Seconda Guard Formation and Characteristics

Seconda is the second guard position in rapier fencing, formed by rotating the rapier hand 90 degrees from the first guard. This position offers natural ergonomics compared to first guard, with excellent reach and facilitates cavazioni (circular blade movements) with relative ease, though sustained practice is needed for the arm to acclimate to the position.

Lunging from Seconda and Offensive Application

While seconda can be used as a starting position, the strongest lunging momentum is achieved by transitioning to seconda from third or fourth guard. Seconda is particularly effective for attacks directed beneath an opponent's extended sword, as the hand angle provides natural protection and exploits high sword positioning.

Basic Seconda Guard Setup and Defense

The basic seconda guard position holds the rapier extended in front of the body, or slightly to the side to invite opponent attacks. When facing attacks in seconda, the primary defensive response is turning into fourth guard to catch the incoming attack on the strong portion of the blade, with body evasion (girata) available as an alternative.

Body Positioning and Blade Placement

In seconda, the sword should be held in front of the chest with the head protected behind the blade and legs positioned safely behind. This positioning prevents the head and legs from becoming easy targets for cutting attacks, making the guard particularly effective when used with a dagger.

Primary Attack Methods from Seconda

The primary attack from seconda is a straightforward arm extension. When an opponent approaches, the defender draws the sword toward the chest and extends the arm as they enter striking distance. Against opponents in angled guards, approaching carefully and extending rapidly creates distance-measurement difficulties for the defender.

Withdrawn Seconda Variation

A specialized variation of seconda involves withdrawing the sword toward the body with an oblique stance, functioning like drawing a bowstring. When an opponent approaches and brings their point near, the fencer extends the sword into fourth position while simultaneously stepping aside or executing a girata, with the latter offering superior safety.

Parrying Cuts and Below-Blade Attacks

Seconda is superior to first guard for parrying cuts. The fencer provokes a cut by deflecting the opponent's sword laterally, parries the strike with the extended blade, and counters with a thrust to the chest. When the opponent attempts to seize an offered blade and transition to quarta, the fencer converts to seconda, lowers the body, and attacks beneath the opponent's blade.

Off-Hand Parrying Combinations

Though off-hand parries should generally be reserved as a last resort, they can be effectively combined with seconda attacks. The fencer may invite an attack, parry overhead with the off-hand, and immediately thrust in seconda to the chest, or parry a repeated thrust by deflecting the blade downward and countering to the neck.

Learn Rapier V. - Second Guard

Martin Fabian

Rapier Guard

3 min read·8 key moments·PT5M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Seconda Guard Formation and Characteristics
•Lunging from Seconda and Offensive Application
•Basic Seconda Guard Setup and Defense
•Body Positioning and Blade Placement

Part V. of my new video series about fencing with the symbol of the renaissance - the rapier, according to the teachings of Salvator Fabris and other masters. The four guards in rapier correspond to four hand positions. When we say 'second guard', the palm of the hand points downwards. The strength of this position comes from a more natural positioning compared to the first guard. The reach is superb, cavazioni are done really easily but again we need to practice it a lot for the arm to adjust, since it may get a bit tiring. Seconda is also great for passing below the opponent’s sword Rapier: Regenyei standard rapier Blade: 110 cm (43.3") Weight: 2.38lbs Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Klarinettenkonzert (K. 622) - Rondo

Related Techniques

Rapier Cut Rapier Thrust

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rapier guard?

This video covers seconda guard formation and characteristics, lunging from seconda and offensive application, basic seconda guard setup and defense. It provides detailed instruction from Martin Fabian.

How long does it take to learn rapier 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.