Historical Context: Medieval Longsword Guards
Late medieval sources typically identify four primary guards: Fool, Plow, Ox, and Day. Joachim Meyer's 1570 manuscript expands this system to 14 total guards—four primary and ten supplementary—using them to structure technique and aid practitioners in understanding fencing methodology. Meyer's approach differs significantly from earlier manuscripts by focusing instruction on what can be executed from each guard rather than examining all applications of individual techniques.
Upper Guard (Oberhut)
The sword is positioned directly above the head with the point threatening downward. All principal strikes and twere strikes execute effectively from this position. Meyer recommends Upper Guard as a primary fighting position, contrary to many modern practitioners who favor the Plow.
Ox Guard (Ochsen Hut)
The point is directed toward the opponent's face, maintaining a constant thrust threat while protecting the head. This guard functions effectively at medium distance and serves as a natural follow-up when engaging the opponent's blade. All major strikes, twere strikes, and thrusts execute without restriction.
Plow Guard (Pflug)
A versatile universal guard combining defensive and offensive capabilities. Primary threats from this position include rapid thrusts and cuts to the hands and arms, while also enabling quick parries and counterattacks. Its popularity in modern practice stems from its efficiency in both offensive and defensive applications.
Fool Guard (Alber)
This guard appears inviting to opponents by exposing high openings, which are subsequently parried with strikes delivered from below using either edge. Though seemingly vulnerable, the Fool Guard's deceptive nature proves effective—after the initial trap succeeds once, opponents become noticeably more cautious. This position also effectively protects the legs.
Wrath Guard (Zornhut) and the Change
The Wrath Guard generates powerful strikes through its dynamic positioning, functioning primarily as a transition rather than a static stance. From the Wrath Guard, practitioners transition into the Change, which enables drivings and powerful cuts through the cross while passing through the upper guard during the upper portion of the movement.
Side Guard and Unicorn Guard
The Side Guard serves as an effective starting position for under-strikes and excels at executing crooked cuts. The Unicorn Guard, characterized by its upward-pointing tip, functions as the ending position of under-strikes and provides excellent distance for powerful crooked cuts while maintaining the defensive advantages of the Ox Guard.
Key Guard (Schlüssel) and Hanging Point
The Key Guard, designed to break an opponent's guard through central thrusts, forces reactive movement and creates follow-up opportunities. The Hanging Point resembles the Ox Guard but with a lowered point, exposing the hands and head while inviting the opponent to attack—enabling reactive principle strikes as effective counters.
Iron Gate Guard (Eisenport)
Primarily a protective guard with historical roots in medieval manuscripts where it appears under alternative names including Scranghout. The Iron Gate positions the blade above the knee with the point directed toward the opponent, providing defensive stability in the lower line.
Learn the Art of Combat: Longsword Guards - Beginners Guide
Key Takeaways
- •Historical Context: Medieval Longsword Guards
- •Upper Guard (Oberhut)
- •Ox Guard (Ochsen Hut)
- •Plow Guard (Pflug)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about quarta guard?
This video covers historical context: medieval longsword guards, upper guard (oberhut), ox guard (ochsen hut). It provides detailed instruction from Björn Rüther.
How long does it take to learn quarta guard?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing quarta guard?
The Key Guard, designed to break an opponent's guard through central thrusts, forces reactive movement and creates follow-up opportunities. The Hanging Point resembles the Ox Guard but with a lowered point, exposing the hands and head while inviting the opponent to attack—enabling reactive principle strikes as effective counters.
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