Historical Context and Guard Framework

Medieval longsword systems traditionally recognized four primary guards: Fool, Plow, Ox, and Day. By the Renaissance period, master Joachim Meyer expanded this framework to fourteen total guards—four primary and ten secondary positions—some functioning as transitions rather than starting positions. Meyer's systematic approach organized techniques around specific guards to structure both instruction and fencer comprehension.

Upper Guard (Oberhut)

In the Upper Guard, the sword is positioned directly above the head without exception. This guard enables execution of all principal strikes and Zwerch strikes while maintaining a constant offensive threat. Meyer notably recommends the Upper Guard as the primary fighting position, contrasting with contemporary preference for the Plow.

Ox Guard (Ochsenhut)

The Ox Guard positions the point toward the opponent's face, maintaining constant thrust threat while protecting the head. All primary strikes, Zwerch strikes, and thrusts execute effectively from this position. The Ox serves as a practical medium-distance guard and common reactive position when engaging in the bind.

Plow Guard (Pflugschaar)

The Plow Guard remains popular in modern practice, generating primary threats through thrusts and quick hand/arm cuts. This universal guard effectively combines offensive threat, defensive capability, and rapid counterattack, making it ideal for quick parries against incoming strikes.

Fool Guard (Alber) and Wrath Guard (Zornhut)

The Fool Guard deliberately invites high attacks, which the fencer counters with low strikes using long or short edge. Though initially vulnerable, opponents quickly learn caution after experiencing the guard's deceptive nature. The Wrath Guard, characterized by its aggressive positioning, functions primarily as a dynamic transition posture for catching incoming attacks through nimble blade shifts.

Change Position and Side Guard

The Change represents the final position of the Wrath Guard, enabling powerful cross strikes and flowing transitions through the Upper Guard. The Side Guard, often accessed from upper strikes transitioning through Change, excels at executing the distinctive hooked cuts characteristic of Meyer's system.

Unicorn Guard and The Key

The Unicorn Guard, with its distinctive upward-pointing blade tip, serves as the ending position for undertrusts while providing excellent distance for hooked cuts. The Key guard, designed to break opponent guards through central thrusts, forces reactive movement and creates follow-up opportunities regardless of initial success.

Hanging Point and Iron Gate

The Hanging Point resembles the Ox Guard but with downward-directed point, deliberately exposing hands and head to invite opponent attacks—after which principle strikes execute as counterattacks. The Iron Gate, also called Scranghout, serves primarily as a protective guard with the blade positioned above the knee and point directed forward, appearing throughout Meyer's rapier section.

Learn the Art of Combat: Longsword Guards - Beginners Guide

Björn Rüther

Terza Guard

2 min read·8 key moments·PT14M57S video

Key Takeaways

•Historical Context and Guard Framework
•Upper Guard (Oberhut)
•Ox Guard (Ochsenhut)
•Plow Guard (Pflugschaar)

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

Quarta Guard Seconda Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about terza guard?

This video covers historical context and guard framework, upper guard (oberhut), ox guard (ochsenhut). It provides detailed instruction from Björn Rüther.

How long does it take to learn terza guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.