Introduction to Longsword Guards

The longsword employs a systematic framework of defensive and offensive positions known as guards. Historical sources, particularly Joachim Meyer's 1570 manuscript, document these foundational stances. Meyer's approach differs from earlier medieval texts by organizing techniques around specific guards rather than individual strikes.

The Four Primary Guards

Late medieval longsword tradition recognizes four main guards: Fool, Plow, Ox, and Day. These foundational positions appear consistently across historical texts from the medieval period through the Renaissance. Meyer retained these classical guards while expanding the system to include ten additional side guards and transitional positions.

Upper Guard (Oberhut)

The Upper Guard positions the sword above the head without exception. From this position, all principal strikes and twere strikes can be executed effectively. Meyer recommended this as the primary guard for fundamental practice, emphasizing its versatility in attack and defense.

Ox Guard (Oxen)

The Ox directs the point toward the opponent's face, maintaining constant thrust pressure while protecting the head. This medium-distance guard enables all primary strikes, twere strikes, and thrusts. It serves as a natural follow-up position when engaged in blade contact with the opponent.

Plow Guard (Pflug)

The Plow is a versatile universal guard that prioritizes rapid hand and arm attacks through thrusts and cuts. Its primary strength lies in quick parrying and counterattack capability. This popular modern sparring position effectively combines offensive threat, defensive coverage, and fast reactionary movements.

Fool Guard (Alber)

The Fool Guard appears rarely in modern practice despite its historical importance. It deliberately invites high attacks, which are quickly countered with upward strikes using the long or short edge. While initially deceptive, opponents learn to approach cautiously once the trap is revealed.

Wrath Guard (Zornhau) and The Change

The Zornhau or Wrath Guard derives its name from its aggressive expression and enables powerful overhead strikes. Rather than a static position, it functions primarily as a dynamic transitional posture. From the Wrath Guard, the fencer naturally transitions through the Change position, which allows driving attacks and powerful cross-cuts.

Side Guard and Unicorn Guard

The Side Guard excels at executing crooked cuts and often follows an upper strike into the Change position. The Unicorn Guard, named for its upward-pointing blade tip, serves as the terminal position for underthrust techniques. Both guards provide excellent distance and setup for powerful horizontal cutting attacks.

The Key and Hanging Point

The Key guard is designed to break opponent guards through centralized thrusts that force reaction. The Hanging Point, with its downward-directed point, closely resembles the Ox but deliberately exposes the hands and head to invite attack. Both guards function as tactical positions that manipulate opponent behavior and create offensive opportunities.

Iron Gate (Eisenport)

The Iron Gate is fundamentally a protective guard with the blade positioned above the knee and point directed at the opponent. This guard appears in Meyer's longsword system and his rapier methodology. It serves as a defensive stance particularly effective at longer engagement distances.

Learn the Art of Combat: Longsword Guards - Beginners Guide

Björn Rüther

Zornhau

3 min read·10 key moments·PT14M57S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Longsword Guards
•The Four Primary Guards
•Upper Guard (Oberhut)
•Ox Guard (Oxen)

Knowing the guards in the long sword, knowing which techniques and concepts to apply from each posture, and being able to make our fencing dynamic and intuitive. 0:27 Intro (What is a guard?) 2:34 Upper Guard (Vom Tag) 3:12 Ox (Ochs) 4:00 Plow (Pflug) 4:44 Fool (Alber) 5:31 Wrath Guard (Zornhut) 6:20 Change Guard (Wechsel) 7:16 Side Guard (Nebenhut) 7:54 Unicorn (Eynhorn) 8:30 Key (Schlüssel) 9:14 Hanging Point (Hangetort) 9:55 Iron Gate (Eysenport) 11:12 Middle Guard (MIttelhut) 12:00 Longpoint (Langenort) 12:58 Break Window (Brechfenster)

Related Techniques

Krumphau Oberhau Unterhau Zwerchhau

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about zornhau?

This video covers introduction to longsword guards, the four primary guards, upper guard (oberhut). It provides detailed instruction from Björn Rüther.

How long does it take to learn zornhau?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.