell as a practice tool for historical fencing.
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The Hanging Guard, known in Joachim Meyer's system as a variation positioned with the sword point directed downward rather than forward, represents a defensive posture that intentionally exposes the hands and head to provoke opponent action. Björn Rüther explains that while the Hanging Guard resembles the Ox guard in structure, its defining characteristic is the lowered point that eliminates an immediate thrusting threat, thereby inviting the opponent to commit to an attack. This tactical vulnerability transforms the guard into a reactive tool: once the opponent moves, the fencer can execute any of the principal strikes or twere strikes as counterattacks. Rüther emphasizes that the guard functions best as a transitional position rather than a prolonged defensive stance, requiring the fencer to flow smoothly into offensive responses. The Swordwind Historical Swordsmanship channel's focus on hanging pell training, while addressing solo practice methodology rather than guard theory directly, reinforces the principle of working from different guard positions—including lower positions—to develop targeting precision and thrust execution from varied postures. Both instructors align on the importance of intentional movement and spatial awareness when operating from positions that may seem exposing; guards are tools for structuring offense and response, not static retreats.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Björn Rüther — Learn the Art of Combat: Longsword Guards - Beginners Guide: Detailed explanation of Hanging Guard (Hanging Point) as a Meyer guard variant with point directed downward, characterizing it as exposing hands and head while inviting opponent attack and enabling reactive strikes from all principal categories.
- Swordwind Historical Swordsmanship — Solo Practice: Hanging Pell: Practical methodology for solo training from lower guard positions using a hanging target, emphasizing precision thrust execution and transitional guard work, though not explicitly addressing Hanging Guard theory.
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
This is a guard position, not an attack.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
HEMA tournamentsHEMAA/HEMA AllianceSCA Heavy Combat
Training Notes
✓The point must threaten the opponent even while hanging — it should angle toward their face or chest
✓Keep the hands high enough that the crossguard protects the head
✓Transition quickly from the guard into either a thrust or a rising cut
✓This is a transitional guard — don't hold it statically for long
Common Mistakes
!Letting the point hang too far down — no threat to the opponent
!Holding the guard too long — it is a transition, not a resting position
!Hands too low — exposes the head to overhead cuts
!Not maintaining structural alignment — wrists tire quickly
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Opponent attacks overhead → deflect into hanging guard → thrust to face
2From Vom Tag → lower to hanging guard to draw an attack → counter-cut
3After a parry → transition to hanging guard → rising cut
Sources & References
Primary Source
Clements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
1BookClements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship, Guard Positions chapter
2CitationClements, J. Medieval Swordsmanship. Paladin Press.
[1] Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship, Guard Positions chapter
Community
Athletics
Requires
shoulder endurance to hold elevated position, wrist strength for blade angle
Key muscles
deltoids, forearm extensors, core
Notes
The Hanging Guard (Hangetort) is documented in multiple Fechtbücher. Budo Mind and Body (Suino) notes it as a transitional position. The sword hangs with the point downward from an elevated hand position, threatening with a rising cut or thrust while deflecting overhead attacks. (Clements, Medieval Swordsmanship; Suino, Budo Mind and Body)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I practice thrusting on a small target like a hanging pell?
Practicing on a small target develops precision—it trains you to place your point exactly where you want it, which is crucial in actual fighting where it's surprisingly easy to miss even a large target like a head. As Swordwind Historical Swordsmanship explains, this skill becomes especially important when fights get chaotic.
What's the most important rule when changing guards?
Never change your guard without an intention or idea behind it. As Björn Rüther emphasizes, changing guards without purpose only gives your opponent more options to attack openings while you're vulnerable.
How should I practice thrusting on a hanging pell as a beginner?
Start by holding a long point and practicing basic contact with the target to develop the fundamental movement, then progress to thrusting while taking steps or with the target moving. Once you're reliable, practice thrusts that mimic actual fighting scenarios rather than just straight rushes.
How does the Hanging Guard work?
The Hanging Guard (Hangetort) is a HEMA longsword guard position where the sword is held with the point hanging downward, typically with the hands above the head or at shoulder height and the blade angled toward the ground. It provides protection for the upper body while threatening with a rising cut or thrust.
Where does the Hanging Guard come from?
The Hanging Guard appears in multiple medieval German fight books (Fechtbücher), including treatises attributed to Johannes Liechtenauer and his tradition. It is also found in Italian fencing as a pendent guard position.
Is the Hanging Guard legal in competition?
HEMA tournaments: Legal: legal — standard guard in longsword competition; HEMAA/HEMA Alliance: Legal: legal — recognized in all affiliated tournaments; SCA Heavy Combat: Legal: legal — permitted in armored combat
How dangerous is the Hanging Guard?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — this is a guard position, not an attack.
How do I set up the Hanging Guard?
The standard setup chain: Opponent attacks overhead → deflect into hanging guard → thrust to face → From Vom Tag → lower to hanging guard to draw an attack → counter-cut → After a parry → transition to hanging guard → rising cut.
How do I defend against the Hanging Guard?
Standard counters include: Attack from below — the hanging guard is high, exposing the lower body / Winding — engage the blade and wind around it / Feint high, attack low — draw the guard out of position.
What are the variants of the Hanging Guard?
Common variants: Right hanging guard (sword hanging to the right side); Left hanging guard (sword hanging to the left); High hanging (hands above head, blade hanging behind); Low hanging (hands at shoulder, blade hanging in front).
How effective is the Hanging Guard in competition?
Used in modern HEMA longsword tournaments sanctioned by HEMAA, HEMA Alliance, and regional federations. Scoring varies by ruleset (afterblow, first-touch, or exchange-based).
What are common mistakes when doing the Hanging Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Letting the point hang too far down — no threat to the opponent / Holding the guard too long — it is a transition, not a resting position / Hands too low — exposes the head to overhead cuts / Not maintaining structural alignment — wrists tire quickly.
What are other names for the Hanging Guard?
The Hanging Guard is also known as Hangingu Gādo, Hangetort, Hanging Point, Nebenhut variant, Pendant Guard.