Four Basic Rapier Guards

Rapier guards are formed by four distinct hand positions created by rotating the wrist 90 degrees at a time. The first guard is established by extending the weapon with the palm facing outward. The second, third, and fourth guards follow in sequence as the hand rotates through horizontal and inward palm positions.

Limitations of First Guard in Single Rapier

The first guard, while mechanically simple, is rarely employed in single rapier practice due to significant defensive vulnerabilities and reduced reach. Practitioners who attempt this guard must fully extend the arm forward in front of the head, a position that causes arm fatigue without providing superior tactical advantage. The guard proves more practical in rapier-and-dagger systems, where the dagger weapon covers the lower openings that first guard leaves exposed.

Parry-and-Cut Technique from First Guard

A parry-and-cut sequence from first guard is considered unconventional because it requires two tempos to complete, allowing an opponent time to recover and counter. The technique remains viable against certain opponent types if executed with sufficient speed and surprise to prevent defensive response. Success depends on executing the parry and cut as one continuous action rather than discrete movements.

Hand Parry with Simultaneous Thrust

An alternative application involves using the free hand to parry the opponent's attack while simultaneously delivering a thrust. This technique requires precise timing to execute the parry and thrust simultaneously; if separated into sequential actions, the opponent may alter their attack through calazione or lateral displacement. The parrying hand position varies depending on circumstances, though two natural methods are most applicable from first guard.

Managing Pressure in the Bind

Resisting direct pressure in the blade bind represents a common technical error that compromises tactical sensitivity. When an opponent applies hard pressure, the practitioner should disengage the bind or reposition the sword to gain advantage rather than meeting force with opposing force. From first guard specifically, when pressure comes from outside, practitioners should immediately ascend to first position or use the opponent's pressure to launch a mandrito strike from the wrist or elbow.

Passing Underneath the Opponent's Blade

First guard facilitates passing underneath the opponent's blade, though this maneuver carries inherent risk if initiated as a primary offensive action. The technique proves most effective when executed during suitable tempos such as when the opponent initiates calazione. Practitioners should force the opponent's blade out of center line to provoke their return to the attack, while simultaneously leaning the head and body away to maintain evasion should the technique fail.

Combined Parry and Thrust Against Cuts

First guard enables a synchronized parry-and-thrust defense against incoming cuts from any direction. The practitioner maintains an extended arm, meets the opponent's blade on the strong portion of their own sword, and immediately thrusts to the chest or head in a single action. This integrated defense maintains constant coverage of the head and body throughout execution.

Learn Rapier IV. - First Guard

Martin Fabian

Rapier Guard

3 min read·7 key moments·PT4M55S video

Key Takeaways

•Four Basic Rapier Guards
•Limitations of First Guard in Single Rapier
•Parry-and-Cut Technique from First Guard
•Hand Parry with Simultaneous Thrust

Part IV. 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. So when we say 'first guard' or 'first position' the palm of the rapier hand should be turned outside. Altough the guard seems nice, it is not heavily used in single rapier due to the fact that it lefts us quite open and also the reach is not the farthest. If we’d like to use is, it is recommended to extend the arm fully forward in front of the head, which - without practice - may get a bit tiring. Rapier: Regenyei standard rapier and Regenyei cuphilt rapier Blade: 110 cm (43.3") Weight: 2.38lbs Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Konzert Fur Flaute, Harfe Und Orchester (K. 299) - Allegro

Related Techniques

Rapier Cut Rapier Thrust

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rapier guard?

This video covers four basic rapier guards, limitations of first guard in single rapier, parry-and-cut technique from first guard. 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 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.